An Arm to Embrace Itself: Exploring Cape Cod's Greatest Attractions

Cape Cod, from whatever vantage point you'll be at, looks like a pretty picture in a postcard.  The fantastic views of the white-painted homes along the shore and the lighthouses look as if they were taken from some professional shutterbug's portfolio.  Often, it almost seems as if Cape Cod is forever posing, ready for its close up. 

And it could be.  Cape Cod is located in the southeastern part of Massachusetts and looks like an arm showing off its biceps, the classic pose of someone displaying his strength.  But there is no need for brute force to make you come visit Cape Cod.  Hers is a gentle invitation to explore and discover the natural beauty of her hills, swamps, marshes, forests and her many ponds and lakes. 

Why you should visit

Cape Cod has been a summer favorite since in the 1900s, drawing in some of the country's thriving and established artists and writers.  It's separated from the mainland of Massachusetts by two bridges that cross the Cape Cod Canal, considered as the widest sea-level canal in the world.  Pick your favorite view of the beach, whether you want an area in the southern part facing Nantucket Sound or a place on the eastern coast with the Atlantic Ocean in full view.

Natural wonder

If you're a Nature lover and want a no-nonsense beach vacation, Cape Cod is the perfect place to visit.  Come in summer, when there are plenty of crowds and family-friendly entertainment from land and water sports to nature trips.  Cape Cod is used to the summer crowd so you can ease up and leave your worries behind.

The Upper Cape area is a historic suburban wonder.  If you can find one of the old Bed & Breakfasts here, consider yourself blessed.  Well-to-do residents of South Shore and Boston have purchased many of the homes in Sandwich and Falmouth, but that only means the restaurants have become even better.  There are lots of hidden beaches and coves to discover along the bay in this region and you can even take a peek at the arts and performances that abound the area all year.  This is a great place to visit for shorter stays, thanks to its proximity to the mainland.

If you like some seaside adventures and want to check out some of the local shops, head off to the middle region of the Cape, where you'll find Hyannis, Yarmouth Port, Dennis and Barnstable.  This is where you can check out the antiques, art galleries and restaurants after a good swim and some natural explorations. 

You can also check out Brewster, Orleans and Harwich Port on the Lower Cape region.  You'll find some of the Cape's best beaches and ponds in this area, along with nature treats like the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge.  Get a bike and explore the views, stop by historic lighthouses, windmills, resorts and inns, check out the art in some of the area's galleries and grab yourself a meal in one of the well-loved lobster shacks.  There are plenty of shops to browse and spend money on, whether you're buying pottery, paper or their famous Cranberry glass.  The Cape is known for its cranberries, so make sure you check out the local produce while you're there.

Come to the water

Cape Cod's rich waters are a great excuse to go fishing.  In fact, the Cape was named after the abundant codfish that populated the bay when it was discovered by an English explorer in the 1600s and it has not failed many aspiring fishermen to this day. 

If you want a Cape Cod beach vacation with some fishing, check out Provincetown, found on the area of the Cape that forms the 'fist'.  There are lots of quiet fishing villages here you can check out especially during winter while summer attracts throngs of lively, noisy crowds.  If you're lucky, you might even spot some of the more famous visitors, the Kennedys, who vacation in the Cape in summer.  But if you prefer solitude, visit in May or in September.

Lights in the night sky

Other than the wacky nightlife the Cape offers, there's plenty for some quiet time on the beaches for more laid-back activity.  Cape Cod boasts of some of the best views of the sky at night, when stars shine at their brightest.  This is the best time to take walks along the beach.  It's also the best time to view the lighthouse beacons while they slice the darkness as they stand guard on the shores.