The Outer Cape offers an ideal mix of rugged beauty, magnificent beaches, a fantastic arts scene, and both lively and serene town centers. Located at the uppermost tip of Cape Cod, and surrounded by the grand ocean waters of Cape Cod Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, the Outer Cape boasts some of the regions most breathtaking scenery featuring sandy cliffs, rolling dunes, fresh water kettle ponds, white cedar swamps, and wildlife sanctuaries.
Provincetown, a bohemian mecca since the early twentieth century, remains one of the country’s premiere summer retreats for the LGBTQ community as well as artists, writers, performers, tourists of all stripes, and families. Commercial Street, Provincetown’s main thoroughfare, is constantly abuzz with activity during the summer season. Spend the day at two of the best beaches in the region, Herring Cove and Race Point, both part of the National Seashore. And spend the night feasting on gourmet food, singing along at the Crown & Anchor’s legendary piano bar, or watching a fabulous cabaret performance.
Where Provincetown is all hustle and bustle, the neighboring towns of Truro and Wellfleet offer nothing but peace and quiet. One of the least developed areas on Cape Cod, Truro and Wellfleet are known for their stunning natural beauty and serene atmosphere. With coastlines along both Cape Cod Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, the beaches are divine but some of the best swimming can be found in the 15,000-year-old fresh water kettle ponds that dot the area’s wooded interior. Enjoy some of the freshest seafood available at Mac’s on the Wellfleet Pier, or walk along the extensive trails of Massachusetts Audubon’s stunning Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary for incredible bird watching and sea turtle spotting. Get a nostalgic fix by enjoying a double feature at the Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre. Or see great live music and theatre at Truro’s Payomet Performing Arts Center.
Eastham serves as the gateway to the Outer Cape and the Cape Cod National Seashore. A nature lover’s paradise, Eastham has endless walking trails through Red Maple Swamps and beautiful salt marshes. With seven beaches along Cape Cod Bay, three wonderful fresh water ponds, and the National Seashore, Eastham has an endless array of options for ways to while away the summer days. Hop in a kayak or canoe to explore beautiful Salt Pond, or grab your bike to take a ride on the paved 22-mile long Cape Cod Rail Trail, which cuts through Eastham and Wellfleet.