5 Things to Do on Cape Cod This Fall

Anyone who’s ever been there knows that Cape Cod is an amazing summer destination, but not many know that the Cape is just as great in the fall! The time for sunbathing may be over, but the weather is still lovely. And with fewer crowds to wade through and lines to wait in, you can enjoy all that the Cape has to offer in the beauty and tranquility of its autumn days.

Having been there just recently, I’d love to share some of the things we loved—things I think you’ll love too!

Best things to do on Cape Cod in the Fall

1. tour a cranberry bog

Leo and Andrea Cakounes operate the largest organic cranberry bog on Cape Cod, and in addition to cultivating delicious cranberries, they also offer daily tours of their farm. On our morning there, Andrea, a gracious host and knowledgeable guide, described the lifecycle of the bog, the unique soil conditions required to grow cranberries, and the tools they use to harvest the berries each fall. Except for one 24-hour period in October, the bog doesn’t look like those Ocean Spray commercials with workers knee-deep in a bright red sea of cranberries, but the bog is beautiful nonetheless! Also, if you’re lucky, you just might get to hold a baby goat!

2. visit a farm

Cape Abilities Farm in Dennis, Massachusetts not only provides healthy produce and promotes sustainable farming, it also helps the local community by offering skills training and jobs for people with disabilities. You can stop by to pick up some fresh fruit and seasonal vegetables, or to choose from a wide range of potted plants and flowers to brighten your home.

3. watch a sunset

Sunsets are always beautiful, but there’s something especially lovely about sunsets over the ocean. Luckily, Cape Cod is one of the few places in the northeast where you can see those faint pinks, mesmerizing purples, and deep oranges radiating across the horizon and over the deep water. There are tons of great spots on the western side to watch the sunset, but we chose Rock Harbor Beach in Orleans. On the north side of the harbor, there’s a little-known parking area at the entrance to a path that leads through the tall brush down to the water. Since few people know about this spot, you’ll feel like the view across Cape Cod Bay is yours and yours alone.

4. eat all the food

Can you even say that you’ve been to Cape Cod if you haven’t tried the food there? Whether you’re looking for a local coffee roaster, casual seafood shack, or a full-fledged fine-dining experience, the Cape has them all. Here are a few of the places we visited and loved:

Snowy Owl Coffee Roasters in Brewster – for freshly roasted coffee and delicious pastries.
Sesuit Harbor Café in Dennis – for a classic Cape Cod clam shack with outdoor seating that overlooks Cape Cod Bay.
The Mad Minnow Bar & Kitchen in Harwich Port – for refreshing craft beer and a modern approach to New England coastal cuisine.

5. Explore Quaint cape cod towns

There are simply too many cute towns on Cape Cod, and not nearly enough time to explore them all. But we tried! One of the towns we really enjoyed was Harwich Port. Not too far from a small cove that hosts yachts and sailboats tethered to a network of floating docks, Main Street in Harwich Port is chock full of beautiful storefronts and restaurants. If you find yourself there, whatever else you do, make sure to grab some saltwater taffy at the candy store!

where to stay on cape cod

Our experience at the Wequassett Resort and Golf Club was nothing short of amazing. This beautiful hotel, tucked away inside Pleasant Bay on the outer elbow of Cape Cod, offers pools, two immaculate private beaches, gorgeous guest rooms, and five acclaimed restaurants. The staff was attentive and thoughtful, and we couldn’t have asked for a more comfortable stay.