We are hoping to book a week-long vacation in Cape Cod in August. Looking to rent a place through VBRO. We have been searching online and are overwhelmed by the possibilities. We are looking for a relaxing town with GREAT beaches. Our favorite thing to do is spend a lazy day at the beach (preferably one with bathrooms since we have 2 children -- ages 5 and 20mos.). We like the ocean but are wondering if the beaches on the Nantucket Sound are nice too. We would also like to be near a cute town with shops/restaurants. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!

Hi jennymary -

I'm not surprised that you're a bit overwhelmed. The possibilities of places to stay, what beaches to visit, and even which town to choose can be mind-boggling, to be sure.

With a 5 year old and a toddler, I'd definitely opt for either Nantucket Sound or Cape Cod Bay beaches.

As spectacular as the Atlantic Ocean beaches are on Cape Cod, they're not the best for "lazy days" with small children, IMHO. The Ocean water is very cold, the waves are real ocean waves, and there's often an undertow concern (depending on where you are and what the weather is doing offshore).

My idea for you would be to have the best of all worlds.

Check out some rentals in Chatham. The town of Chatham is a classic Cape Cod experience, through and through. The town itself is incredibly charming. It has a very walkable downtown with a great variety of shops and good restaurants.

On Friday nights in the summer, the town band concert on the green is a local "institution". Everyone grabs their beach blankets and picnic baskets, and the whole family comes out to the bandstand. Adults dance to the oldies, kids have tons of fun doing the bunny hop, everyone sings along to favorite tunes. It's an absolute don't miss!

One of the really cool things about Chatham is its location, on the "elbow" of Cape Cod. That means it's pretty much surrounded by water. When you're in Chatham, you have easy access to every kind of beach imaginable ... Ocean beaches, Bay beaches, Sound beaches, and freshwater pond beaches.

As I said above, with such little kids, the Ocean beaches would be a little too scary for me. But the Cape Cod Bay, Nantucket Sound and freshwater pond beaches would be perfect!

Re water temps/surf, the Sound will be the warmest with the gentlest wave action. (Okay - the ponds have no waves. But you know what I mean!)

The Bay will be a little cooler than the Sound, but still fine for swimming in August. And the waves on the Bay are usually quite tame, unless there's a huge storm honkin' offshore and driving the surf onto the beach.

Another thing about the Cape Cod Bay beaches -- they're super-fun to visit when the tide is outgoing. Warm, shallow tide pools form, holding all sorts of sea critters. Exploring the tide pools is a perfect way to keep little kids happily entertained for hours! (Adults, too, if you're anything like me

Now, how to get the best of all worlds, affordably?

Rent a pond-side house/cottage. You'll have built-in entertainment for swimming, fishing, floating, kayaking, etc. on the pond. And you'll still be close to the Ocean, Bay and Sound when you're in the mood for a saltwater beach. And near enough to the downtown area and all the sights and attractions, too.

Chatham is an upscale town, and lodging can be a little pricey there, especially during August which is the height of the season. But I've recently seen a few listings for very affordable pond-side rentals in Chatham.

So that's my suggestion. Hope it helps!

Dee

Forgot to mention - there's tons of stuff to do with little kids in/near Chatham, too. Seal watching at the Chatham Fish Pier, playgrounds, easy-to-ride bike trails, breakfast/lunch at the airport ("Hangar b" restaurant, yum!!) ...

Two other great choices are Wellfleet and Eastham. You can rent a house just off a gentle bay-side beach; Wellfleet renters can get a pass to visit the town's freshwater pond beaches too. (Don't know if that is also true in Eastham).

There are lots of things for kids like mini golf, ice cream, walking and bike trails, watching the fishing boats come in,etc. and you can visit the National Seashore to see the gigantic dunes and ocean waves.

Ditto caper64. (but I also enjoy Wellfleet and Eastham!)

I agree with all of the above. Just remember July and August is peak season so prices are at the highest and so is traffic.
I go each year right after Memorial day for about 12-14 days and I have stayed in alot of places Hyannisport, Dennis, Eastham, Sandwich and this year I will finally get my wish to stay in Provincetown. Provincetown is a bit much for some people but in late spring it is quite,peaceful and perfect. You have the bayside beaches and five minutes away I can be at the ocean. Plus I am close to Truro and Cornhill beach which is so nice. Wellfleet is another really nice place with art gallery's, shops, Tim's bridge, Mayo beach and of course I always love to spend time over looking the harbor at lowtide. In Orleans you have Skaket beach which I think is perfect for a family with small kid's. They have everything a young family needs to have a comfortable day at the beach. If I was you I would stay someplace central and as long you are not looking for beach front you should be able to find a place that does not break the bank. I would look in Eastham, Orleans, and even Wellfleet.I booked a place after weeks of looking and being overwhelmed in Ptown for $650 but We are only 2 people and I rented a condo. The deals are out there you just have to look.I used Homeaway for the first time after hearing about it on Fodors. Enjoy!

Chatham is a good choice too for family.

Thanks so much for the information. Funny enough, a co-worker recommended Chatham, Eastham and Wellfleet! We just make an inquiry through VBRO for a house in Chatham. Hopefully, it works out. If so, I'll be back for info on restaurants and other things to do. Thank you!!!