Hi. My husband &I are heading to Cape Cod for 4 days over Labor Day 2016. Staying in Truro, south of Provincetown. Is that a good area to get to beaches, oyster and activities ? In our mid thirties. avid travelers from Ohio, but never been to NE region. Looking for restaurant suggestions,and day activities. May try to head to nantucket or MV for day pending suggestions.

Good news: you are staying in a great area. Beaches nearby, the mad fun of Provincetown to your north, the National Seashore and upscale Chatham to your south. If you need a Freudian psychiatrist (joke) they traditionally spend August in Wellfleet.

Bad news: the Cape is very busy over Labor Day. You will need reservations to eat at any good restaurant or bistro. You will stand in line at clam shacks and cafes. Even supermarkets will be packed. This is just reality. Traffic will also be heavy, and it will be a nightmare if it rains as everyone tries to find Something To Do. The best thing to do is crack open a book and a bottle of wine, open some goodies (you brought wine and goodies, right?) and relax. Take a walk on the beach if it is only soft rain.

Worse news: I am lucky enough to live in Nantucket. It is a wonderful place. We would gladly take your money, but Big Weekends are terrible times to come here, for many reasons. Come another time.

Worst news: if you leave on Labor Day itself, expect it to take between three and four hours to get from Truro over the bridges, and you are still a couple of hours from Boston. It will be better than this if the weather is gorgeous because people will stay late. It will be at least this bad if it is lousy.

You will have a great time, whatever. I just think forewarned is better than surprised.

Truro is my favorite place to stay on the Cape. I agree with Acklander in general but I think he paints a picture more severe than is true. Yes it will be crowded, but I have never stood on huge lines at clam shacks. You do want reservations for dinner. I suggest Blackfish in Truro.
I think the trolley still runs from Truro to Provincetown on that weekend, if so , take it and avoid parking hassle in PTown, which itself will be much less crowded as soon as you walk away from the very center.

The national seashore beaches are splendid.

If you can possibly wait until Tuesday morning to come back you'll have a better drive ; Labor Day will be a lot of traffic, leave extra time.

Our favorite activity is to rent bikes and bike the trails in the National Seashore.

https://www.nps.gov/caco/planyourvis...l-seashore.htm

Ackislander is again correct about all things Cape and Islands. Some additional thoughts. Skip MV/Nantucket. Boat ride out is nice. But Truro has such natural beauty and cute little shops and restaurants that you will not be getting all that much back for driving in traffic back and forth to ferry.

Main entrance to National Seashore is in Eastham - not far from Truro. If you happen to have a National Parks pass, parking is free. If not, it is not that expensive. You park in a lot about 1.5 miles from beach and little trams shuttle you to beach - helps preserve the natural beauty of the beaches. National Seashore has great expanses of white sand, often nice big waves - certainly nothing like Ohio. There is not much in way of amenities when you get there - bring lunch, beverages, etc.

Wander thru Provincetown. Plenty of little restaurants, and if there is a wait, just wander more until your table is called.

Even Tuesday AM traffic is not wonderful - some people stay over and head to work on Tuesday.

Truro is a great location between Wellfleet and Provincetown, where you will find good restaurants and interesting shops and galleries. For oysters try Mac's Shack in Wellfleet or their other restaurant in Provincetown.

I don't think you'll find it overwhelmingly crowded on Labor Day weekend. Lots a colleges and schools now start before Labor Day and it isn't as busy as it was in the old days.

For restaurants, it's good to make reservations where they are accepted. Blackfish is a great suggestion.

The National Seashore beaches are wonderful. You can walk for miles if you want. Go to Head of the Meadow, Race Point, and Herring Cove. Go to their Provincelands Visitor Center observation deck for a great view of the bay and the ocean. Take a tour with Art's Dune Tours. Rent bicycles. Maybe go on a whale watch. Visit Truro Vineyards. Climb the Pilgrim Monument. Visit Highland Lighthouse.

Some Truro beaches are sticker only but others have daily fees. After Labor Day they are free.

Where are you staying in Truro? If in North Truro you may have access to the bus that runs in a loop from Provincetown to North Truro.

Meant to mention, that I think there is only one National Seashore beach that has a shuttle. All the rest, including the ones I mentioned have adjacent parking lots.