Cape Cod over July 4th?
Apr 30th, 2007, 09:06 AM
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Cape Cod over July 4th?
Is Cape Cod insanely crowded over the weekend of July 4th? We've found some cheap flights into Providence & are thinking of visiting for 5 days. Having never been there before we don't know what the summer crowds are like. Also what area would you suggest to stay in? Thanks for any help! =)
Apr 30th, 2007, 09:27 AM
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July 4th is mid-week, actually ... I would say that entire week will be busy on the Cape. But most weeks during the summer are usually busy. Lots of traffic on the main roads...
Can't suggest where you should stay since you didn't say what you're interested in (beach, nightlife, etc.) There's lots of places though but don't wait too long to book...
Can't suggest where you should stay since you didn't say what you're interested in (beach, nightlife, etc.) There's lots of places though but don't wait too long to book...
Apr 30th, 2007, 09:33 AM
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Yes it is crowded- it is the beginning of the summer season, and a celebratory time!
Because there are so many towns on the Cape,some are more rowded than others. . Since we are on the Outer Cape (closest to the tip), and there is much of our land in the National Seashore (where nothing has been built unless it was preexisting since 1965) this would be my choice. The towns of Orleans, Eastham, Wellfleet,Truro and Pronvincetown on the tip ,the latter will be the most crowded, but should be on your list to spend a day, and dinner.
Wellfleet is a small fishing village, with a charming village, consisting of boutiques, restaurants and art galleries . The Ocean beaches, all in the Seashore are beautiful. The bayside,with warmer water, great for boating, kayaking, fishing off the pier- swimming, hiking on the Great Island trail, which is part of the seashore- close by is Highland Light, perched on the ocean cliff, overlookingone of the oldest Scottish golf courses in the states-
More crowded would be Chatham- much larger downtown, lovely ocean beaches, and beaches on Nantucket Sound.A base in either town would aloow you to explore the nooks and crannies of Eastham, Brewster and Truro, (a trip along 6A with all it's historic homes and antiques shops is fun).
Places to stay abound. I would suggest you google the Cape Cod Chamber, for an overview of the towns. Choose a town, and go from there. There are many choices, of Inns, B&B's, very few hotels. Motels will primarily be on the commercial, main roads, and not a great Cape experience I feel.
Come back when you have decided where you will stay, and we'll try to help more!
Because there are so many towns on the Cape,some are more rowded than others. . Since we are on the Outer Cape (closest to the tip), and there is much of our land in the National Seashore (where nothing has been built unless it was preexisting since 1965) this would be my choice. The towns of Orleans, Eastham, Wellfleet,Truro and Pronvincetown on the tip ,the latter will be the most crowded, but should be on your list to spend a day, and dinner.
Wellfleet is a small fishing village, with a charming village, consisting of boutiques, restaurants and art galleries . The Ocean beaches, all in the Seashore are beautiful. The bayside,with warmer water, great for boating, kayaking, fishing off the pier- swimming, hiking on the Great Island trail, which is part of the seashore- close by is Highland Light, perched on the ocean cliff, overlookingone of the oldest Scottish golf courses in the states-
More crowded would be Chatham- much larger downtown, lovely ocean beaches, and beaches on Nantucket Sound.A base in either town would aloow you to explore the nooks and crannies of Eastham, Brewster and Truro, (a trip along 6A with all it's historic homes and antiques shops is fun).
Places to stay abound. I would suggest you google the Cape Cod Chamber, for an overview of the towns. Choose a town, and go from there. There are many choices, of Inns, B&B's, very few hotels. Motels will primarily be on the commercial, main roads, and not a great Cape experience I feel.
Come back when you have decided where you will stay, and we'll try to help more!
Apr 30th, 2007, 09:54 AM
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The 4th of July is THE most crowded time at the Cape. The only saving grace this year is that it is midweek which might minimize the crowds who would normally take a long weekend.
Honestly, I think you're going to find it difficult to get a decent place to stay in mid-summer with such short notice. If you really want to go and brave the crowds I would book something now.
capecodshanty gave some great advice. For years, we've stayed on the Outer (or "Lower") Cape about 2 weeks every year. It is more laid back and has better beaches (but less to do at night, etc.). Stay away from Hyannis, Yarmouth, etc. Very crowed and commercial, even when it's not a holiday.
Renting a house or staying at a B&B would be my preference (if you can still get one).
Some random (mostly) Outer Cape suggestions in addition to capecodshanty's good ones- go to either Coast Guard or Marconi ocean beaches (pick up sandwiches at The Box Lunch first and bring them with you), have lobster in the rough at Capt. Cass at Rock Harbor in Orleans (and be sure to get there in time for the fantastic sunset over the water at the harbor), go to First Encounter Beach (or any of the outer bay side beaches) at low tide and walk out for what seems like more than a mile on the sand bars, take the Fort Hill walking trail in Eastham- great views of the salt marsh and the ocean, spend an afternoon shopping in Chatham center then eat at The Impudent Oyster, tour the various art galleries near the harbor in Wellfleet (they often have artist's receptions in the evenings), charter a sport fishing trip for a half day out of Rock Harbor, go to the Cape Cod Playhouse at night to see a show. Good luck!
Honestly, I think you're going to find it difficult to get a decent place to stay in mid-summer with such short notice. If you really want to go and brave the crowds I would book something now.
capecodshanty gave some great advice. For years, we've stayed on the Outer (or "Lower") Cape about 2 weeks every year. It is more laid back and has better beaches (but less to do at night, etc.). Stay away from Hyannis, Yarmouth, etc. Very crowed and commercial, even when it's not a holiday.
Renting a house or staying at a B&B would be my preference (if you can still get one).
Some random (mostly) Outer Cape suggestions in addition to capecodshanty's good ones- go to either Coast Guard or Marconi ocean beaches (pick up sandwiches at The Box Lunch first and bring them with you), have lobster in the rough at Capt. Cass at Rock Harbor in Orleans (and be sure to get there in time for the fantastic sunset over the water at the harbor), go to First Encounter Beach (or any of the outer bay side beaches) at low tide and walk out for what seems like more than a mile on the sand bars, take the Fort Hill walking trail in Eastham- great views of the salt marsh and the ocean, spend an afternoon shopping in Chatham center then eat at The Impudent Oyster, tour the various art galleries near the harbor in Wellfleet (they often have artist's receptions in the evenings), charter a sport fishing trip for a half day out of Rock Harbor, go to the Cape Cod Playhouse at night to see a show. Good luck!
May 1st, 2007, 06:27 AM
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Hey Kenmont...you really did a great job explaining the outer cape. In fact, you did such a great job that I decided to make a Cape Cod visit during the week of the 4th of July! In case you are wondering...Fort Hill Bed and Breakfast still has vacancy and so does Cottage Grove. Can't wait!!! I've got a bad case of Cape Cod fever!
May 2nd, 2007, 05:21 AM
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AngelaS--
I hope you are checking back here as Capecodshanty and KenMount have given you GREAT advice on visiting the Cape. All good suggestions.
And I wouldn't shy away from coming during July 4th week. It's busy but most places are, right? But it's also fun. And pretty--the hydrangeas will just be blossoming and they add to the Cape experience.
Some suggestions for July 4th fun: check out the parade in Orleans. It's good old American fun. I think they moved it to a 10 am. start now--worth googling. Also, there are many towns on the Cape that offer fireworks. It's actually fun to go to a Bayside beach and watch them from afar (we can usually see the Ptown fireworks from our Brewster beach). All good.
Enjoy!
I hope you are checking back here as Capecodshanty and KenMount have given you GREAT advice on visiting the Cape. All good suggestions.
And I wouldn't shy away from coming during July 4th week. It's busy but most places are, right? But it's also fun. And pretty--the hydrangeas will just be blossoming and they add to the Cape experience.
Some suggestions for July 4th fun: check out the parade in Orleans. It's good old American fun. I think they moved it to a 10 am. start now--worth googling. Also, there are many towns on the Cape that offer fireworks. It's actually fun to go to a Bayside beach and watch them from afar (we can usually see the Ptown fireworks from our Brewster beach). All good.
Enjoy!
May 3rd, 2007, 12:12 PM
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Yellowbyrd- Thanks for your kind words. (I'm kind of a Cape fanatic...) I haven't stayed there but Fort Hill B&B looks VERY nice. Amazing that it is still avail for July 4. I'd say book it and have fun!
May 4th, 2007, 09:40 AM
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I would add that the fireworks on the 4th in Provincetown are a lot of fun, the crowds should be smaller this year. Arrive early in teh day and park. Be sure to make dinner reservations well in advance (now would be good) ask for a table with a view ....consider Fanizzi by the sea, Level, The lobster Pot or the Mews as places to eat with a view.
May 5th, 2007, 05:02 AM
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First, since there is no July 4th this year (7/4 is a Wednesday), the entire week will be busy. However, I have found that the time the Cape is most annoyingly congested is when it rains - even around the 3 summer holidays, during the day one can find some piece of beach, a park that is tolerable. When it rains everyone hits one of the end-to-end roadways in search of something to do with their bored kids. Gridlock traffic to me is far more irritating than a crowded beach.
So wherever you stay, bring something to do at lodging if it rains or be prepared for rush-hour type traffic.
So wherever you stay, bring something to do at lodging if it rains or be prepared for rush-hour type traffic.
May 5th, 2007, 06:49 AM
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When are the fireworks this year? Will they be held on one of the weekends (before or after)? The fireworks on our mountain lake will be on June 30th.
I arrived in Ptown for a week's stay on July 4th once. Got an early start (drove in from Plymouth), ate a big breakfast, and then settled in on a curb for the parade. My guess is that the only difference this year would be the day of the parade. Weekly renters are still going to be headed en masse for the start of their week on the Cape while others are leaving.
Other than the impact of the parade on traffic, I'm guess I'm missing the 4th of July aspect of this. My guess is that the Cape will be busy with weekly rentals so matter which day July 4th falls on.
I arrived in Ptown for a week's stay on July 4th once. Got an early start (drove in from Plymouth), ate a big breakfast, and then settled in on a curb for the parade. My guess is that the only difference this year would be the day of the parade. Weekly renters are still going to be headed en masse for the start of their week on the Cape while others are leaving.
Other than the impact of the parade on traffic, I'm guess I'm missing the 4th of July aspect of this. My guess is that the Cape will be busy with weekly rentals so matter which day July 4th falls on.
May 6th, 2007, 05:11 AM
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True, but when the 4th falls on a Thursday, Friday Saturday, Sunday or Monday lots of people from Boston, CT and NY take a long weekend and really pack the Cape. My guess is that even at this late date there is not a problem finding nice lodging and traffic to and from the Cape for the mid-week 4th celebrations will be very manageable.
May 11th, 2007, 06:42 AM
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Gene - my guess is yes the locals and folks staying the full week will be at the parade. But, the weekends bring in thousands to town who either have a place in PT and come on weekends only or are part of the crowd that take the ferry every Friday/Saturday. Manyy friends have said they will miss it this tear because they can not ake the vacation days .... so crowd will be a little smaller .... maybe not much.
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