marcyandtim

If you only had two days on the cape and were staying near South Yarmouth what would you do?

-My husband and I really like to kayak. (We could do this if mom watches the baby for awhile.)
-I really like lighthouses.
-We like to bike but we will have the baby and mom. I'm not sure if mom could handle biking since it has been awhile and she has asthma.
- We thought about a day trip to Nantucket but then I read on here that is a waste if you don't have at least a week on the cape.
- Mom and I both dislike zoos and aquariums with the later sometimes giving my mother an allergy attack.

Jayneann

IMO, a day trip to Nantucket is not a waste if you really want to see it! We are from MA, and have done day trips to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard many times! The fast ferries will get you over there quickly! Also, check out Provincetown, really cool town with fabulous sand dunes and places to ride while Mom babysits! Or Chatham, another great Cape town! Check out: http://www.capecodchamber.org/

lisettemac

Hmmmm. If I only had 2 days on the Cape, I would definitely devote one to beach/biking. The second one I would devote to sightseeing. My first choice would be Provincetown -- lots of cute shops, restaurants, whale watching tours, etc. However, Yarmouth is pretty far from P-town. Another option would be to take the ferry to Martha's Vineyard for a day trip. You aren't far from the ferry, so you wouldn't be wasting a good part of the day in getting there. There is an easy bus system on the Vineyard for getting to the different parts of the island.

Have a great trip!

zootsi

There is so much to see and do on the Cape - you could easily spend a few weeks just exploring all the different beaches. Do a day on the beach in South Yarmouth which has calm, warm water. Maybe later in the day, you can do some kayaking. Then do a day exploring the beautiful unspoiled beaches of the national seashore. Perhaps mom could stay with the baby on the beach, while you and husband bike the trails that wind thru the dunes. In the evening, you could go out to dinner in Provincetown, which is a unique blend of colonial, Portuguese, and gay cultures. I would save the Vinyard for a longer stay.

bill_boy

If you like lighthouses, then take the ferry and do a daytip to Nantucket and check out Brant Point.

marcyandtim

Thanks everyone, I'll see if others have more to add. It is tough because I don't think we will be back up this way again for at least 5-10 years....

ggreen

IMO, zootsi has a good itinerary. Avoid Hyannis; it's the commercial hub of the Cape and not scenic. Chatham is cute and has a lighthouse within walking distance of the center of town, but I think P-town has more "bang for your buck". Check out the lighthouse at Race Point on your way into town. It's true that Yarmouth is fairly far from P-town, but you'll get a sense of the Cape on the drive. Also, I've always liked Yarmouthport (but that may be a childhood nostalgia!).

A few things to keep in mind about the Cape (which you may already know, so my apologies if I'm stating the obvious!):
- Nantucket Sound side has calmer, warmer waters as zootsi said.
- Cape Cod Bay side has tidepools and less crowds - but colder water and often has horseflies!
- Outer beaches/Nat'l seashore (once you round the "elbow" of the Cape, from Chatham up to Race Point) face directly onto the Atlantic Ocean, so the surf is rougher but it's tremendous to watch. Due to the rough surf, you'll find lighthouses along this stretch.
- The towns between Chatham and P-town are less touristy... A number of good hiking trails associated with the Nat'l seashore...
- Route 6 is the main highway on the Cape. It dwindles to one lane in each direction at the Dennis/Chatham line. (It's two lanes in each direction from Dennis to Bourne.)
- Route 28 is the main commercial route on the Cape, at least from Falmouth through S. Yarmouth. Lots of clam shacks, ice cream shops, mini golf...
- Route 6A is much more quiet and residential, with some beautiful homes; a nice, scenic drive.

Hope this helps!

noraeileen

The Cape is such a fantastic place and while you only have 2 days, there is a lot that you could do....here are some suggestions:

1. Drive to Chatham and wander the main street and shops - very quaint. If you have time, grab a bite at Christian's.
2. There are plenty of places to do some whale watching if that is something you're interested in.
3. I'll second the suggestion of a drive up to Provincetown - fun town, lots to see and do, great seafood restaurants (though you can find lots of these throughout the Cape)

Hope you enjoy your stay - it is such a beautiful and relaxing place to be!

marcyandtim

Ok it is coming down to the line. Nantucket or elsewhere.

milemarker0

- Kayak part of the Bass River (a river/village in South Yarmouth)...

- Nauset light, on the way to Provincetown offers tours....

- There's a nice Railtrail that starts in Dennis.

- I would skip Nantucket on just a 2 day trip, if you've never been to the Cape

- Whatever you do, don't go to the Zooquarium....part zoo/part aquarium.