4 Best Sights in Sandwich, Cape Cod

These 100 beautifully landscaped acres overlooking the upper end of Shawme Pond are one of the region's top draws. Paths crisscross the grounds, which include gardens planted with hostas, heather, herbs, and fruit trees. Rhododendrons are in full glory mid-May–mid-June, and daylilies reach their peak mid-July–early August. In 1967, pharmaceuticals magnate Josiah K. Lilly III purchased the estate and turned it into a nonprofit museum. One highlight is the reproduction Shaker Round Barn, which showcases classic and historic cars—including a 1919 Pierce-Arrow, a 1915 Stutz Bearcat, a 1911 Stanley Steamer, and a 1930 yellow-and-green Duesenberg owned by movie star Gary Cooper. The art museum has an extraordinary collection of New England folk art, including paintings, weather vanes, Nantucket baskets, and scrimshaw. Both adults and children can enjoy riding on a Coney Island–style carousel dating to the early 20th century. Other features include Hidden Hollow, an outdoor activity center for families with children. An aerial adventure park offers 60 treetop platforms connected by bridges, ladders, and 7 ziplines, designed for children age 7 and up and adults.

A shuttle bus, equipped with a wheelchair lift and space to stow baby strollers, transports visitors on certain days.  The center of the complex is about ¾ mile on foot from the in-town end of Shawme Pond.

Halfway between Sandwich and Falmouth, this outdoor shopping center has restaurants and cafes, shopping, fitness options, and live entertainment and holiday attractions. There's mini-golf, a movie theater, and The Lanes Bowl & Bistro.

Rebuilt after a nor'easter destroyed much of it in 2022, the Sandwich Boardwalk sits higher than before, and it now has handrails, but this iconic wooden span offers the same sweeping views of Cape Cod Bay. Look out toward Sandy Neck, Wellfleet, and Provincetown or toward the white cliffs beyond Sagamore. A sand path leads to Town Neck Beach, backed by dunes covered with rugosa roses. The creeks running through the salt marsh make for great canoeing, and it's a popular spot for clamming. 

Shimmering glass was manufactured here nearly two centuries ago, and the Sandwich Glass Museum shows you what the factory looked like in its heyday. There's an "ingredient room" showcasing a wide spectrum of glass colors, along with the minerals added to the sand to obtain them, and an outstanding collection of blown and pressed glass in many shapes and hues. Large lamps, vases, and pitchers are impressive, as are the hundreds of candlesticks on display. There are glassblowing demonstrations daily on the hour from 10 to 4. The extensive gift shop sells some handsome reproductions, including many made by local and national artisans. The glass museum is part of the Sandwich Historical Society.