Upper Cape Travel Guide

Plan your next adventure with our comprehensive tour guide to Upper Cape including places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Upper Cape

Located on the southern tip of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Upper Cape is a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and history. The area comprises the towns of Falmouth, Bourne, and Sandwich, and is widely regarded as one of the most picturesque places in New England.

The Upper Cape region boasts endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, including stunning scenic views, charming villages, miles of sandy beaches, and diverse wildlife. And visitors can immerse themselves in the area’s rich history through its countless museums, historical landmarks, and vintage architecture.

List of Places to Visit in Upper Cape

Here’s a list of the must-visit attractions in Upper Cape:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Heritage Museums & Gardens: A 100-acre botanical garden and museum with historic automobile and art collections.

  • Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center: A museum tracing the history of the Cape Cod Canal and its role in the region’s development.

  • Wings Neck Lighthouse: A picturesque lighthouse perched on a bluff offering sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean.

  • Sandwich Glass Museum: Displays Cape Cod’s prominent glassmaking history through an extensive collection of glassware.

  • Falmouth Museums on the Green: A museum showcasing the history of Cape Cod’s oldest seaside villages.

Natural Attractions of Upper Cape: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Shining Sea Bikeway: A 10-mile paved bike path lined with natural beauty and breathtaking ocean views.

  • Sandy Neck Beach: A pristine six-mile-long beach nestled between the Cape Cod Bay and Barnstable Harbor.

  • The Knob: A secluded peninsula featuring serene walking paths and stunning sunsets.

  • Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve: A 2,700-acre safe harbor which consists of coastal salt ponds, barrier beaches, and pine-oak forests.

  • Bourne Farm: A 49-acre farm which features natural trails, grazing lands, and historic structures.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Upper Cape

  • The Falmouth Bay Circuit Trail: This 7.5-mile trail loops around a reservoir in a peaceful forest and offers a sight of wildlife and native plants.

  • The Beebe Woods Loop Trail: This 3.5-mile trail meanders through a vast woodland filled with blueberry patches, several glacial erratic rocks, and horseback riding trails.

  • The Bournedale Herring Run Trail: This 2-mile trail passes through a former cranberry bog and along the Little River which is a popular place for watching herring and other fish migrate upstream.

Best Things to Do in Upper Cape: Activities and Tours

  • Go Whale Watching: Organizations like Whale Watcher and Capt. John Boats offer whale watching tours from Falmouth Harbor which takes up to 4 hours.

  • Visit Main Street Hyannis: Take a leisurely stroll through this quintessential Cape Cod town and experience the vibrant cultural hub.

  • Catch a Live Performance: The Cape Cod Theatre Company, The Cotuit Center for the Arts, and The Heritage Museum and Gardens all host a range of performances and events throughout the year.

Week-Long Itinerary for Upper Cape

To make the most out of your visit to Upper Cape, follow this week-long itinerary:

Day 1: Explore Sandwich’s historic district, including the Sandwich Glass Museum and the Thornton Burgess Museum.

Day 2: Visit the Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center and explore the Shining Sea Bikeway. End the day at Falmouth Museums on the Green.

Day 3: Visit the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution before enjoying the rest of the day whale watching tour from Falmouth Harbor.

Day 4: Take a bike ride through Beebe Woods and explore Spohr Gardens.

Day 5: Enjoy a day at Sandy Neck Beach and then head to Wing’s Neck Lighthouse for spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Day 6: Hike the Bournedale Herring Run Trail and explore the Bourne Farm.

Day 7: Head to Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve for some kayaking or birdwatching, before returning home.

Food and Drink Scene of Upper Cape

Must-Try Dishes

  • Lobster Roll: The Upper Cape region is famous for its fresh, succulent lobster rolls served hot with drawn butter and lemon on a toasted roll.

  • Oysters: Fresh-shucked oysters are a must-try delicacy in Upper Cape.

  • Quahogs: Large hard-shell clams, also local to Upper Cape, are usually served as fried clams or in clam chowder.

Local Beverages

  • Cape Cod Beer: This local brewery produces a range of classic styles, including IPA, porter, and golden ale.

  • Truro Vineyards & Winery: This iconic winery offers a unique selection of wines, including reds, whites, and rosés.

  • Coffee Obsession: This local coffee roaster offers a range of specialty coffee drinks, scones, and pastries.

Where to Stay in Upper Cape: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Sea Crest Beach Hotel: Known for its private beach, the Sea Crest Beach Hotel features multiple swimming pools, fire pits, and a restaurant.

  • The Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa: This romantic inn offers antique furnishings and spa facilities set in a charming 17th-century building.

  • Cape Cod Holiday Estates: A family-friendly resort offering comfortable lodgings with indoor and outdoor pools and playgrounds for the kids.

What to Buy in Upper Cape: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Cape Cod Jewelry: Jewelry crafted with local seashells, sand dollars, and Cape Cod stones is a popular souvenir item.

  • Cape Cod Salts: This all-natural sea salt made with saltwater from Cape Cod Bay can be found at specialty food markets around the area.

Local Culture and Customs of Upper Cape

The Upper Cape region is widely regarded as a deeply connected community. Visitors are encouraged to embrace the good-spirited and welcoming atmosphere, and engage with locals at every opportunity.

Best Time to Visit Upper Cape

Upper Cape is best experienced during the warmer months of April to October. During the summer months, the area sees the highest influx of tourists, but it’s also when the beaches and outdoor activity options are at their prime.

Do’s and Don’ts of Upper Cape

Do:

  • Respect the environment and leave no trace.

  • Explore the region’s history and culture.

  • Try the local seafood and drinks.

Don’t:

  • Litter or disturb wildlife.

  • Ignore the region’s rich cultural heritage.

  • Forget to take in the stunning natural beauty around you.

Safety and Health

Safety in Upper Cape

Upper Cape is a relatively safe area, but visitors should still exercise caution when exploring isolated areas or walking alone at night. It’s also important to follow safety regulations and guidelines when engaging in water sports or outdoor activities.

Health in Upper Cape

Upper Cape boasts excellent healthcare facilities and visitors can access high-quality medical services if required. It’s recommended to ensure you have travel insurance before embarking on your journey.

Getting to Upper Cape: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Upper Cape

  • Boston Logan International Airport.

  • T.F Green Airport.

Bus Stations Near Upper Cape

  • Plymouth and Brockton Street Railway Company.

Other Options

  • The CapeFLYER train.

  • Car rentals and taxis are common in the area.

How to Get Around in Upper Cape

The best way to get around in Upper Cape is by car. However, visitors can also opt for cycling or walking to explore the town’s narrow streets and charming neighborhoods.

Where to Go Next from Upper Cape: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Provincetown: A vibrant beach town located at the tip of Cape Cod.

  • Martha’s Vineyard: Boasting a laid-back culture, stunning beaches, and historic sites.

  • Nantucket: An idyllic island located just an hour’s ferry ride from Cape Cod.

Conclusion

Upper Cape is a charming destination with plenty to offer visitors. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or simply seeking relaxation, you’ll find something of interest in Upper Cape. With its stunning beaches, world-renowned seafood, and friendly locals, this region is the perfect escape from daily life.



    Bourne
    Sandwich
    Woods Hole