Uncover the Best of Fall in Cape Cod

As the leaves started changing colors, my sisters and I planned a five-day fall girls’ trip to New England for some leaf peeping. We wanted to take in the gorgeous fall foliage and stay at cozy inns along the way. After spending a few days among the colorful maples in the mountains, we continued our road trip to Massachusetts to see what it would be like to spend fall in Cape Cod.

We were excited to wrap up our vacation relaxing at the seaside. Though Cape Cod is typically thought of as a summer beach destination, I couldn’t think of a better time to visit.

Cape Cod has plenty of activities and charm when the cooler temperatures provide a welcome break from the summer crowds. With numerous opportunities for walking, nature viewing, and local food and drink sampling, Cape Cod offers the perfect blend of quaint New England seaside fun and autumn activities.

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Cape Cod Fall Weather

Fall is one of the best times to visit Cape Cod for numerous outdoor activities and attractions beyond just beach season. The summer crowds have thinned out, yet the weather is still mild enough to spend time outdoors comfortably, especially in September.

In October, you can expect cooler winds off the Atlantic Ocean.

The fall mornings are crisp, with temperatures in the 40s. The weather does warm a bit but hardly makes it out of the 60s.

I love walking along the beach in this type of weather, as it seems to provide peacefulness, especially when there is a slight morning fog.

Pack layers for the cold evenings and chilly ocean breeze when packing for fall at the Cape. With the moderate fall weather, you’ll be comfortable indoors and out with layers.

How to Get to Cape Cod in the Fall

Getting to Cape Cod in the fall is both easy and scenic.

If you’re driving from Boston, take Route 3 South. This drive, about an hour and a half, becomes even more beautiful when you switch to the most scenic byway, Route 6A, also known as Old King’s Highway.

Route 6A takes you through charming towns and past stunning views of fall foliage. It’s like a journey through a colorful postcard!

Alternatively, for a different experience, you can take a ferry from Boston to Provincetown. It’s a relaxing way to travel and offers beautiful ocean views.

Whether you drive through the breathtaking landscapes or cruise over the waves, your trip to Cape Cod is sure to be memorable.

Things to do in Cape Cod in the Fall

Cape Cod is filled with classic New England small towns that come alive in the fall. From charming Provincetown at the tip of the Cape to historic Chatham, Eastham, and Yarmouth. Each town has its own unique fall personality with so many things to do.

Cape Cod Rail Trail

One of the best ways to explore these small towns is by using the Cape Cod Rail Trail. This scenic 25-mile bike path connects seven Cape Cod towns with gently rolling hills and beautiful views of cranberry bogs and marshes.

Rent a bike and pedal from Dennis to Wellfleet, stopping along the way for a snack or to do some birdwatching. The trail has a main entrance at Nickerson State Park. Because it is mostly flat and car-free, it also makes perfect hiking trails.

Visit the Cape Cod National Seashore

Fall is a beautiful time for beach walks along the coast of the Cape Cod National Seashore. Walking along the shore, you may spot migrating whales offshore as they pass by on their journey south.

The ocean breeze feels refreshing, and the seaside views are spectacular with the changing colors of beach grasses.

You will want to dress warmly if you want a peaceful and comfortable stroll. Walking along the untamed Outer Cape beaches is a quintessential New England experience that you will remember for some time.

Keep an Eye Out for Lighthouses

Dotting the shores of Cape Cod are historic lighthouses perched over the sea. Each Cape Cod lighthouse has its unique charm, especially in the fall.

Nauset Light, Eastham

This iconic red and white lighthouse is a beautiful sight in the autumn. If the Nauset Lighthouse looks familiar, it may be because you have seen it if you have eaten any Cape Cod chips. It’s the actual lighthouse on the bag.

The history behind the lighthouse and the effect of erosion on its location is fascinating. While you are here, visit the Three Sisters of Nauset just up the road to learn more about their relationship to the Nauset Light.

Nauset Light is free and open to the public, so stop by and take a look for yourself.

Highland Light (Cape Cod Light), Truro

This is the oldest and tallest lighthouse on Cape Cod, with a history dating back to 1797.

In autumn, the changing leaves provide a stunning backdrop. What’s special about Highland Light is its location on the Cape Cod National Seashore, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The lighthouse was actually moved back from the eroding cliff in 1996, which is a fascinating story in itself.

Visitors can climb to the top for a panoramic view of the coast. There is a fee of $8, and there are height restrictions to climb the lighthouse, so if you are traveling with kids, they may not be allowed to go to the top.

Visit a Cranberry Bog

Fall is the peak season for the cranberry harvest season across Cape Cod.

See the flooded bogs turn bright red as farmers use specialized equipment to corral the berries. Cranberry tours are a popular attraction in the fall. I recommend you book in advance if you want to see what goes behind the harvesting of cranberries. You can visit the largest organic cranberry bog in Harwich. The cranberry bog tour is one to one and a half hours and costs $20.

Play a Round of Golf

Enjoy a serene fall golf experience at the Captains Golf Courses in Brewster, where stunning autumn colors frame beautifully maintained greens and fairways. This picturesque setting offers a peaceful yet challenging round, perfect for golfers of all levels.

Visit Truro Vineyards and South Hollow Spirits

The budding wine industry on the Cape matures in fall as wineries host wine festivals and pick-your-own grape events.

Sip award-winning vintages at Truro Vineyards while you relax on the outdoor chairs and picnic tables. If wine isn’t your thing, you will now find the vineyard has an onsite distillery, South Hollow Spirits, serving rums and gin for fantastic cocktails.

Pick up a bite to eat at the onsite food truck before enjoying a wine tasting or cocktail. The vineyard is a gorgeous spot to kick back and chill, especially in the fall.

Cape Cod Small Town Charm

Provincetown

Provincetown, situated at the farthest northern point of Cape Cod, is home to the majestic Cape Cod National Seashore and Race Point Beach, one of New England’s top beaches.

Begin your day in Provincetown at one of the many cafés by P-town’s harbor.

If whale watching is a fall activity you want to do in Cape Cod, then catching a tour from Provincetown is a good choice.

Cradle warm cups of coffee as you walk along the beach or through this artist community, with the main street lined with shops and restaurants.

This quirky and LGBTQ+-friendly town is steeped in rich history. It’s here that the Mayflower first made landfall in 1620. The prominently placed Pilgrim Monument in the town center can’t be missed.

As you venture towards the National Seashore, don’t be surprised if you see wildlife. As you drive through the streets, turkeys roam freely, oddly out of place. While it is a strange spectacle, the sight of them strutting around is a comical oddity that adds a bit of unexpected humor to your trip.

Race Point Beach

In Provincetown, you will find Race Point Beach, a beautiful and calm beach to enjoy on a morning walk. If you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of whales known to be seen from the beach.

Race Point Beach is one of the most extraordinary beaches, with calm waters, smooth sand, and dune grasses. It’s no wonder it was recently named by AAA as one of the top five beaches in New England.

One building of interest on Race Point Beach is the Old Harbor Life Saving Station. If you visit prior to Columbus Day, you may want to take time to visit the museum.

The Old Harbor Life Saving Station once served as a training facility for volunteers willing to help rescue passengers from distressed ships. Serving much like a volunteer Fire Station, it was one of many that were stationed every five to eight miles along the coast.

It’s free to enter in the fall.

Chatham

One of my favorite spots is the village of Chatham on the elbow of the cape. Chatham is just as cute as the Maine towns of Ogunquit and Kennebunkport we visited.

It’s easy to get lost while you roam through the one-of-a-kind shops. One of my favorites is a duck shop, where the entire shop is filled with nothing but cute yellow sailor ducks.

A yellow duck named Dempsey perched in the window display made me smile because it is the name of my late grandpa. Plus, he’s cute! The boutique shops and galleries are a delight to explore.

Eastham

Further up the Cape is Eastham, where we chose to stay on our visit.

The adorable yet unassuming Eagle Wing Inn is a small, family-owned motel where the owners take care of you life family.

While we visited the beach in the early morning, the owners left two huge bags of groceries and breakfast items, like apple cider donuts for us. They knew we were headed out for the last part of our road trip to Rhode Island when we returned. How thoughtful!

I highly recommend staying here if you are in the area.

During fall, Eastham transforms into a serene haven, perfect for nature lovers.

Nauset Light Beach, with its dramatic coastline, is perfect for tranquil walks in the morning. It’s here you will also find the historic Nauset Lighthouse mentioned above.

When you visit the beach, expect the water in the Atlantic Ocean to be ice-bath cold. Even sticking a toe in, I felt chilled.

Signs all along the beach path warn of sea life, like seals and whales. I wasn’t expecting to see any, but I saw something in the water as the sun rose. It was a seal playing. It was so amazing. He wasn’t even that far off the beach. That experience alone was worth waking up early.

Hikers will love the Salt Pond Visitor Center, the gateway to numerous hiking trails, including the picturesque Red Maple Swamp Trail, a hidden gem amidst the fall foliage.

After a day of adventure, enjoy a hearty meal at local favorites like Arnold’s Lobster & Clam Bar or Sam’s Deli, where the flavors of New England are served with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

You will definitely notice the lack of people when you visit Cape Cod in the fall. The towns are quiet and peaceful, as are the beaches.

Sandwich

I recommend visiting Sandwich during the fall for a truly memorable experience.

Firstly, the Heritage Museums & Gardens is a must-visit. The expansive, beautifully landscaped gardens offer a serene backdrop, particularly stunning during the fall foliage.

The gardens remind me in some ways of a visit to the Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia gardens and interactive displays.

In addition to the beautiful gardens and museum exhibits, you can see the American automobile collection and ride on the handcrafted 1908 carousel.

Also, the Sandwich Glass Museum is a perfect stop on your fall visit. You can watch a glass-blowing demonstration, walk through the museum, and visit the gift shop for one-of-a-kind souvenirs, like the glass-blown pumpkins. Admission is $12 for adults.

Finally, don’t miss the Boardwalk in Sandwich. It’s a picturesque walkway offering breathtaking views of Cape Cod Bay through the salt marsh, which leads to a beautiful beach. Construction is being done to fix some of the boardwalk, but checking if it’s complete while you are there is worth it.

Yarmouth

One of the advantages of visiting the Cape in the fall is you can stop for fresh seafood, chowder, and homemade ice cream at a local restaurant without much of a wait.

I recommend making a stop at Skipper’s Chowder House in South Yarmouth.

The two-story restaurant is directly across the street from the beach, with views from the top floor overlooking the water.

I would argue the Skipper Chowder House is the best seafood on Cape Cod.

Open since 1936, it is a family-friendly restaurant serving the best chowder I have tasted.

The first-floor ice cream shack also serves creamy and delicious ice cream with flavors like Vineyard Vanilla and Chatham Coffee.

Fall Festivals in Cape Cod

Fall is an excellent time to experience some of Cape Cod’s most popular festivals.

Check out these fall festivals in Cape Cod; maybe you can visit one during your trip.

• Wellfleet OysterFest – One of the biggest oyster festivals in the country, with live music, craft vendors, and, of course, fresh Wellfleet oysters.
• Yarmouth Seaside Festival – Yarmouth has a big parade, craft shows, and fireworks.
• Harwich Cranberry Arts & Music Festival – Learn all about cranberry harvesting and enjoy cranberry-infused food and drinks. It’s all about celebrating cranberries with music, food, and crafts.
• Cape Cod Brew Fest – The Cape Cod Brew Fest is an exciting annual event featuring over 100 craft breweries, offering diverse beers, live music, and local food.

The festivals capture the spirit of fall on the Cape, bringing the community together to celebrate the season.

Where Should You Stay During the Fall in Cape Cod?

Cape Cod has charming accommodations perfect for a fall getaway. Quaint bed and breakfasts, cozy inns, and full-service hotels provide a place to rest your head after long days exploring the Cape.

Here are my top three lodging choices in Cape Cod:

• Eagle Wing Inn – Eastham, MA
• Chatham Bars Inn – Chatham, MA
• The Mansion at Ocean Edge Resort – Brewster, MA

Cape Cod is the Perfect Fall Getaway

As you wrap up your Cape Cod vacation in the fall, you’ll be enveloped in warm memories.

The quaint towns, the crisp air perfect for your cozy sweaters, and the tranquil beach walks will long remain in your thoughts.

You’ll be reminded of the tastes of fresh seafood and cherish the conversations with friendly locals.

Cape Cod in the fall may be quieter than in summer, but it’s just as enchanting. It is the perfect ending to a five-day long fall road trip with your sisters or for fall New England weekend getaways, especially if you love nature, great food, and a slower pace of life.

You will leave with a promise to yourself to come back. At least, I know I did.