Trade Cape Cod’s summer crowds for crisp air, quiet beaches, and small-town traditions you won’t find in peak season. From seal cruises and cranberry bog tours to historic lighthouses and breweries, here are ten reasons to plan your November escape in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
Cape Cod National Seashore
Step onto the wide-open beaches, wetlands, and lush forests of the 40-mile Cape Cod National Seashore. Head to Race Point to hike sweeping dunes, walk the tidal flats at low tide, and catch glimpses of the Race Point Lighthouse.
Duck into the Old Harbor U.S. Life Saving Station to see period surfboats, dories, and breeches buoys. Bike along freshwater marshes on the Meadow Trail, or cast a line from the shore to catch striped bass. Just before dusk, make your way to Herring Cove Beach for some of the best sunsets on Cape Cod.
Pilgrim Monument & Provincetown Museum
Head to the Provincetown Museum for a deep dive into the town’s maritime heritage, whaling days, and explorer Donald MacMillan’s Arctic adventures. Don’t miss the world’s first exhibit on the pilgrims’ arrival from the perspective of the Indigenous Wampanoag.
Afterward, climb the 252-foot Pilgrim Monument for panoramic views above Provincetown from the site where the Mayflower Pilgrims first landed in the New World. Visit on November 11th (the landing anniversary) for the “Lighting the Monument” ceremony, when twinkling lights signal the start of the holiday season.
Glassblowers’ Christmas at Sandwich Glass Museum
Watch molten glass transform into shimmering ornaments at the Sandwich Glass Museum. Sandwich has been known for glassblowing since the 1800s, and the museum keeps that tradition alive in spectacular fashion—especially during the annual Glassblowers’ Christmas.
Marvel at Christmas trees decorated with hand-blown ornaments, wander through seasonal exhibits of vintage holiday glass, and see glowing creations emerge fresh from the furnace. Join a hands-on workshop to make your own ornament or sun catcher, or browse the gift shop for one-of-a-kind souvenirs by local artisans.
Gardens Aglow at Heritage Museums & Gardens
Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland at Gardens Aglow. Every year, the Heritage Museums & Gardens puts on a family-friendly celebration of the holiday season. Wander illuminated paths through vibrant gardens adorned with festive light displays. Ride a restored 19th-century carousel, explore the antique car gallery, and take pictures with Santa in a 1913 Ford Model T.
Roast marshmallows, enjoy seasonal treats from on-site food trucks, and go on a reindeer scavenger hunt. Warm up with hot cocoa or cider by the fire, stroll through lighted tunnels, and admire the model train display. Check the schedule before your visit for timed light shows and live music.
Cakounes Cranberry Bog Tours
Join a 90-minute guided tour to discover the 12-month operation of the largest cranberry bog on Cape Cod. Walk raised dykes, learn the wet-harvest method, and hear local legends of the bog. Learn what it takes for cranberries to go from the farm to store shelves.
After your tour, stop by the farm stand and gift shop for cranberries by the pound, farm-fresh eggs, and locally made gifts. Sample fresh cranberry juice and relish, or try unfiltered honey made from pollen harvested from cranberry bogs. Tours fill up fast, so book your spot in advance.
Monomoy/Chatham Harbor Seal Cruises
Climb aboard a shallow-draft vessel for a seal-watching cruise around Monomoy Island. Glide around harbors, through narrow channels, and into secluded lagoons. Listen as a naturalist shares stories of Monomoy Island, its iconic lighthouse, and the area’s birdlife.
Spot hundreds of gray and harbor seals basking in the sun, swimming along the shore, and popping up near the boat for a closer look. Cruise past windswept dunes for unique views of Monomoy, the Cape Cod coastline, and surrounding islands you can’t see from shore. Book a mid-morning trip for calmer waters before the afternoon breeze picks up.
Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
Follow peaceful coastal trails through salt marsh, sandy beaches, and pine woodlands. The Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary offers 1,100 acres of accessible boardwalks, wooded loops, ponds, and sweeping views. Bring binoculars to spot migrating birds and the occasional snowy owl—this spot is one of Cape Cod’s top birding destinations.
Step inside the Nature Center for interactive wildlife exhibits. Learn about the sanctuary’s conservation work and see tanks filled with native fish, crabs, and turtles from the Outer Cape. Unwind on a bench in the Wildlife Garden to watch butterflies and hummingbirds flutter around the wildflowers and perennials.
Cape Cod Rail Trail
Walk or bike the Cape Cod Rail Trail to weave through forests, cranberry bogs, kettle ponds, and marshes. Start in Yarmouth or Wellfleet and follow the paved trail for a calm, scenic journey. The 25-mile railway path links six Cape Cod towns, giving you plenty of opportunities to pop into local eateries and shops along the way.
Detour onto the Chatham Bike Trail to grab coffee or lunch at Chatham Perk, or ride to Orleans for a croissant from the farmers market. Need a bathroom break, picnic spot, or bike rental? You’ll find several options between Yarmouth and LeCount Hollow. Reward yourself with fried clams and local brews at Arnold’s Lobster & Clam Bar for a post-trail treat.
Cape Cod Beer
Head to the Cape’s original microbrewery in Hyannis to taste the legendary Cape Cod beers served at bars and restaurants all over the region. Order a flight to sample local favorites like Cape Cod Red and Beach Blonde, or seasonal offerings like Harvest and Old Man Winter.
Settle into the laid-back taproom or time your visit for a beer garden event to pair your brews with live music and rotating food trucks. Chat with the staff about seasonal bottlings—the beach-themed labels make them great souvenirs to take home or share with friends.
Chatham Fish Pier Observation Deck
Stand on the observation deck at the Chatham Fish Pier for an authentic look at the real Cape Cod. Watch fishing boats pull in, crews unload their catch, and harbor seals hover around begging for scraps around the docks.
Take in breathtaking views of Aunt Lydia’s Cove, Tern Island Sanctuary, and Chatham Harbor. After seeing the commercial fishermen hard at work, taste the fruits of their labor at Chatham Pier Fish Market. Order a lobster roll, clam chowder, or fish and chips made with the day’s catch.
