travel guide: cape cod

to mark our newest collection, we're sharing a family guide to the place that inspired it. the inns, the beaches, the brunches, the boats. the spots we return to, summer after summer.  

stay

chatham bars inn, beachfront classic. the iconic cape resort with private beach access, multiple pools, and a children's camp that keeps the whole family happy from morning to evening.

wequassett resort + golf club, private bay access. four-diamond service on pleasant bay near chatham, with sailing programs, tennis, and a beach club that anchors the day.

ocean edge resort, bayside in brewster. on cape cod bay with a historic mansion at its heart, plus pools, golf, and a private beach for the bay side of the family experience.

the platinum pebble boutique inn, boutique stay in harwich. a small inn with personal service and a relaxed feel, ideal for families who prefer something smaller than a resort.

the chatham inn, intimate stay in chatham village. small enough to feel personal, with a celebrated restaurant on site and main street steps away.

women's french terry jacket | women's french terry shorts | manebi vintage tote | unisex stripe knit sweater | boy's twill shorts

coffee

nirvana coffee co, small-batch roasters. a single-origin pour-over before the beach.

lighthouse keeper's pantry, coffee, pastries, and a quick stop on the morning walk to the lighthouse.

sipjack coffee, quick local cup. for the mornings when caffeine matters more than a sit-down meal.

hey joe and jam, coffee and sandwiches. breakfast sandwiches, espresso drinks, and pastries to take on the way to the dock.

snowy owl coffee roasters, the standby every cape regular knows, with beans roasted in brewster and served at shops across the cape.

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brunch

ann + fran's kitchen, classic cape breakfast. eggs, pancakes, and the kind of diner energy that's been doing this for years.

the rail, modern american brunch. creative plates in a polished setting, for when brunch should feel a little more refined.

viv's kitchen + juice bar, fresh juices and bowls. cold-pressed juices, smoothie bowls, and a healthy start to the day before the family heads to the beach.

cafe alfresco, outdoor patio dining with seasonal ingredients, made for sunny weekends.

mariner cafe, harborside breakfast. order the lobster benedict and watch the boats come in.

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play

chatham lighthouse + beach, classic cape views. the iconic lighthouse overlooking the atlantic, with a beach below for one of the cape's most scenic walks.

mayflower beach, calmer waters for little ones. a bayside beach in dennis with shallow tidal flats. when the tide pulls back, the little ones can walk out for what feels like miles.

bike the cape cod rail trail, a 25-mile paved trail running the length of the cape. rent locally and pack a picnic for a midway stop.

whale watching from provincetown with dolphin fleet, minkes and humpbacks are common in summer waters. board a half-day boat from provincetown harbor and bring layers for the wind.

sailing on pleasant bay, rent a small sailboat or catch a evening cruise. afternoons on the bay are a chatham tradition.

women's one piece | sunscreen | unisex french terry hoodie | boy's gingham boardie | girl's bikini

casual lunch

chatham pier fish market, fresh-off-the-boat seafood served right at the fish pier. order a lobster roll and watch the seals lounge just offshore.

mac's chatham fish + lobster, fish shack favorite. lobster rolls, fried clams, and chowder at a picnic table. casual cape lunch at its best.

baxter's boat house, on hyannis harbor. lobster rolls, clam chowder, and a deck overlooking the boats coming in.

sesuit harbor cafe, waterfront in east dennis. casual seafood with the boats right alongside you. the kind of place you find your table and settle in.

cape roots, fresh bowls in mashpee with cold-pressed juices and grain bowls. a lighter option between beach days.

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culture

rice-polak gallery, contemporary art in provincetown. one of the standout galleries on commercial street, with rotating exhibitions year-round.

cape cod museum of natural history, hands-on exhibits in brewster. interactive exhibits, marine life tanks, and nature trails. an easy morning when the family wants a break from the beach.

heritage museums + gardens, gardens and vintage cars in sandwich. 76 acres of gardens, a working carousel, and an antique car museum. something for every age.

pilgrim monument + museum, climb the tower in provincetown. the tallest all-granite structure in the u.s. climb 116 steps and 60 ramps to the top for sweeping views over provincetown and the cape.

cape cod museum of art, dedicated to local artists in dennis. a permanent collection of works by painters and sculptors who have lived or worked on the cape, with rotating exhibits throughout the year.

date night

chatham bars inn, live music starting at 5pm. take a cocktail to the lawn and settle in for the evening. 

water street kitchen, tiny but locally sourced. an intimate kitchen with everything sourced from the cape. book ahead.

wellfleet drive-in movies, classic outdoor cinema. bring blankets and snacks, settle in for a double feature under the stars.

cape cod winery, evening tastings in falmouth. sip a glass on the falmouth property's grounds

the pheasant, new england seafood that feels like the chef's kitchen. an intimate dining room with a menu that feels like the chef pulled you into the kitchen.

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insider

cross the sagamore bridge early to avoid traffic. backups start by mid-morning on summer weekends. plan to cross before 9am or after 7pm for the smoothest drive.

bayside beaches are calmer and warmer for little ones. warmer water, gentler waves, and tidal flats make the bay ideal for the youngest swimmers. save the atlantic side for older children.

late june through early september are peak family months. warmest water, busiest beaches, and the best stretches of weather. book stays well in advance.

rent bikes for the cape cod rail trail. most inns can arrange them, and shops along the trail rent by the day. no need to bring your own.

fly into boston and rent a car. the drive to chatham is about two hours. if you can find a direct flight into chatham airport, even better.