Hydrangeas, lobster rolls, endless days, hot sand, beach grass, rolling dunes, and cotton candy skies…there is nothing like summer in New England. Waking to the sound of crashing waves and falling asleep after a long day in the sun beneath a candied colored sunset is magic…it’s nostalgic, and what childhood memories are made of. I cannot think of a better way to spend the summer than body surfing over the waves, skim boarding, fishing, and immersing yourself in nature’s playground. Where the rocks water’s edge make for the perfect Floor is Lava game, where you feel the excitement watching the fishermen roll in with the day’s catch, where finding the perfect rock to skip and counting “3…4…5!” as your rock bounds up and down off the surface of the bay, and where life slows down and feels simpler. Cape Cod encapsulates all of this, and more. I am excited to share my favorites with you…where to stay, eat and explore in a 3 day Cape Cod family adventure covering upper to lower Cape.
Where to Stay
After going over the bridge onto the Cape, Falmouth is one of the first charming towns that welcomes you. I love this location as you can arrive at your resort without muscling through summer traffic. North Falmouth is one of my favorite towns as it is tucked away in a quiet coastal town perfect for families. With tidal pools, calm waters and arguably one of the best main streets on the Cape, the unpretentious, down to earth vibe of this historic town makes you feel like a warm hug.
We have stayed at Sea Crest Beach Resort for several consecutive years and I would highly recommend it. To start, hydrangeas flank the front of this resort giving the quintessential Cape Cod feel before even entering the doors. Directly across from the main entrance, you will find a fire pit flanked by robins egg blue Adirondack chairs. This, the perfect setting to start or end an evening. As you walk in the main doors, you are greeted with a nautical themed welcome and gathering area as you excitedly await your check in and room key.
It’s not until you step outside that your breath will be taken away. With an outdoor pool overlooking your own private beach, a restaurant with panoramic water views, an indoor pool directly next to the outdoor pool for those who need a break from the sun, and an ice cream shop, this is a family’s paradise. I also have to admit that I am somewhat of a sand snob. Pebbly sand, in my opinion, just doesn’t cut it. Sea Crest Beach Resort steps onto white, powdery sand as if you have been transported to the Caribbean.
Check out this family friendly resort,off the beaten path, to find the best deals!
https://expedia.com/affiliates/north-falmouth-hotels-sea-crest-beach-hotel.STmP6RS
Check out today’s deals on my favorite hotel on the Cape!
https://expedia.com/affiliates/north-falmouth-hotels-sea-crest-beach-hotel.STmP6RS
Day 1 Itinerary
After checking in to the resort, relaxation is key on Day 1. Take a dip in the pool, while taking in the landscape of the rolling water views and meticulously manicured homes aloft the waters edge. Seep your toes into the white powdery sand, throw a frisbee or bump the volleyball with the kids, and cool off with a plunge in the water. You could spend hours being together at this resort.
After a sun kissed day on the beach, head out to Shipwrecked in Falmouth for dinner. This restaurant is perfect for families and has something to eat for all of my picky eaters. The nachos and burgers are fantastic! What’s even better is the view! With panoramic windows overlooking Falmouth Heights Beach, this sets the perfect backdrop to experience dusk rolling into the night sky. What’s even better is, if you have to wait for a table, you can walk or relax on the beach. When traveling on the Cape, we prefer traveling on the winding, scenic roads through coastal towns and beach side villages. This way, you get a laid back, local feel. For this reason, we avoid traveling route 6 as much as possible.
Day 2 Itinerary
Day 2 is chock full but feel free to spread these favorites out if it is too much.
- Head to the Pickle Jar Kitchen in Falmouth for breakfast. Cozy and quaint vibes emanate from this restaurant with coral colored chairs embracing outdoor dining, or rustic tables flanking windows indoors. From French Toast to eggs, gluten free options to coffee, this restaurant made everyone happy. Oh, and check out the moose themed coffee creamer…it was a favorite for my youngest!
- Walk down Main Street for the nostalgic Cape Cod feel. Colorful flowers lace through Main Street with historic Cape Cod architecture and delights behind every store front. Grab a coffee to go from the Pickle Jar for your stroll.
- Once you have walked to the end of Main Street, you will find the best shop for your Cape Cod sweatshirts, “Cape Cod Sweats and Tee’s Outlet Shop.“ The prices are the best around and the staff are so friendly and down to earth. We will be stopping here on every trip!
- Before leaving Main Street, stop into the best French Bakery around…”Maison Villatte”. Located just a few doors down from “Cape Cod Sweats and Tee’s Outlet Store” this gem has your perfect treat to enjoy as you drive to your next destination. We went in for coffee and left with a sleeve of macrons and a tray of tarts! Get some sandwiches to eat for lunch on the go!
- Drive to the Kennedy Compound in Hyannis Port. While the grounds are difficult to see from the car, the homes and water views are stunning. If you are looking for a more in depth viewing and history, head over to the JFK Hyannis Museum, where you can walk the Kennedy Legacy Tour (a self guided tour).
- Next, head over to Grays Beach in Yarmouth Port. This is a gem for families as it has a small playground and picnic area. The seesaw was a favorite as it is a 4 seater (yes, even the adults fit😂). After playing, take a nature walk through the woods and over the wooden bridge crossing the marsh. The path was magical. Next, walk out onto the boardwalk. This boardwalk covers the expanse of salt water marshes. Look for crabs in the shallow waters, listen to the rustle of beach grass and read the names on each plank of wood on the expanse of boardwalk. If you time it right, you can see incredible sunsets from the end of the boardwalk. This peaceful location feels like a hidden gem that only locals know about. This is the place for core memories to be made.
- Next, head over to Chatham. Here, white picket fences meet salt weathered shingles. It’s not just Main Street that is magical, it’s the meandering roads lining the water with hydrangeas around every corner. Start your journey walking down Main Street as there are 2 shops that are a must for kids. The first is “Ducks in the Window.” Every kid, young and old, will want a rubber duck to commemorate their vacation. The ducks are very reasonably priced are give the kids a perfect reminder of their vacation once tucked back at home.
- The second must see shop in Chatham is “Chatham Candy Manor.” This candy store exudes the charm of an old fashioned candy store, and combines a math lesson all in one as the kids weigh their candy. If you give them a certain weight they can get in candy, this ends up being a fun activity! The kids and adults are happy here! The butter crunch and fudge at the chocolate counter is the best! Take the candy with you to munch on at your next destination!
- Walk (or drive) over to Chatham Lighthouse. The walk is about 1/2 mile. The Chatham Lighthouse is iconic and is opposite Chatham Lighthouse Beach. This expansive beach is the perfect backdrop for a walk or to relax while you eat your candy! This is the perfect spot to spot a seal as well. Funny story😂… while on the beach, a group of about 7-8 were filming the water. Naturally, I expected they were filming something magical in the water. I looked to where their cameras faced and saw something gliding through the water. Excited, I yelled “a seal!!” This “seal” then adjusted its position looking as though the seal was waving. To which I declared, “it’s waving at us!!!” Quietly, my mom whispered “it’s a seagull.” I’m sure I am now a meme out there…”it’s a seal😂😂😂!” Moral of the story… make sure you know what you are looking at before yelling it out for all to hear, lol!
- After a fun filled day, head back to Falmouth and eat at Liam Maguire’s Irish Pub. The food is fantastic (the “pie” on the specials menu was out of this world! Like a Sicilian pizza married a Chicago style pizza with a hint of Guinness in the sauce…amazing!), and the mood, lively. Live Irish music, warm and welcoming staff and families lining several tables make this a perfect family experience.
- Head back to the hotel for a night swim n the pool before turning in for the night
Day 3 Itinerary
Waking to water views at the Sea Crest Beach Resort sets the stage for the perfect day. After taking in the view, head out for breakfast.
- Head to Captain Baker’s Donuts in West Dennis for a breakfast that your kids will talk about for years to come. First of all, you are greeted by the cutest red building that looks like an old school house meets a red barn. Upon walking inside, you will see a plethora of donut options displayed. You start your experience by designing your perfect donut, whether it is a teenage mutant ninja turtle doughnut, a fluffernutter doughnut, a maple bacon, doughnut, etc. Once you pick out your donut design, you can watch them make the donuts in front of you. This is not only a fun experience for the kids, but I also love all the options that they offer in terms of dye free glaze, dye free sprinkles, and gluten and vegan options. If donuts are not your thing, you can get a mouthwatering, bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich and delicious iced coffees. This is a must stop on every visit to the Cape. They also have a very cute outside area with colorful tables to eat your delicious treats on.
- After eating breakfast, head over to Mayflower Beach in Dennis. Dennis is another one of my favorite towns on the Cape. Starting with the street signs, charm exudes this small, family friendly town. The street signs look like they have been plucked straight off of a seaside picket fence and hand painted with attractions in each direction… ice cream this way, beach that way. Dennis reminds me of a quiet pocket of the Cape untouched by time. The parking lot for Mayflower Beach is small so you’ll have to time your arrival just right. First thing in the morning or in the late afternoon when other beachgoers are packing up are perfect times to visit Mayflower Beach. As you walk over the dunes, you are greeted by white powdery sand and turquoise water. It’s as if you have stepped into the Caribbean without leaving New England. During low tides, the kids can explore the extensive tidal flats, searching for hermit crabs, minnows, and building sand castles. During high tide, the water is warm and calm and perfect for kids to swim and families to relax.
- After a day at the beach, head to Twin Acres Ice Cream Shoppe in Sandwich,MA. Twin acres is set on park like grounds with flowering trees and bushes and is the perfect place to stretch your legs and run around after having an ice cream. They have a ton of options with flavors that would meet everyone’s liking. From sundaes to milkshakes, sherbet to sorbet everyone will be happy here.
- After stopping for ice cream, head to the new boardwalk in Sandwich, MA. This boardwalk is about a quarter of a mile long and stretches over marshes and beach grass. For kids, this is an adventure path. Kids can look down to see crabs, they can look up to see egret nests. The boardwalk is flat and perfect for strollers if you have little ones and want to get a view of the beaches as well. This grand Boardwalk leads to another beautiful Bayside beach. The rocks directly across from where the boardwalk releases you onto the beach is a perfect setting for a great floor is lava game!
And just like that three days on Cape Cod come to a close. If Cape Cod is not on your bucket list, it is definitely a place to add. New England charm meets coastal historic beachside towns… a quintessential New England experience. While, the three days are over, the memories that you leave for your family will last forever. They will forever share the stories of hot sandy toes, exploration, adventure, and lots of ice cream for years to come.
🩷 Always,
Shannan
