The Outer Cape has beautiful beaches, but it also has so much to do without even stepping foot in the water. The towns of Wellfleet, Eastham and Truro (to name a few) have lots of options like biking, theater, bird and animal watching, art galleries, shopping and delicious food!
The Outer Cape feels less touristy and more like an escape into nature with the big waves on the ocean side, high-reaching sand dunes on the bay side and laid back atmosphere throughout the town centers. We selected the top 13 things to visit on the Outer Cape below based on what they uniquely have to offer and our own personal experiences.
They should all be added to your bucket list!
Originally Published: January 13, 2022
Top 13 Things to Do on the Outer Cape:
Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
Mass Audubon is the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England. Wellfleet Bay provides peace and unmatched beauty on the hillsides and shoreline overlooking Wellfleet Harbor. They offer many trails that bring you to a panoramic salt marsh, sandy barrier beach, and pine woodlands, each attracting a wide array of wildlife. There is also an award-winning “green” nature center with numerous exhibits and aquariums.
Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre
The fun family entertainment complex features Cape Cod’s ONLY drive-in theatre, with First-run Double features on the 100′ screen every summer night!
PJ’s (Wellfleet)
Fresh local seafood, burgers, salads, homemade items, including onion rings, clam chowder and crab cakes. They offer all the local favorites here!
Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater
The Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater offers several plays and musicals each summer. Check out their website for all the offerings!
Highland Light (North Truro)
The Highland Lighthouse is owned by the National Park Service as part of Cape Cod National Seashore. They offer guided tours and have a Highland Light Museum Store to check out. The United States Coast Guard operates the light itself. They also have an online store to shop, where your purchase supports the parks!
Left Bank Gallery (Wellfleet + Orleans)
Established in 1971, Left Bank Gallery is spacious with a continuously rotating collection of paintings from lyrical abstract to “plein air” realism. Acting on the idea that art should be part of our living environments, owner Audrey Sherwin Parent pairs canvases and sculptures with functional ware for the home.
Idle Times Bike Shop (Eastham, Orleans + Wellfleet)
Idle Times Bike Shop is a full service bike shop with four locations offering individual bike rentals and group rentals.
ARTichoke (Eastham)
ARTichoke offers their own unqiue designs, hand pulled on some of the softest garments available. The Beachy-Boho boutique also has a wide variety of fun products including jewelry, beauty products, home goods, sunglasses and art. This shop is one you must check out in this area. Their items are truly unique and amazing quality.
Moby Dick’s (Wellfleet)
Since 1983 Moby Dick’s has been THE Cape Cod seafood restaurant for friends and families to eat and have a good time. They take the New England clam shack to a new level, offering you and your family a great experience, and the freshest and best seafood on Cape Cod. Moby’s is BYOB.
The Frying Pan Gallery (Wellfleet)
The Frying Pan Gallery was opened in 2009 in a 100 year old oyster shack on Wellfleet Harbor that had previously been boarded up for over 50 years. The gallery is curated and run by Steve Swain and his wife, local musician Sarah. They are passionate about creating a welcoming art space that features the work of Steve and the 20+ local artists; painters, jewelers, ceramicists, photographers and glass artists.
Jewelry Studio of Wellfleet
Handcrafted silver and gold jewelry made in their Wellfleet workshop, featuring beautiful gemstones, native oyster pendants, and original designs. Visit the shop and studio, open year-round, and see how they make their handcrafted jewelry!
Maurice’s Campground (Wellfleet)
Enjoy staying in a beautiful pine woods with the touch of an ocean breeze. Whether you rent a cottage, pitch a tent, or bring your trailer, Maurice’s offers the total Cape Cod Nature experience. Maurice’s is nestled next to the National Seashore. Crystal clear ponds and world renowned bay and ocean beaches are minutes away.
Flying Fish (Wellfleet)
Just around the corner from downtown Wellfleet, The Flying Fish restaraunt has served delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner for over ten years. The Flying Fish offers bistro-style dining highlighting local seafood, burgers, and Caribbean flavors. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in a recently refurbished charming dining room. They also have an outdoor patio!
Comments are closed.