Spring is a beautiful time to visit Cape Cod, with the flowers blooming, the weather warming up, and the crowds thinning out. There are plenty of things to do on Cape Cod during this season, whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or just looking for a relaxing vacation. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the top things to do on Cape Cod during spring.

1. Explore the Cape Cod National Seashore

The Cape Cod National Seashore is a beautiful and unique destination, with over 40 miles of sandy beaches, towering sand dunes, and picturesque lighthouses. Spring is a great time to explore the seashore, as the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller than during the summer months.

One of the most popular activities at the seashore is hiking. There are several trails that wind through the dunes and along the coast, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape. Some of the most popular trails include the Fort Hill Trail, the Province Lands Trail, and the Nauset Marsh Trail.

Another great way to explore the seashore is by bike. There are several bike trails that run through the park, including the Cape Cod Rail Trail, which stretches for 22 miles from South Dennis to Wellfleet. Biking is a great way to see the park at your own pace and to explore some of the more remote areas that are difficult to reach by car.

2. Visit the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History

The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History is a great destination for families and nature lovers. The museum features exhibits on the natural history of Cape Cod, including displays on local wildlife, geology, and ecology. There are also interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for kids, making it a fun and educational destination for the whole family.

One of the most popular exhibits at the museum is theButterfly House. This outdoor exhibit features dozens of species of butterflies and moths that are native to Cape Cod. Visitors can walk through the exhibit and observe the butterflies up close as they flutter around the flowers and plants.

The museum also offers guided nature walks and educational programs throughout the spring season. These programs cover a range of topics, from birdwatching to marine ecology, and provide visitors with the opportunity to learn more about the natural world around them.

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3. Take a Whale Watching Tour

Spring is a great time to go whale watching on Cape Cod, as the whales are migrating back to the area after spending the winter in warmer waters. Several companies offer whale watching tours from various locations on the Cape, including Provincetown, Barnstable, and Hyannis.

During a whale watching tour, visitors have the opportunity to see several species of whales, including humpback whales, fin whales, and minke whales. Some tours also encounter other marine life, such as dolphins, porpoises, and seals. The tours are led by experienced guides who provide educational commentary on the whales and the surrounding ecosystem.

4. Visit the Cape Cod Lavender Farm

The Cape Cod Lavender Farm is a beautiful and unique destination that is open to the public from late May through early July. The farm features over 4,000 lavender plants, as well as several other varieties of herbs and flowers. Visitors can stroll through the fields and gardens, taking in the sights and scents of the flowers.

In addition to the fields and gardens, the farm also has a gift shop that sells a variety of lavender products, including soaps, candles, and essential oils. There is also a picnic area where visitors can relax and enjoy a picnic lunch among the flowers.

5. Explore the Cape Cod Rail Trail

The Cape Cod Rail Trail is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering 22 miles of paved bike trail that winds through continue some of the most picturesque parts of the Cape. The trail follows the path of an old railroad line, and passes through several quaint towns, including Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, and Wellfleet.

Along the way, visitors can enjoy stunning views of salt marshes, cranberry bogs, and ponds. The trail also passes by several historic landmarks, including the Stony Brook Grist Mill and the Old Eastham Windmill.

Biking the Cape Cod Rail Trail is a great way to get some exercise while taking in the natural beauty of the area. There are several bike rental shops located along the trail, making it easy to rent a bike for a day or a week.

6. Visit the Heritage Museums & Gardens

The Heritage Museums & Gardens is a beautiful 100-acre museum and garden complex located in Sandwich, Massachusetts. The museum features several exhibits on American history and culture, including a collection of antique cars and a display on the history of the American military.

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In addition to the exhibits, the Heritage Museums & Gardens also has several gardens that are open to the public during the spring season. These gardens feature a variety of flowers, shrubs, and trees, including a collection of rhododendrons and azaleas that bloom in late May and early June.

Visitors can also take a ride on the Heritage Museums & Gardens' vintage carousel, which features hand-carved wooden horses and a Wurlitzer band organ.

7. Attend the Cape Cod St. Patrick's Parade

The Cape Cod St. Patrick's Parade is a fun and festive event that takes place every year on the second Saturday in March. The parade features marching bands, floats, and colorful costumes, as well as traditional Irish music and dance.

The parade begins at the Bass River Sports World in South Yarmouth and winds its way through several towns before ending in West Yarmouth. Thousands of visitors flock to the Cape to attend the parade, making it one of the biggest events of the spring season.

8. Explore the Cape Cod Canal

The Cape Cod Canal is a man-made waterway that runs through the center of the Cape, connecting Cape Cod Bay to Buzzards Bay. The canal is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and cycling.

The canal also has several walking paths that are open to the public, offering stunning views of the waterway and the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also take a tour of the canal aboard the Cape Cod Canal Sightseeing Boat, which provides an informative and scenic tour of the canal and its history.

9. Visit the Pilgrim Monument

The Pilgrim Monument is a historic monument located in Provincetown, Massachusetts. The monument was built to commemorate the landing of the Pilgrims in Provincetown in 1620.

Visitors can climb the 116 steps to the top of the monument, where they can enjoy panoramic views of Provincetown and the surrounding area. The monument also has a museum on the ground floor that features exhibits on the history of the Pilgrims and their landing in Provincetown.

10. Take a Ferry to Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket

Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket are two beautiful islands located off the coast of Cape Cod. Both islands are known for their stunning beaches, charming towns, and unique attractions.

During the spring season, several ferry companies offer daily service to both islands from several locations on the Cape, including Hyannis and Falmouth. Visitors can take a day trip to explore the islands or stay overnight in one of the many hotels or bed and breakfasts.

Conclusion

Spring is a beautiful and exciting time to visit Cape Cod, with plenty of activities and attractions to suit every interest. Whether you're looking to explore the natural beauty of the area, learn about the region's history and culture, or simply relax on the beach, Cape Cod has something to offer everyone.

From exploring the Cape Cod Rail Trail to visiting the Heritage Museums & Gardens, attending the St. Patrick's Day Parade, and taking a ferry to Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket, there are plenty of things to do and see on Cape Cod during the spring season.

So why not plan a trip to Cape Cod this spring? With so much to offer, it's sure to be a memorable experience.