5 Best Things to do on Cape Cod in Winter
When you think of Cape Cod, perhaps you envision warm sunny days on the beach, hikes around the Salt Pond or dinner in a raw bar tasting the freshest oysters from local farmers. But what many do not realize is that Cape Cod in the winter offers all of the same and more…with fewer crowds and more layers of course. Pack your scarf, hat, and mittens, and check out our favorite things to do on Cape Cod in the fantastically quiet winter season.
Explore Nature
Cape Cod is known for its beautiful scenery and the best way to enjoy it is by inhaling the fresh air on foot or by bicycle. Walk around a salt pond in Beebe Woods, ride through the woods on the Cape Cod Rail trail or surround yourself with breathtaking views of the marshlands from the Shining Sea Bikeway which departs from our front doorstep. And if you love exploring Martha’s Vineyard, check out our favorites at Biking on MV. Gear up… nature awaits you and your bikes.
Galleries and Gardens
Cape Cod has a wonderful array of galleries and historical sites to visit. During the winter months, we recommend the Sandwich Glass Museum who host a variety of Glass Exhibits which “each new exhibit to better tell the story of the glass industry in Sandwich.” Also, don’t miss the 15th annual Holiday exhibition presented by the Highfield Hall and Gardens from November 26th to December 12th. Be sure to also check out Gardens Aglow with a spectacular celebration of holiday lights all over their extensive gardens, you will also find activities and much more to explore. Check out the Cape Cod Museum of Arts to experience Cape Cod’s finest artists capturing the epic landscape of the region.
Celebrate the Arts
Whether it is the musical art by Skylark Vocal Ensemble or theater arts at the Cotuit Centre for the Arts, all performing arts come alive on Cape Cod in the winter. Local talents, the Brazen Belles Burlesque group is also known to put on a show-stopping Winter Spectacular burlesque show. Check out performances December 16th-18th right in Falmouth. Falmouth Theatre Guild hosts a variety of live world-class musicals that are almost like a night on Broadway in the big city.
Beer, Wine & Unwind
Craft beers are known to blend perfectly with those cold New England evenings and Cape Cod is in the midst of a brewery explosion. Right here in Falmouth, we have two new breweries — a favorite from Martha’s Vineyard, Bad Martha Brewery in East Falmouth with tours of hopping new flavors for all beer lovers. Aquatic Brewery is also located nearby and brags the largest flights of beers that will warm you on those cooler evenings. Visit Tap Tasting to learn more about private and public craft beer tasting tours throughout the entire Cape. For wine lovers, on weekends there is the Cape Cod Winery serving over nine different delectable wines for weekend unwinding.
Shop til you Drop
There is nothing more exhilarating than finding that perfect gift, something local, unique, memorable and thoughtful. Falmouth Main Street delivers on unique shopping with its variety of locally curated stores and restaurants. Check out Twigs for scarves, jewelry, and home decoration or Green Eyed Daisy, Lilly and Maxwell & Co for incredible clothes. Don’t leave Main Street without a stop at Maison Villatte, an authentic French bakery renowned for bread and pastries.
Shopping continues in Woods Hole, home to the local eclectic gift shop Inlet. With beautifully hand-thrown Seafoam clay mugs, trendy Salty T’s by Artichoke and acclaimed KJP jewelry hand-crafted right here in New England, you will not be disappointed in your decision to drive a few extra minutes to Woods Hole.
Cape Cod is alive and well in the wintertime, and Falmouth is a great place to visit for off-season fun on the snowy beach!