Visiting Cape Cod in the Fall

Visiting Cape Cod in the Fall

Without question, summer on the Cape is one-of-a-kind. No matter which corner of the country or world you come from, bustling Cape Cod radiates a quintessential summertime experience.

 

But as we bid farewell to summer every year, and a cool breeze delivers the start of fall, us residents are reminded that the Cape’s best kept secret is alive and well: Autumn.

 
During the fall season, the Cape is truly magical and must be experienced in-person. If you’re visiting Cape Cod in the fall – whether for a romantic getaway or a family vacation – discover all that our vibrant peninsula has to offer. There’s something for everyone:
 

Things to Do on Cape Cod in September & October

Greet fall with open arms on the Cape with these fun and timeless activities:
 

View the Fall Foliage

 
The beauty of the fall foliage found on the Cape cannot be overstated. Lush summer greens turn to awe-inspiring hues of crisp yellows, warm oranges, bright reds, and soft browns.
 
As summer crowds shuffle out and a slower pace transforms the peninsula, one of the most relaxing and breathtaking things to do is walk among the illuminated fall trees.
 
The Upper Cape, in particular, has some of the best foliage since its forests are more mature. One of the most sought-after places to soak in the fall colors is at Beebe Woods in Falmouth.
 
With miles of extensive walking trails that cover varied terrain, you’re sure to catch stunning views of the Cape’s nature.
 
Since fall foliage never peaks at the exact same time each year, be sure to connect with us once your trip dates are set or when you arrive, and we can point you in the direction of other fall foliage destinations.
 

Get Active

 
For beach lovers.
Beach days in the fall? Absolutely! In September on Cape Cod, temperatures remain warm enough to enjoy ocean play. Even as cooler air arrives, the water remains swimmable for a few more weeks.
 
Autumn also delivers free parking at most beach spots, and with little to no vacationers left, there’s plenty of room to spread out and claim your own little section of the beach.
 
Want in on another little secret?Sunrises, sunsets, and intimate beach picnics on the Cape in the fall can really turn up the romance.
 
Since Woods Hole is essentially its own little peninsula, we’re surrounded by beautiful water and wide-open, sandy beaches. Let us know what kind of beach day you’re looking for and we can suggest a few of our neighboring coastlines.
 
For bike lovers.
Whether for speed or leisure, Cape Cod caters to all cyclists with dedicated bike paths, scenic byways, and mountain biking trails.
 
Arguably the most popular biking trails are the:

• Shining Sea Bikeway – a 10.7-mile paved pathway from the Steamship Authority ferry terminal in Woods Hole to North Falmouth.
• Cape Cod Rail Trail – a 25-mile paved pathway from South Dennis to Wellfleet.

 
Along the way on either route, you’ll get to marvel at the beautiful fall foliage, scenic outlooks and historical sites.
 
Don’t worry about bringing your own bike. Bikes can be rented along the trail.
 
For walking and running enthusiasts, you’re also welcome on these bikeways – along with a multitude of other trails on the Cape.
 
For golf lovers.
As if ideal weather conditions and beautiful, fall scenery weren’t enough to make you head for the greens, desired tee times are quite easy to get since most of the summer golfers have left for the season.
 
The Cape is home to more than two dozen public golf courses, with the Cape Club, just a short drive away.
 

Set Out on the Water

 
Catch the Ferry to Martha’s Vineyard
Woods Hole is an ideal location to experience several fall activities and destinations, especially if you have your heart set on visiting Martha’s Vineyard.
 
In just a short 45-minute ferry ride, you can be off and exploring the island’s harbor towns, lighthouses, beaches and farmland. With a multitude of ferry arrival and departure times every day, you can get back to Woods Hole quickly and on your own schedule.
 
Whale Watching.
There is nothing like seeing a whale crest the surface of the water and acknowledge your presence. This beloved spectacle extends through the beginning of October on the Cape. Don’t forget your camera to capture these sights and be sure to pack a raincoat to stay dry and warm.
 
Go Fishing
Local reefs are home to Black Sea Bass, Tautog, Bluefish, Striped Bass and our local specialty – giant “Gorilla” Bluefish.
 
There are several charters that will also take you out past Martha’s Vineyard into deeper waters where you might find Bluefin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna and White Marlin, Shark and more.
 
Kayak the Cape.
From guided tours, solo rentals, family outings, and kayak lessons, there’s a kayak option for you or your group – such as riding ocean surf, navigating rivers, or exploring secluded creeks. Come see parts of the Cape that are otherwise hidden when on land.
 
Take a Boat Tour of the Cape Cod National Seashore.
Along the way, you may get to see one of Cape Cod’s great treasures: herds of seals. They stay year-round, and since the summer waters are usually packed with boats, fall is the best time to get a good look at them enjoying the water or laying out on shores.
 

Experience the Festivals

 
Cranberry Bog & Festival.
Cranberries are an important commercial crop found across the Cape, and Harwich, MA, is home to the Cranberry Festival and the Cape Farm & Cranberry Company.
 
This company offers fun and educational guided experiences to learn about the tools and machines used to keep the bogs flourishing year-round. The farm also has animals, which you and your kids can visit after the tour.
 
The Cranberry Festival in Harwich is a two-day event packed with drinks, entertainment, and must-try food.
 
Wellfleet Oysterfest.
If you’re up for a drive, the Wellfleet Oyster Festival in Wellfleet, MA happens every October and is always an entertaining event. With music, artisan crafts, local beer, and an oyster shuck-off, this seasonal event celebrates the lifestyle and delicacies of the region.
 
Fall for the Arts Festival.
A month-long, Cape-wide event, this festival is free fun for the entire family. You can visit art galleries, theaters, museums, and attend children’s activities. Don’t miss out on the live entertainment, heritage walks, and guided art tours.
 

Pick from the Patch

 
In addition to visiting the cranberry bog, be sure to stop at one of the Cape’s pumpkin patches and apple orchards to meet your fall traditions and round out your autumn visit.
 
Coonamessett Farm
A short drive Northeast is Coonamessett Farm, where you can pick your own seasonal harvest. In the fall, Coonamessett Farm typically has peppers, tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, edible and decorative flowers and, of course, pumpkins. There are many more crops ready for harvesting, too.
 
After the kids pick their own pumpkin, be sure to visit the farm’s animals.
 
Tony Andrews Farm
In East Falmouth, you can catch hayrides and pick pumpkins, apples, and other seasonal fruits and vegetables. If you plan on visiting the Cape closer to Halloween, Tony Andrews Farm usually hosts a Halloween Kid’s Fest.
 

Soak Up All that Cape Cod Has to Offer this Fall by Staying Close to the Fun in Woods Hole

 
With an abundance of things to do, see, eat and explore in and around Woods Hole, your stay will be fun and convenient.
 
At the Sands of Time Inn and Harbor House, you will be within walking distance to dining and destinations – including a five-minute walk to the Martha’s Vineyard ferry and Nobska beach and lighthouse.
 
With two distinct styles of accommodations that overlook gardens and the blue waters of the harbor and Vineyard Sound, we try to cater to all vacation and stay preferences.
 
Call our office to learn more about our rooms and accommodations. We’d love to help you plan your fall stay.