Where to Eat, Stay & Play When Doing Cape Cod On A Budget
Cape Cod is gorgeous in every season, but in summer, it really comes to life. Packed with tranquil beaches, decadent restaurants, quaint cottages and enough activities to fill an entire school vacation, the Cape is the place to be.
But, all good things come at a price, and Massachusetts' bicep-shaped penninsula can be mighty expensive this time of year! Luckily, Boston.com rounded up several affordable options for eating, lodging and enjoying a perfect day with the family!
Eat
Sesuit Harbor Café, Dennis
This clam shack serves award-winning lobster rolls, fresh, local catch and raw bar favorites with gorgeous views of Northside Marina and Cape Cod Bay. Prices range from $13.95 to $24.95 — significantly less than similar restaurants in the area.
The Canteen, Provincetown
P-town is a tourist favorite - and it shows in the prices! The Canteen is a surf-themed spot with a lovely outdoor bar and patio space. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner with popular items like the cod banh mi sandwich ($10) and the vegetarian-friendly mushroom “fish & chips’’ (fried mushrooms, fries, and slaw, $13.)
Cleat & Anchor, Dennisport
This restaurant/bar offers great specials, like fish tacos for $2.50 each on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Try the oddly delicious Clam Chowder Pizza ($14.95 for a 14-inch). Don't forget to wash it down with a craft beer on draft.
Stay
Santuit Inn, Mashpee
Located on the Mashpee-Cotuit line, this motel was recently renovated and even welcomes pets in two of their 19 rooms. It is situated just down the road from the shops and restaurants of Mashpee Commons and the tranquil beauty of Old Silver Beach. Midweek rates start at $109.
Wellfleet Motel & Lodge, Wellfleet
Located a short drive from the Cape Cod National Seashore and accessible to the Cape Cod Rail Trail, the $149 double room rate is a bargain for this simple, but clean motel.
Captain David Kelley House, Centerville
This upscale B&B is a mere 10-minute walk from Craigville Beach, and offers six guest rooms starting at $209 per weekday night in season (weekends, $219). The kids will love hearing the history of the 1835 sea captain’s home!
Play
Woods Hole Science Aquarium, Woods Hole
One of my personal favorite Cape Cod spots, the Woods Hole Science Aquarium is home to 140 species of ocean creatures - including adorable, chubby harbor seals! Kids can even touch some of the residents, including lobsters, quahogs, horseshoe crabs, sea stars, and more. Best of all, it's free!
Hokum Rock Blueberry Farm, East Dennis
This family-owned farm grows six varieties of blueberries and you can pick to your heart's content for just $4 per pint!
Lowell Holly Reservation, Mashpee
Explore the lovely forest surrounding Wakeby and Mashpee Ponds on Conaumet Neck. Keep your eyes peeled for gorgeous wildflowers, and massive birds of prey like eagles, osprey and hawks.