Massachusetts - Cape Cod Attractions

Settled in 1639, Barnstable became a coastal trade center and is now a popular resort area.

Popular bathing beaches on Cape Cod are Scusset Beach, at the north entrance to Cape Cod Canal; Old Silver Beach on the south-west coast (Buzzard's Bay); Craigville Beach and West Dennis Beach on the south.

Bourne is a gateway community to Cape Cod, first settled in 1640 and incorporated in 1884. The Cape Cod Canal runs through the center of the town and is a popular fishing area.

Aptucxet Trading Post Museum is a re-creation of the 1627 trading post built by the pilgrims to encourage trade with the Dutch of New Amsterdam and with the Wampanoag Indians. Some of the items traded between the three groups include sugar, tobacco, textiles and furs. Items were bartered or bought using the Indian shell currency called wampum at the Aptucxet Trading Post. There are 17th century furnishings as well as a 1000 year old rune stone with the inscription "God Gives Us Light Abundantly".

The Briggs-McDermott House is a Greek Revival style home, built in 1802 and furnished in the 1840 - 1910 period. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Briggs-McDermott House was used as a blacksmith shop and shoed horses such as President Grover Cleveland's.

Built between 1909 and 1914 to shave off around 135 miles of traveling distance, the Cape Cod Canal divides the peninsula from the mainland. It is 17.5 miles (28 km) long, 500 feet (152 meters) wide and has a minimum depth of 30 feet (9 meters). There is a recreational area near the canal with paved biking and walking trails.

Centerville, on Nantucket Sound, offers boating, beachcombing and swimming opportunities.

The Centerville Historical Museum, begun in 1952, features permanent and changing exhibits related to the history of the area. The house was built in 1840 and houses 14 rooms of exhibits that include costumes, maritime artifacts, toys and dolls as well as decorative arts and quilts.

Chatham is a small village on the southeast tip of Cape Cod with a scenic beach opposite a lighthouse. The town offers fishing opportunities. The old rail depot has been transformed into a simple rail museum.

The Atwood house was built in 1752 and occupied by the Atwood family until 1926. The house remains virtually unchanged and is furnished with collections of furniture, paintings, glassware, china, tools, manuscripts and other artifacts from the 18th and 19th century.

Sightseeing boats offer visitors an opportunity to see seals in their natural habitat.

The Cahoon Museum of American Art is housed in a 1775 Georgian style house; the former home and studio of artist Ralph Cahoon. The primary focus of the gallery is the works of Ralph and Martha Cahoon but also features other permanent and changing exhibits such as Ralph Blakelock, William Bradford, James Buttersworth, Alvan Fisher, and Levi Wells Prentice.

East Sandwich is the site of one of the largest glass factories during the 19th century.

The Nye Family Homestead was built by Benjamin Nye in 1669. The original house was a small structure but several additions made it the saltbox shape that stands today. On display in the house are many antique items and period furnishings. Hand woven sheets, a Revolutionary period gun and spinning wheels are some of the items in the Nye Family Homestead that allow a glimpse into the past.

Harwich combined with North, South, East, and West Harwich, as well as Harwich Port and Pleasant Lake, make up the area known as the Harwiches. The town is a popular tourist destination offering recreational opportunities such as fishing, scuba diving, and other water activities.

The Cape Cod Children's Museum is an interactive museum with hands-on exhibits geared to children. There is an indoor planetarium, a pirate ship, a puppet theater and a toddler play area.

This small town, South Wellfleet, has a 1,000 acre nature preserve that is home to a wildlife sanctuary. There are many hiking trails, cruises and guided tours.

Truro is a popular fishing area and stop-off for those traveling U.S. 6.

The Highland House is home to the Truro Historical Society Museum. Items on display in the house include local historical artifacts, farming equipment, whaling gear and a pirate's chest.

Wellfleet was once a leading oyster producing port in New England, now a quiet summer retreat.

West Barnstable is home to the oldest Church meeting building, built in 1717.

The Zooquarium is located in West Yarmouth.

The Zooquarium features a petting zoo and aquarium, with a small collection of domestic animals.

Woods Hole is a center for oceanographic research.