(continuer en français) – Last updated: July 13, 2022
Cape Cod as you imagine it. Beaches, pontoons, holiday homes, all the ingredients to find peace and quiet in the sun and by the water.
Cape Cod, forms a large comma that punctuates Boston Bay.
For a long time, wealthy families from Boston and even New York have owned family holiday homes here. This established the reputation of the peninsula, placing it in the places to be seen.
The houses follow the New England style, with their walls covered with wood shingles and the frames of the openings providing a counter-touch of colour. They offer a simple appearance while the interior can be a luxurious maritime inspired design.
Hyannis
The small town of Hyannis is considered the “capital” of Cape Cod with about 20,000 inhabitants and many businesses, although administratively it is only a part of the town of Barnstable.
Hyannis’ attraction lies in its large harbour, which is the closest point of departure to the island of Nantucket, also with connections to the island of Martha’s Vineyard.
Hyannis also plays on its links with the Kennedy family, several of them made it their second home. The old town hall houses a small museum with a statue of the 35th American president in front of it.
Harwich
Harwich is a typical small Cape Cod community, with many small harbours in each indentation of the coastline facing the Atlantic. The population is estimated at over 12,000, but there are also many second homes.
Chatham
Off the coast of Chatham, shoals make navigation particularly dangerous, and since 1806 a lighthouse has been warning boats of the danger. Today, a Coast Guard station accompanies the lighthouse.
By the roadside, one of the many shops taking advantage of the presence of secondary residents looking for typical objects to decorate their homes.
Orleans
Jonathan Young’s mill was built around 1720 and has been maintained with its original equipment ever since. It was moved to its present site to provide a more pleasant setting for visitors.
Truro
As early as 1797 a tower was installed to warn ships of the peninsula ahead of the main coast. The present Highland Lighthouse dates from 1857 and is still in use, although its light system has evolved over time, and it can be visited during part of the year.
Provincetown
At the very end of the 62-mile, 100-kilometre road through Cape Cod there is this charming town. The 3,000 permanent residents can accommodate up to 60,000 people for a summer weekend, prevented from going any further. A bit like the passengers of the Mayflower in 1620, whose journey stopped at the sandbanks of Cape Cod. Their first stop was this point, which became Provincetown. After a few weeks they crossed the bay to settle in Plymouth.
The Pilgrim’s Tower honours them and stands much taller than the town’s steeples.
The main street is a string of shops aimed primarily at tourists.
In the perpendicular alleys, many houses accommodate visitors.
Apart from the tourist activity, Provincetown remains an active port, whether for fishing or ferry traffic to Boston and Plymouth.
And then there is the endless spectacle of the waterfront.
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Lookoom 
Beautiful selection of photos that shows all that this area has to offer. Looks like a great place to explore and relax.
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All this is true, as well as being linked to American history. It was a real delight to look for good photo opportunities.
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It’s amazing how much there is to Cape Cod! I’ve been there twice and yet most of your photos and tales were of places I haven’t seen. Thanks for sharing!
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and I’m sure I haven’t seen everything either 🙂
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I went to Cape Cod a very long time ago. It’s hard to remember, so time to see it again!
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I’m glad I gave you a pre-view before you had a chance to return.
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This looks a lovely place to visit!
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In addition to being a nice place to visit, it is also a place that is part of American history.
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Great post of life in simpler times. We have never been there, but managed a trip to Bar Harbour, Maine, once. The summer homes there were three times the size of a normal home and were evidence of the value that city dwellers put on getting away from it all. Thanks for sharing. Have a great Sunday. Allan
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I also went to Mount Desert Island, this unknown part of Acadia. It’s true that you can find these big houses of wealthy families, which was the vocation of the island at some point. Even if these big houses are sometimes difficult to see, it makes a subject of curiosity, and of dreams, like for Cape Cod.
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Thanks for the nice overview of the area. It’s an area that I haven’t yet visited. You’ve made me remember that I am not yet done touring the United States.
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You will be easily forgiven, there is so much to see in the States. On the New England coast, Cape Cod is an area with a strong identity.
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I have such fond memories of my time at Cape Cod. My husband used to live in Boston for a few years for work and we would go quite often during the summer. I love the sandy shores and dunes, New England style houses, and all the hydrangeas.
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It was a chance to explore this dream region in more detail. It is indeed an endearing region with its own character.
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amazing place thanks for sharing all your fantastic photos of it.
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This is one of those places where finding good photo opportunities is so rewarding.
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Provincetown is on my list the next time. Cape cod looks beautiful, and so historic.
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There may be a few too many visitors in Provincetown, but the rest of Cape Cod is large enough to find quiet spots.
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