Buggl.com. All Rights Reserved. CAPE COD: THE PERFECT FAMILY VACATION Beaches, museums, activities and more- Cape Cod has it all. Here are the top places to check out for the perfect family vacation. Mary Ware Traveler and Adventure Seeker
ABOUT US T HE BUGGL T EAM. We are a small team banded together to solve the major problems that exist around travel planning. We've lived in your shoes for years, trying to seek authentic and matched trip advice to no avail. Buggl was built as your vehicle to ride in every time you need inspiration about a place to go. OUR MISSION. Our goal is to give people a better opportunity to experience delightful life moments when they travel. This only happens when people begin to trust in one another and not on reviews or ratings of places online anymore. Bringing the life back to travel means pulling local people out of the shadows of those review sites and onto a place where they share their expertise on what they love to do in their location. It's only possible to travel well by harnessing the relationship between travelers and locals. Our aim is give everyone an equal chance to have beautiful trips. OUR ST ORY. This isn't a company. If you unraveled our DNA it would read like a passport stamped with ink from all over the world. We've each had unique and memorable experiences traveling down the street or around the world that have changed us as individuals and humans. If you've traveled like us, you know it's possible to grow as a person when you travel right. If you haven't traveled like us, this platform will give you the ability to do so. It's time to TRUST in other people again to help navigate you through the world.
ABOUT ME Mary Ware Traveler and Adventure Seeker Traveler Since 1998 Age 29 Interests and Activities travel, kayaking, hiking, and adventures of all sorts WHO AM I? I am a teacher, a writer, and an explorer at heart. I am happiest when I am able to lose myself in a new city and discover all of the fascinating hidden locations noticeable only to the curious eye. WHAT I KNOW ABOUT T RAVEL? I have studied, worked and lived in some pretty great places both in the US and abroad. Whether it be shark-cage diving in South Africa, or eating crickets in Thailand, I make it a point to always be planning my next great adventure. I enjoy finding secluded and lesser known areas, and experiencing cities from the local viewpoint.
OVERVIEW Coming to Cape Cod to lay on a beach is a great reason for a vacation. But for those people who seek a little more to do (or whose kids get bored easily) there is plenty to see and do that will keep everyone entertained. Here a few things to check out next time you are on the Cape.
LOCAL PERKS AND KNOWLEDGE When I decided to find a place to call home, Cape Cod was an easy choice. Living here year round allows me to enjoy all the natural beauty the Cape has to offer. With tons of outdoor activities, great places to eat and drink, and inspiring landscapes, Cape Cod is the perfect place to let yourself relax and enjoy vacation in a relaxed atmosphere. Though there are plenty of places to stay and visit if you are looking for a high-end vacation, the majority of the Cape has a casual vibe and during the summer almost everyone looks like they just came from the beach. So slow down, rent a bike, and take your time exploring the picturesque towns and villages that make Cape Cod famous.
LOCAL SECRETS
Cape Cod Baseball League See and Do http://www.capecodbaseball.org/ The Cape Cod Baseball League brings some of the premier collegiate talent to the field, ensuring that every game is a good one. Games are held at local field throughout the Cape (there are 10 teams, so easy to find one near you), and are completely FREE to attend. Bring a blanket or some lawn chairs for a comfortable grass level view of the game, and don't forget to have your kids bring a ball for the players to sign- their autograph may be worth quite a bit in the future! WHAT I L OVE AB OUT IT HERE Laid-back vibe & great ball play Make Your Trip Outdoor Easy-going Sports Sight seeing sports Park Family Fun
Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf See and Do 728 Main Street, S. Yarmouth, MA 02664 Good Detour Kids Active Fun Family Fun Cape Codders love their mini golf. This is by far the best course on the Cape, and it is easy to see why this was voted the "Best Family Attraction" for the state. With two 18-hole courses set against a dramatic pirate theme backdrop, this place is fun for the entire family, and is challenging enough for adults to enjoy as well. Be sure to go on Blackbeard's course for the best photo ops on the pirate ship, and look out for the button that shoots the water cannon at unsuspecting golfers. You can also ask for a treasure hunt scavenger hunt from the ticket office for extra fun while golfing. WHAT I LOVE AB OUT IT HERE Best mini-golf for both kids and adults
Woods Hole Science Aquarium See and Do 166 Water Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543 With 140 marine species, and exhibits set up to be both enjoyable and educational, this is a great place to visit on a rainy day. Kids can learn about the animals, watch the staff prepare food for feedings, and even see what some species feel like in the touch tank. Best part of all is that the aquarium is FREE, though donations are happily accepted. It is open Tuesday thru Saturday, year round, from 11am to 4pm. Plan your visit either right at opening of before closing to watch the seals being fed. WHAT I L OVE AB OUT IT HERE Worth a Peek Nature Kids Educational Museum Sight seeing Family Fun Kids love exploring in the touch tank
Cape Cod Rail Trail Make Your Trip Views Walks Biking Outdoor Adventure Relaxation See and Do Rte 134 in Dennis to LeCount Hallow Rd in Wellfleet The Cape Cod Rail Trail is famous for a reason- 22 miles of serene, smooth pathway winding from Dennis to Wellfleet. Perfect for biking, running and walking the dog, the Rail Trail is the perfect place to get active and relaxed at the same time. There are plenty of places to park (try the Salt Pond Visitors Center) and lots of great beaches and places to stop along the way. For lunch while on the trail, try some of the fried clams and ice cream at Cobie's in Brewster, located right off of the trail. Just follow the steady stream of bikers who make their way there for a snack. Cost: FREE WHAT I LOVE AB OUT IT HERE Biking and admiring the views
No Sticker Required: Beaches With Free Parking Offbeat Secret Cape Cod, MA Most beaches require resident stickers, but there are a few gems that do not. Be sure to arrive early as parking is limited and fills quickly. Top Free Beaches: Gray's Beach on Center St in Yarmouthport; Oyster Pond Beach on Stage Harbor Rd in Chatham; Mayo Beach on Kendrick Ave in Wellfleet is a great option for families as there is a playground across the street. Extra Stop: First Encounter in Eastham and Skaket Beach in Orleans are full of tide pools at low tide, when the water disappears almost completely. Go in the evening to avoid the fee and watch the sunset. Make Your Trip Sunset Free Parking Tide Pools Get Here Early WHAT I L OVE AB OUT IT HERE Trying out different beaches for free!
Cape Cod Potato Chip Factory See and Do 100 Breed's Hill Road, Hyannis, MA 02601 Worth a Peek Tours free Educational Family Fun Food This free and tasty self-guided tour is interesting (and quick) enough to provide an entertaining break while on vacation. There are lots of interesting facts about the process, and large windows provide a glimpse into the journey of a potato to becoming a bag of chips. You can even see exactly what farm the potatoes came from for that day. As a bonus, everyone that walks through the tour gets a free bag of Cape Cod potato chips. The factory is open for tours Monday thru Friday from 9am to 5pm. WHAT I LOVE AB OUT IT HERE Free chips at the end of the tour
Grumpy's: The best breakfast, if you can get in! Eat 1408 Rte 6A, East Dennis, MA 02641 Befriend a local, and you are likely to see a photo of a massive sized breakfast in a bare bones type of place come across their social media account. Grumpy's is the go to place for locals and the lucky ones who ask where to get a good breakfast (or lunch, but go for the breakfast). The line here proves its the place to go (there are typically people lined up out the door waiting for a seat), but it is well worth the wait. The amount of food and low prices can't be beat. Go where the locals go for breakfast, you certainly won't regret it. Make Your Trip Comfort Breakfast Lunch Affordable Families Restaurant WHAT I L OVE AB OUT IT HERE Best breakfast around at reasonable prices
Hidden Views of the Marshes on the Bay Make Your Trip Best View Free Parking Sunset Nature Walk Offbeat Secret Behind Drummer Boy Park, 773 Main St, Brewster, MA 02631 The Old Higgins Farm Windmill and playground are reason enough to visit Drummer Boy Park. For a surprise view, take a walk down the dirt path surrounding the field near the playground, and follow the thin path in the Northwest corner. Through the trees the path leads down to an expansive salt marsh, perfect for catching the sunset. The trail behind the Museum of Natural History down the road also leads to the bay, and overlooks Quivet Creek and Crowe's Pasture, the local favorite drive on beach in the area (accessible only by ORVs with permits). Swim across the creek to join the fun. WHAT I LOVE AB OUT IT HERE Walking path opens to gorgeous marsh and view
The Knob Offbeat Secret Path to the Knob, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA The Knob is the place to go for unparalleled views of Quissett Harbor and Buzzards Bay. Known only to locals and those lucky enough to figure out where it is, the two scenic trails leading to this rocky outpost make for a relaxing stroll. On top of The Knob you can see all the way to Rhode Island on a good day. Don't miss it! Directions: From Falmouth take Woods Hole Road south, and turn right on Quissett Harbor Road. Take that until the road ends near the harbor and park in one of the free spaces along the road. The entrance is tucked between the harbor and a private driveway, and is marked. WHAT I L OVE AB OUT IT HERE Make Your Trip Best View Easy Hike Sunset Only Locals Offbeat Nature Walk Incredible full view of Buzzards Bay
Kent's Point: A Dog Lover's Paradise Offbeat Secret Frost Fish Lane Good Detour Running Routes Dog Friendly Only Locals Conservation Area Hidden Beach During the summer locals have to take to the woods to walk their dogs since the beaches are mostly off limits. Kent's Point Conservation Area is a favorite, as it has gorgeous trails winding through the woods before opening onto Pleasant Bay. Though guidelines state dogs must be leashed, most owners let their dogs run free. There are even beaches to let both the dogs and humans play! Directions: From Rte 28 take a right on Monument Rd and a right on Frost Fish Lane. Don't let the bumpy dirt road discourage you. Follow the signs to the parking area and choose a trail from there. WHAT I LOVE AB OUT IT HERE Beautiful hike & lots of dogs to play with!
BEFORE YOU GO I. WHAT T O T AKE - If you are driving, bring your adventure gear (kayaks, bikes, etc), though it is easy to rent or buy everything you may need. - Pack a pair of sneakers so you are ready for all of the outdoor activities the Cape is known for. - A sweatshirt for the cooler evenings is a must. - Don't forget your camera and a pair of sunglasses for those days at the beach. II. GET T ING AROUND To get to most places on Cape, you'll need a car. However most towns and villages offer lots to see and do within walking or biking distance (Provincetown and Chatham are especially good for walking). The Cape Flyer train has become a quick way to get from Boston for a weekend-getaway, and Jet Blue has begun flying into Hyannis from NYC. There are buses that run in between the towns, and are a good option for those without a car. Rental bikes are available everywhere. III. MONEY AND T IPPING Credit/ debit cards are accepted practically everywhere, though you will need cash for parking at the National Seashore and for other pay-for-parking tourist hotspots.
IV. SAFET Y AND SECURIT Y Cape Cod is a safe and secure vacation destination. However, you should still take precautions while traveling as you would anywhere else. Be sure to lock your car before hitting the beach, and be aware that cops are everywhere, so watch your speed and don't drink & drive. V. USEFUL PHONE NUMBER, WEBSIT ES AND LOCAL APPS There are always events happening on the Cape, and the calendar at Cape Cod today has a daily list of things to do for those days where you need some inspiration. http://www.capecodtoday.com/calendar For a listing of 115 beaches visit the Cape Cod Chamber's website. Be sure to check out the individual towns' websites for beach parking rules and permits. Most beaches require a resident sticker, so biking is a great way to explore other towns' beaches. http://www.capecodchamber.org/beaches VI. Local Not es Avoid traveling over either the Bourne or Sagamore Bridges on the weekends if possible, and definitely don't go between 2-7pm on Sundays, when traffic is at its worst. If Rte 6 is backed up, take any exit north and catch Rte 6A for some relief. In fact, just take 6A anyways, it is a pretty drive with lots of great restaurants and shops along the way.