Looking for something to do? Try one of these off-the-beaten-path destinations on the Cape
Editor's note: Cape Cinema was removed from the list on May 25, 2024, because it is currently closed.
Cape Cod is New England's premier summer destination for sun, sand and surf.
But there's more to the Cape than its beaches, though those are certainly nice too.
There's history, art, culture and plenty of quirky places to discover along the Cape's 65 mile peninsula. If you - like the rest of Massachusetts - are heading to Cape Cod at some point this summer, here are four destinations you may not have heard of and that the guidebooks may not tell you about. Have fun!
Cape Cod beaches: Cape Cod Beach Guide 2024
Whydah Pirate Museum
Location: 674 MA-28, Yarmouth
Home to the only authenticated pirate treasure on exhibit in the world, the museum is named for the pirate ship of Captain Samuel Bellamy. The slave ship was captured near Cuba on its return to England by Bellamy and his crew. They then sailed it up the eastern coast of the United States, where it capsized in 1717 during one of Cape Cod's infamous nor'easters. The treasure, as well as about 200 other pirate artifacts, were collected in 1984 from the sunken wreck of the Whydah off the coast of Wellfleet and is currently the largest collection of pirate-related artifacts ever found on a single shipwreck.
Billingsgate Island
Location: Eastham
Do you have a nihilistic streak? Ever want to enjoy a picnic upon the ruins of a town that literally sunk below the waves? No? Well, it's also a bird sanctuary so there's that. A successful fishing community in the early 1800s, Billingsgate has become known as the 'Atlantis' of Cape Cod, though its fate is slightly less dramatic than the city of myth. The island began to disintegrate back into the ocean over the course of the century due to erosion from wind and water. This process was hastened by regular storms and flooding. The lighthouse had to be rebuilt at least five times before someone finally took the hint from Mother Nature's zoning commission and it was abandoned in 1915. Billingsgate had already been a ghost town for three years at that point. The island now completely submerged except for low tide, during which it's open for visits and the aforementioned picnics.
First Encounter Beach Plaque
Location: 20 Sherwood Road, Eastham
Everyone knows that the Mayflower landed on Cape Cod, where they founded the Massachusetts Bay colony of Plymouth Plantation, arguably laying the foundations for our country, etc. We also know they would not have lasted very long without help from the Native Americans. For the history buffs in your vacationing party, First Encounter Beach is an opportunity to stand at the very spot of what is believed to be the first meeting between the English pilgrims and members of the Nauset Tribe.
Curious Cape Cod: Maybe a missing monument?
Sandwich Glass Museum
Location: 129 Main Street, Sandwich
For about a hundred years, Sandwich was the glassmaking capital of the region. The factories provided all the ubiquitous glass products we can't live without such as light bulbs, lamp glass, drinking glasses, and vases. While the industry started to show some spiderweb cracks before shattering around the 1920s, its importance to the town and surrounding area has not been forgotten. The factory now serves as a museum, complete with glass blowing demonstrations and impressive glass sculptures.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: 4 off the beaten path things to do on Cape Cod this summer