Since 1620, Cape Cod has been a famous destination for travelers from all over the world. Whether they were fleeing religious persecution, savage seas, or crowded cities, "The Cape", as it is referred in and around Boston, has come to symbolize a better way of life for so many people over the years.
With its mild climate, unique character, charming towns and diverse beaches, "The Cape" is a must visit region of New England. The following information and links should assist you in planning an RV & Camping vacation you will never forget.
Description/Facts
Cape Cod, originally a peninsula and now a man made island, was formed from glacial deposits during former ice ages and is located in Southeastern, Massachusetts. It extends 35 miles into the Atlantic Ocean and has a width of 1 - 20 miles. Because the cape extends into the Gulf Stream, its climate is moderate compared to the rest of New England.
The cape's favorable climate, scenic beauty, and proximity to the Eastern Seaboard's major urban areas have made it one of the country's premier tourist and vacation destinations. The 15 towns, plus Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard and Plymouth help make up the unique character and charm of the region.
You'll find miles of warm-water beaches, fantastic saltwater fishing, hiking and biking trails, first-class camping facilities, challenging golf courses, and much more on the Cape.
Driving Distances:
Between Hyannis, Cape Cod, and:
Boston, MA 71 miles
Hartford, RI 160 miles
New Haven, CT 177 miles
New York City 255 miles
Philadelphia, PA 351 miles
Providence, RI 75 miles
Sturbridge, MA 105 miles
Weather:
Because Cape Cod lays offshore New England, swaddled in both cold and warm waters, its weather is unique to the region. In winter, it is warmed by the ocean and, in summer, it is cooled by those same waters. It is rare during even the most sultry summer day for there not to be a cooling ocean breeze. Similarly, when the balance of New England is painted white by snow, a true snowfall is rare on Cape Cod.
Normal temperature in January: 28.4° F
Normal temperature in July: 70.4° F
Normal annual precipitation: 43.9
Peninsula to Island
Originally, Cape Cod was a peninsula until 1914 when the Army Corps of Engineers completed the 17.5 mile long, 480" wide Cape Cod Canal joining Buzzards Bay with Cape Cod Bay, creating a completely separate land mass from the mainland.
Industry
Cape Cod has a diverse economic make-up. Of course, leading the way is travel and tourism, commercial fishing, and agriculture (cranberry bogs). Since the 1990 US Census, the Cape has seen a dramatic growth in population as large numbers of people are retiring there.
Places to Camp
Here are a few of our favorite campgrounds located in the region.
Peters Pond Park
Boston/Plymouth KOA
Sandy Pond Campground
Cape Cod Campground
Martha's Vineyard Family Campground
Things To Do
Whether you want to enjoy the natural wonders or spend your time visiting museums and shops in the charming towns, Cape Cod has something for everyone. Here are some ideas:
Outdoor Enthusiasts
Beaches (Over 500 miles of shoreline)
Golf (Over 40 Golf Courses)
Fishing (Summer & fall offers some of the best saltwater fishing in the U.S.)
Island Hopping (Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard are just a ferry trip away)
Hiking (Miles of trails through marshes & woodlands)
Bicycling (Miles upon miles of road to tread)
Swimming (Warm ocean currents are most refreshing)
Boating & Sailing (Miles of coast to explore)
Kayaking & Canoeing (Hundreds of ponds and the coast to explore)
Beachcombing (Great finds)
Sunrises & Sunsets (Breathtaking views and vistas)
Whale Watching (Center of the American Whaling Fleet for years)
... the list is endless!
Attractions/Museums
Plimoth Plantation
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
National Marine Life Center
Cape Cod National Seashore
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History
Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
Heritage Plantation
Thornton Burgess Museum
John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum
Shops
15 quaint towns to browse, plus the Islands and Plymouth
Art Galleries
Antiques Shops
Outlets
Malls
When To Visit
The Cape is well known as being a four-season resort and playground. High-season is definitely July and August, but flexible travelers can enjoy some of the best weather, rates and elbow room in the shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall.
Besides fishing, being situated in the Gulf Stream has a few other advantages for travelers to Cape Cod. One of the main benefits is that it extends the travel season well into the fall. With that in mind, I would choose post-Labor Day to plan my trip. Of course, that's when too many obligations keep me close to home. I guess high-season will do just fine.
Informative Links
Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce
Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
Kids on the Cape
Hyannis Area Chamber of Commerce
Visit Cape Cod
Hy-Line Cruises
Steamship Authority
Arts-Cape.com
Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of Commerce
Smart Guide - Car free ways to & around the Cape & Islands
Cape Cod Online
