Once Labor Day comes and goes on Cape Cod, year-round residents can enjoy less traffic, more space, and mild fall weather perfect for outings.
September is one of the nicest times of year to step outside your Cape Cod home to experience the still-warm early fall weather.
We came up with five ways to enjoy Cape Cod after Labor Day. Which will you do first?
1. Buy a Home on Cape Cod
Whether you’re looking for a waterfront estate, land, or a close-to-town location, a Jack Conway agent can help you find your ideal Cape Cod property.
We have office locations on the Cape in Bourne and Sandwich. Our Cape Cod agents live and work on the Cape and know about current market conditions, what to expect next, and all the Cape amenities and services year-round residents need.
2. Hit the Beach
Fall weather on Cape Cod stays warm enough for beach walks. A big bonus is that parking is more available once the summer tourist season ends.
Once you buy a home on Cape Cod, you’ll soon discover your favorite beaches. Craigville Beach in Centerville and Coast Guard Beach in Eastham are famous for their sunsets. Coast Guard Beach is one of the many beaches that’s part of Cape Cod National Seashore, the crown jewel for beachgoers on Cape Cod featuring pristine beaches with endless ocean views. Every region on Cape Cod has beaches, which means that you’ll be within reach of a beach no matter where you live.
Need a handy Cape Cod beach guide? Check out our own Cape Cod beaches and recreation guide.
3. Visit a New-to-You Restaurant
Many Cape Cod restaurants operate year-round. More good news: Crowds and wait times shrink after Labor Day, making a meal out more leisurely and relaxing.
Many year-round restaurants on Cape Cod have been in business for decades. When you buy a home on Cape Cod, you’ll join other residents who support these local businesses. One of our favorite places for breakfast and lunch is Spoon and Seed, located 12A Thornton Drive in Hyannis at the intersection with Kidds Hill Road.
4. Visit a Conservation Area
Cape Cod residents are fortunate to live surrounded by natural beauty. If you haven’t visited a Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuary, fall is a lovely time to plan a visit.
Mass Audubon maintains four wildlife sanctuaries on Cape Cod ideal for hiking. Each one rewards the visitor with painterly vistas, fresh air, and a wide variety of trails for hiking and wildlife watching. Check the following links for locations and hours of operation.
- Ashumet Holly Wildlife Sanctuary Ashumet Holly in East Falmouth is named for its 65 varieties of holly trees totaling over a thousand trees in all. Take the Mystery Tree Trail to view the tallest holly tree at this sanctuary. There are 1.5 miles of trails total.
- Barnstable Great Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary Barnstable Great Marsh, located in Barnstable, features 5 trails where you can explore woodlands, salt marshes, and ponds.
- Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary Long Pond, also located in Barnstable, offers 2.5 miles of trails and gorgeous views. Swim and bask in the sun at Long Pasture Beach.
- Skunknett River Wildlife Sanctuary Skunknett River trails offer views of Atlantic White Cedars and holly trees and opportunities to spot herons, ospreys, and ducks.
- Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary An extensive trail system at Wellfleet Bay covers 5 miles of trails through pine and oak woodlands, salt marshes, and a barrier beach. This sanctuary features a universally accessible trail.
5. Go for a Bike Ride
Sunny fall days are perfect for a bike ride. Wear a helmet, put on sunscreen, and pack a picnic lunch to enjoy along the way. We scoped out three bike paths for you to try.
- Cape Cod Rail Trail This 25-mile paved trail extends through six Cape Cod towns. Parking along the trail is $5 for Massachusetts residents. Free parking for trail users is available at trailheads in Wellfleet, Orleans, Brewster, Harwich, South Dennis, and South Yarmouth.
- Province Lands Bike Trail This 5-mile loop trail is part of Cape Cod National Seashore. Access points are located at the Beech Forest Parking Lot, the Province Lands Vistor Center, Herring Cove Beach, and Race Point Beach.
- Nickerson State Park Located in Brewster, this 1,900-acre park offers an 8-mile bike path that connects to the Cape Cod Rail Trail.
