The Best of Winter on Cape Cod

Nantucket Whaling Museum

Cape Cod winter.

It’s cold. It’s icy. It’s brutally windy.

But really, it just may be the best time to get down there with the family. You may not want to walk around outside, but there are a ton of things to do on Cape Cod indoors.

Martha’s Vineyard is a winter wonderland this time of year. The island is a quick Steamship Authority ferry ride out from Woods Hole.

Once you get to Martha’s Vineyard, I recommend a stop in Edgartown. This is a town loaded with history, charm, and treasure. Edgartown was once one of the nation’s primary whaling ports. Sea captains made Edgartown their home, building opulent mansions that now line Water Street. These homes are quite impressive – and quite charming in the winter. The snow-lined streets remind you of what England may have looked like more than hundred years ago.

Nantucket Island is also a quaint winter destination. Since the beach is out of the question, visitors usually stop by The Nantucket Historical Association’s Whaling Musuem. It’s a must-see for any history buff. The museum features a restored 1847 candle factory, and a 46-foot skeleton of a sperm whale that washed ashore on New Year’s Day in 1998. It’s really quite a sight.

If the thought of getting on a ferry in the middle of winter makes you uneasy, there’s plenty of things to do on the Cape itself.

Antique shopping is always a hit on Cape Cod in the winter. From Bourne to Provincetown, a visitor’s directory of antique shops will point you in the right direction. Chances are – especially during the off-season – you’ll find some marvelous treasures. Be sure to pay attention to store hours as most shops close early during the winter months.

Another bonus of traveling to Cape Cod in the winter?

Deep discounts.

You’ll find affordable hotels up and down the Cape. B&B’s and hotels, like the Bayside Resort, offer some of their lowest rates all year. In fact, Bayside is one of the few cozy hotels that offers extensive family vacation packages, as well as a fabulous indoor pool. I have to admit – that pool is a haven even for Bayside’s staff!

You really can’t run out of things to do on Cape Cod in the winter.

And the best part?

No crowds.

You have the Cape’s restaurants, shops, museum, and hotels – all to yourself!