Home / Travel Guides - Cape Cod / One Day In Cape Cod

AAA/Maria White

More About
Cape Cod, MA

One Day in Cape CodAAA editors suggest these activities for a great short vacation experience. Those staying in the area for a longer visit can access a 3-day itinerary at AAA.com/TripCanvas.

Morning Enjoy a breakfast sandwich and your morning drink of choice in Orleans at Hot Chocolate Sparrow.

The 44,000-acre Cape Cod National Seashore offers pristine stretches of sand, freshwater kettle ponds, wild cranberry bogs and countless opportunities for wildlife viewing. Walk in the steps of Henry David Thoreau, who once wandered these 40 miles of unspoiled shoreline along the expansive outer beach. Go for a swim or simply take in the sights—rolling dunes, dramatic cliffs, white cedar swamps, garden cottages and lighthouses.

AfternoonDenisTangneyJr/iStockphoto.com
To learn about the area's rich history, stop at the Pilgrim Monument & Provincetown Museum , a soaring edifice gracing High Top Hill in Provincetown . It commemorates the Pilgrims' first landing in 1620 at Provincetown Harbor, where the Mayflower Compact was penned aboard the ship. Museum exhibits focus on this historic event as well as Native American artifacts, decorative arts, maritime life and the Provincetown Players' first theater.

AAA/Inspector 46
The downtown area and waterfront is chock full of little eateries where you can indulge in a snack or some lunch. A delightful way to spend the afternoon is to poke into the eclectic boutiques, shops and art galleries along the main drag (Commercial Street) and side streets. During summer evenings, the street turns into a promenade for those into the clubbing scene, out for a stroll, or hoping to catch the acts of amusing street performers.

Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch provides the opportunity to view a humpback, minke or other whale species. If you're not lucky enough to view a whale, chances are you'll see plentiful bird life and possibly other marine mammals like the harbor porpoise or white-sided dolphin.

EveningAAA/Inspector 420
For a true Cape Cod culinary experience, dine at The Lobster Pot . Whether you feast on the namesake crustacean, award-winning clam chowder or landlubber fare, you'll be treated to a view of Provincetown Harbor from the waterfront dining room.


If you're searching for a laid-back setting perfect for sipping a cocktail, have a seat at the mahogany bar at The Mews, where you can gaze out at the bay while sampling an innovative martini or coffee drink. If you'd like to sharpen your people-watching skills, saunter along Commercial Street and join the nighttime pedestrian parade.

Read More

Cape Cod, MA

Top AAA Diamond Hotels

AAA’s in-person hotel evaluations are unscheduled to ensure the inspector has an experience similar to that of members. To pass inspection, all hotels must meet the same rigorous standards for cleanliness, comfort and hospitality. These hotels receive a AAA Diamond designation that tells members what type of experience to expect.

Members save 5% or more and earn Marriott Bonvoy™ points when booking AAA/CAA rates!

Fairfield by Marriott Cape Cod Hyannis

867 Iyannough Rd. Hyannis, MA 02601

Book Now

Members save 5% or more and earn Marriott Bonvoy™ points when booking AAA/CAA rates!

Four Points by Sheraton Eastham Cape Cod

3800 State Hwy. Eastham, MA 02642

Book Now

Save 5% or more when booking AAA/CAA rates plus earn bonus points with the AAA Preferred™ BWR Program

Best Western Cape Cod Hotel

1470 Iyannough Rd. Hyannis, MA 02601

Book Now

Members save up to 10% and earn Honors points when booking AAA/CAA rates!

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Cape Cod

99 Main St (US 28). West Yarmouth, MA 02673

Book Now

call or visit a AAA Travel Agent Today!

Find a AAA Office

As a AAA member, you'll save even more. Your AAA Travel Agent will check to see if AAA Vacations is combinable with other AAA member benefits, plus cruise and tour past passenger discounts and benefits.

Not a Member?

Join Now