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Planning A Trip to Cape Cod: Exploring, Dining, and Hidden Gems

Day Trip to Cape Cod from Boston

Back in April, when my mom came to visit us in Boston, we took a day trip down to Cape Cod. Having never been there, I was excited to explore what the Cape had to offer! Even though it was early spring and not quite summer, the day turned out to be a beautiful adventure. Initially, we only planned to spend half a day but ended up staying until evening—and if we had the chance, we would’ve stayed overnight to explore more restaurants and attractions.

Where we ate

The Lobster Pot in Provincetown

One of the highlights of our day trip was our lunch at The Lobster Pot. a famous restaurant in Provincetown (also known as P-Town). What made it even better? They had an entire gluten-free menu! As someone who appreciates gluten-free options, I couldn’t resist ordering the gluten-free lobster grilled cheese—and let me tell you, it was SO good. My mom tried the fried cod Reuben, which she also loved.

The service was exceptional, too. Our server was friendly, funny, and offered fantastic recommendations for things to do around P-Town. Overall, we had an amazing experience at The Lobster Pot, and it’s definitely a place I’d visit again. If you’re planning a trip to Cape Cod, make sure you stop by this iconic restaurant.

What we did

Even though we only had one day, we packed in a lot of activities during our trip. Here are some of the things we did:

Explore Commercial Street

If you’re looking for a charming and unique experience, Commercial Street in Provincetown is the place to be. It’s full of small shops, restaurants, and galleries. We spent a lot of time wandering through the various stores, each offering something different, from handmade crafts to quirky souvenirs.

Beach Walks and Shell Hunting

Even though it was too chilly to swim, we still took time to enjoy the Cape Cod beaches. We walked along the shore, collected seashells, and admired the scenic beauty. The peaceful atmosphere made it the perfect place to relax and take in the views.

Puzzle Me This: A Hidden Art Gem

One unexpected discovery was a game store called Puzzle Me This. While we didn’t spend much time inside, the real attraction was the art displayed in the alley next to the shop. The alley is filled with vibrant and creative murals that are well worth checking out. If you love street art, make sure to add this stop to your list!

Pilgrim Monument: A Historic Climb

On a whim, we decided to visit the Pilgrim Monument, and I’m so glad we did! This iconic landmark commemorates the Pilgrims' first landing in Provincetown. We paid $14 each to climb the monument, which involves a semi-challenging trek—116 steps and 60 ramps to be exact! It took about 10-15 minutes to reach the top, with a few breaks along the way, but the panoramic views were well worth the effort. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting Cape Cod for the first time.

Cape Cod National Seashore: A Scenic Hike

Our final stop was the Cape Cod National Seashore where we hoped to see sea lions. Unfortunately, it was too early in the season (you’ll have better luck spotting them around late May), but the area was still stunning. The trails offer breathtaking views of the shoreline, though be prepared for strong winds—it was particularly blustery when we visited.

If you are driving from Boston it will take you about 2 and a half hours, it was great to get up early and arrive in plenty of time to have a great day in Provincetown! We would have loved to spend the evening here, but if you only have a day to check it out you will be able to!

Much Love,

Emma
XO