One of the most challenging aspects of planning a Cape Cod vacation is choosing what type of getaway you wish to experience. You’ll have endless options as you determine how you want your vacation to play out, as it’s possible to spend your days lounging on a private beach, exploring historic towns, relaxing in seclusion, or catching some sun by the pool, depending on your preferences.
There are vacation rentals everywhere on the Cape, making it easier to book your ideal home away from home. That way, you won’t have to travel far to find your desired activities.
Cape Cod’s geographical diversity is one aspect that makes it such a beautiful place to spend your holiday. Here’s some information on the various vacation rentals you can opt for when planning the perfect getaway for your family.
A Place at the Beach
Of course, some of the most sought-after vacation rentals on the Cape are the beachfront units. There are places on or near the beach in nearly every Cape Cod community, giving you all kinds of options as you settle on a location.
On the Cape Cod Bay side of the Cape, you can book a vacation rental near Barnstable Harbor or Breakwater Beach in Brewster, while the Nantucket Sound side has places on Hyannis Harbor and various beaches throughout South Chatham, Harwich, Dennis Port, and South Yarmouth. You can even book a spot on Cape Cod National Seashore in Wellfleet or Orleans for some of the most spectacular views you’ll ever experience.
Some of these homes have private beach access, while others sit beside public beaches, so you can select the option that provides the vacation you’re looking for on Cape Cod.
A Kettle Pond Oasis
Oceanfront beaches are beautiful, but booking a vacation rental on a pond is another option worth considering. The Cape’s kettle ponds tend to be quieter than the beaches by the ocean, and the water is far calmer, too.
Kettle ponds with vacation rentals right on the water or nearby include Johns Pond and Ashumet Pond in Mashpee, Peters Pond in Forestdale, Long Pond and Seymour Pond in Brewster, and Herring Pond in Eastham, to name a few. These locations are peaceful and relaxing, ensuring you can avoid the crowds while spending time on the Cape.
Live Like a Local
It’s possible to book a vacation rental in a residential neighborhood if you want to live like a Cape Cod local for a week or two. These residential areas are relatively quiet but close enough to the amenities you’ll need to make your holiday as comfortable as possible.
Popular residential neighborhoods with vacation rentals include areas of Hyannis, West Falmouth, Harwich, and Orleans, and as a bonus, most of these communities are close to the ocean. You’ll also find grocery shopping and other essentials in the surrounding area.
In the Heart of Town
Staying in the heart of a downtown area provides a slightly different vacation experience, putting you close to dining, shopping, and nightlife throughout your time on the Cape. None of Cape Cod’s communities are overly large, so you shouldn’t expect a traditional city break, but you will find enough amenities to keep you satisfied.
Downtown Provincetown is a popular spot with vacationers because you can book a rental right on Commercial Street or Bradford Street and spend your evenings enjoying the local nightlife. You can also opt to stay in historic downtown Chatham, downtown Falmouth near the harbor, or have a much quieter experience in downtown Wellfleet.
A Secluded Gem
If you’re the type that prefers a secluded cabin in the woods to a lively beach resort, Cape Cod has something for you. There are cottages and larger homes scattered throughout the Cape’s forests, many of which provide the ideal spot to get away from it all.
Truro and South Wellfleet are particularly great for secluded gems, as you can book in the woods near the Cape Cod National Seashore or an unpopulated area overlooking Cape Cod Bay. There are also hidden treasures near the Cape Cod Rail Trail that could be worth looking into if you bring your bikes.
Resort Living
You don’t necessarily have to stay in a traditional vacation rental on Cape Cod because booking a place at a local resort is possible. Ocean’s Edge in Brewster has a golf course, spa, fitness center, and private beach with a bar. It also has four restaurants, tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball courts, and three swimming pools you can use throughout your stay.
Many private rentals at Ocean’s Edge have kitchens and everything else you’d expect at a vacation rental, too, with the added option of dining at some of the on-site restaurants during your stay.
Condo Communities
The Cape’s condo communities might be worth looking into if you’re seeking some on-site amenities and a top-notch location. Many of these associations have pools and private beaches you can access when renting there.
Of course, you won’t have the same level of privacy as when renting a house, but having access to the common areas could make these rentals appealing.
Choosing the Ideal Vacation Rental on Cape Cod
As you can see, your options are endless when renting a vacation home on the Cape. You can choose to spend a week on the beach, in town, or anywhere in between, depending on your vacation preferences.
Cape Cod is an incredibly diverse location, so make sure you look at all your available options before booking your vacation rental.
