With its windswept dunes, vast seafood feasts, picture-perfect hydrangea bushes and storybook seaside towns, Cape Cod has long been synonymous with idyllic New England. And it’s a place chef, blogger, influencer and digital agency owner Marnely Murray has called home for over a decade. Marnely first moved for a job and quickly fell in love with the slower pace of life, the abundance of inspired cuisine and the incredible feeling of community the Cape brings. She was so taken by her new home that she co-founded digital agency ShoredUp Digital to help the local businesses around the Cape with branding, social media strategy, marketing, public relations and more.
My family and I were lucky enough to travel up to Martha’s Vineyard two years ago with Marnely, and every single bit of our itinerary was exquisitely planned. Beyond the postcard-perfect beaches, we discovered such a rich tapestry of experiences—from taste-testing local ice creams to biking along the Vineyard to noshing on as many lobster rolls and fresh shucked oysters as we could get our hands on. We sat down with Marnely again to get her 11 can’t-miss picks on the Cape for any visitor.
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11 Best Things to Do When Visiting Cape Cod
From iconic landmarks to local favorites, these 11 experiences, restaurants and more will guide your next trip up to the Cape.
1. Fluffy Seagull – Lighthouse Keepers Pantry, Yarmouth, MA
Follow the TikTok trends and grab the cult-favorite Fluffy Seagull at Lighthouse Keepers Pantry in Yarmouth, a cold brew topped with marshmallow cold foam and graham cracker crumble. Locals and tourists alike line up for this seasonal special, and it’s easy to see why: it’s as delicious as it is Instagrammable. Served in a charming cottage-style café just off Route 28, it’s the perfect mid-morning treat after a beach walk or bike ride.
“You’ve probably seen the TikTok videos of this drink; it’s the coffee of the summer, some would say on the Cape,” Murray said. “It’s a peanut butter flavored latte with marshmallow fluff, and it’s truly delicious! Whether you like coffee or not, you have to try it.”
2. Masterson’s Made Shop – Woods Hole, MA
Stop by Masterson’s Made Shop in Woods Hole, a modern home and art store that blends Cape charm with contemporary style. You’ll find handcrafted cutting boards and candles made right in their Woods Hole studio, alongside a curated selection of books, glassware and puzzles.
“The owners, Patrick and Melissa, are amazing and so passionate about everything they make and sell, and it’s so easy to spend an hour perusing what they sell,” Murray said.
3. Dune Shacks Provincetown, MA
For a glimpse into Cape Cod’s natural wonder and quieter past, hike out to the Dune Shacks of Provincetown, nestled among the windswept dunes of the Cape Cod National Seashore. Once used by artists and writers seeking solace to create their art, these weathered shacks are now iconic symbols of Provincetown’s creative spirit and raw natural beauty.
“The trek out is part of the adventure, to be honest,” Murray said. “The historic dune shacks are among the nineteen shacks located within Peaks Hill Bars National Register, and they’re very cool to see. It’s rugged, scenic, and unforgettable.”
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4. Cape Baseball League Games
There’s nothing more quintessential to the all-American summer than a baseball game, and there’s no better setting than the Cape. The Cape Baseball League is huge with locals, and it’s not hard to see why. This storied league features top college players from around the country, giving you a front-row seat to future major leaguers. The best part? It’s all for free.
“My husband and I have been to so many of these games, and they’re just so fun,” Murray said. “It’s just a classic summertime activity on the Cape!”
Games are played across the Cape, including at Veterans Field in Chatham, Red Wilson Field in South Yarmouth, McKeon Park in Hyannis, and Eldredge Park in Orleans. Each field offers its own charm, from hilltop views to historic grandstands.
5. Art Galleries in Provincetown, MA
“Provincetown is one of my favorite little towns,” Murray said. “It’s home to dozens of art galleries, each one locally owned, and the gallerists and artists are eclectic and creative.”
Get a taste of Provincetown’s vibrant art scene with a stroll. Home to over 40 galleries lining Commercial and Bradford Streets, a great way to get a taste of the art scene is with a pit stop at the Provincetown Art Association and Museum (PAAM) or the lively Friday night Gallery Strolls, which go from May to October. The event is great for visitors because you can meet artists, sip wine and discover new work you can bring (or ship) home.
6. Hangar B Eatery Chatham, MA
Perched above the tarmac at Chatham Airport, Hangar B Eatery serves up mouthwatering breakfast and lunch with front-row views of small planes taking off. It’s cozy and often very packed, and beloved for dishes like arancini-stuffed burritos, baja fish tacos and lemon ricotta pancakes.
“You can watch planes take off and land all while having a delicious meal. Also, always, always, ALWAYS order the donuts if they are on the specials menu,” Murray said.
7. Lune in Dennisport, MA
Tucked into Dennis Port, LUNE is a magnetic new eatery led by chef-owners Mick and Charlotte Formichella. With a seasonal menu featuring all locally-sourced dishes like house-made focaccia, duck breast with fermented cherries and saffron-laced seafood stew, it’s one of the Cape’s most refined culinary experiences.
“Lune is so special and has a chef-led dining experience unlike anything else on the Cap,” Murray said. Thoughtful wine pairings and a cozy open kitchen add to the charm. Come for the Sunday à la carte or the multi-course tasting menu, just be sure to make a reservation because it books weeks in advance.
“They’re a semi-finalist for Best New Restaurant 2025 by the James Beard Foundation and have brought a lot of chatter to the Cape,” Murray said.
8. Kream n’ Kone in West Dennis, MA
Who doesn’t love deep-fried seafood? Iconic favorite Kream n’ Kone serves up some of the area’s best. “It’s such a charming family-owned restaurant by Angelo and Angela. The owners are the nicest people and so passionate about their food,” Murray said.
Known for crisp clam strips, scallops, haddock, and onion rings, this restaurant—which has been around since 1953—is the go-to for casual riverside dining. With generous portions (so don’t forget the take-out box), a laid-back vibe and a view of the Swan River, it’s a must for fans of classic Cape fare.
9. Pelham House Resort, Dennis, MA
Overlooking Sea Street Beach, Pelham House Resort in Dennis Port is a modern, oceanfront escape with some truly incredible sunset views. Boasting airy rooms with private balconies, a heated outdoor pool and direct beach access, it’s a haven for families. The rooftop restaurant and bar is a standout for brunch, cocktails, and dinner, often with live music and fire pit seating.
“It’s a go-to for everything from romantic getaways to family vacations,” Murray said. Just be sure to book early.”
10. Skippy’s Pier 1 South Yarmouth, MA
Skippy’s Pier 1 in South Yarmouth is a classic Cape Cod seafood spot with views of Parker’s River Marina. The menu is loaded with favorites like lobster mac & cheese, blackened fish tacos and king crab legs, plus a few steakhouse-style options like filet mignon, but Marnely has a few recommendations she says you have to try.
“Skippy’s is such a hidden gem!” Murray said. “I recommend the lobster roll, the shrimp, the meatballs – honestly there is something for everyone.”Skippy’s is open for lunch and dinner (closed Tuesdays), and in the summer, the deck is where you want to sit, thanks to the waterfront comedy nights, sunset views and coastal vibes.
11. Taco Blanco Falmouth, MA
New England isn’t synonymous with Mexican food, but Taco Blanco on Main Street in Falmouth is the exception. “They have really authentic Mexican fare. The chimichangas and tortas are literally to die for,” Murray said. Other local favorites include Baja fish tacos with crispy masa-fried cod, Pollo Elotes with roasted corn pico and cheesy birria quesadillas. House margaritas, draft beer and crispy churros round out the experience, whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout.
“They also have a taco truck that pops up at events and games, and you don’t want to miss those. The flavors rotate and are so mouthwatering,” Murray said.
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