After watching “The Summer I Turned Pretty” and “Outer Banks,” all I wanted to do was experience an East Coast summer. These movies depict these beautiful towns filled with appealing beach houses and large family gatherings on the Fourth of July.
Obviously, I can’t exactly get a new life. I can, however, visit a few places that resemble those in these said films. I had the opportunity to visit Cape Cod — the definition of an East Coast beach town!
Before setting foot in the town, I was recommended spots to check out by a local. Let me tell you, I’m so grateful to have followed her advice.
I had an amazing time going around the towns and sightseeing. Having guidance from a local helped tremendously considering how large the area is. So without further ado, I’d like to share how to have a great day in the Cape!
Breakfast at Café Chea
This café is such an adorable spot. It serves lunch, but I’d recommend going for breakfast since it serves sandwiches and other traditional American-style brunch foods. It’s very homey there, with the option of indoor or outdoor sitting. Definitely sit outside if the weather calls for it because it was created to look like a patio! The best part: It’s located in a town called Sandwich!
Grays Beach
Grays Beach isn’t your typical beach. This is because you have to walk over a boardwalk passing a huge stretch of grassland and lake beforehand. The grassland is interesting because you’re able to observe crabs crawling along the rocks from above. The bridge tiles were also heartwarming to read — you truly can’t find this elsewhere.
Chapin Memorial Beach
If a typical beach is more your style, then look no further. The ambience is peaceful as a result of the sand dunes that are directly in front of you. The sand is incredibly soft, too. I loved seeing all the unique shells that were buried among the sand. Chapin Memorial Beach is located right next to Grays Beach so be sure to hit both of these beaches!
Lunch at Sesuit Harbor Café
This Cape Cod institution has bustling lines for a good reason! They serve the best onion rings ever — already a good sign. However, the star of the show are the lobster rolls that come with chunks of lobster from the claw. The seafood was the freshest that I’ve ever eaten! Don’t miss out on the tuna salad which I added on top of a delicious Caesar salad. This tuna didn’t taste canned, rather fresh! Don’t let the long line scare you off, either. I promise it moves extremely fast.
Explore Hyannis town
Fun fact: Hyannis is the town where John F. Kennedy went for his weekend getaways. I enjoyed walking through the town, as it was bustling with restaurants and shops. There were cool jewelry shops, souvenir stores and ice cream shops that really fit the ambiance of the town. Be sure to spend time going through all the stores because I definitely found memorable keepsakes. I also went to an awesome poster shop which carried all kinds of posters — from movies to bands!
Watch the sunset
Any beach that you go to will surely have an amazing sunset to see. Sunsets are always breathtaking in Cape Cod and it truly doesn’t matter which part of the Cape you’re in! Slab on some sunscreen and pack your tote with your favorite beach essentials because you’re in for a good time.
Dinner at Alberto’s Ristorante
This restaurant serves delicious Italian food! It has an expansive menu of all the Italian dishes that you could be craving. Needless to say, it’s a perfect way to end your day! It has a great outdoor seating area, but you could also sit inside for a more intimate environment. Definitely worth stopping by, and don’t skip out on dessert because it has such a great selection!
That’s all for this day trip to Cape Cod! If I ever came back I’d probably try to take the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard and see even more! I wish I had more time to explore, however, with this itinerary you’ll be sure to leave satisfied.
Overall, it was such a fun day filled with a beautiful environment. I hope you have an awesome trip as well!
