Cape Cod Quick Hit Day Trip
Welcome to Upper Cape Cod: Three Fun and Iconic Attractions
Cape Cod, Massachusetts is known for its beaches, outdoor activities and historic and iconic attractions. You can see three iconic attractions on Upper Cape Cod without having to drive to drive down the cape: The Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge, Nobska Lighthouse and (the now restored and reopened) Sandwich Boardwalk.
This blog post helps you plan a fun Upper Cape Cod day trip to these three attractions. There are, of course, other sites and attractions like The Knob, Sphor Gardens, the Shining Sea Bikeway, Dexter’s Grist Mill, Heritage Museum & Gardens and the Cape Cod Canal Bikeway that are fun to visit.
How to get to The Upper Cape (Falmouth, Woods Hole, Bourne and Sandwich, MA)
You can visit the three attractions in this blog post in any order and to give you a starting itinerary, here are three maps you can use:
1. Start by visiting the Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge by driving to the Tidal Flats Recreation Area Parking Lot just across the Cape Cod Canal over the Bourne Bridge.
2. Then drive to Sandwich Boardwalk in Sandwich, MA.
3. Then drive down to Falmouth, MA to see Nobska Lighthouse.
Three Attractions to see on Upper Cape Cod
Your day trip to the Upper Cape kicks off at the Cape Cod Canal Railroad bridge in Bourne, Massachusetts. This active vertical lift bridge was opened in 1935, stands at 271 feet high (including the two towers) and spans 544 feet across the Cape Cod Canal.
You can see this historic bridge that carries commuter trains across the canal on both sides. I recommend driving across the Bourne Bridge and parking for free at the Tidal Flats Recreation Area parking lot where you’re almost under the bridge itself.
From here. you can easily reach and (carefully) cross the railroad bridge tracks in only a few steps to get onto the paved bikeway and walk or bike along the canal; the bikeway path is suitable for all levels. I recommend visiting when there is a vibrant blues sky or at sunset and with a bit of patience, you may see the commuter train crossing the bridge.
Our next destination is a Massachusetts and New England icon: the Sandwich, MA Boardwalk. Stretching 1350 feet, the Sandwich Boardwalk was originally built in 1875 and was rebuilt twice: in 1992 after being destroyed by Hurricane Bob and then again in early 2024 after a January 2022 Nor’easter destroyed a large section of it.
Recognized by National Geographic, the Sandwich Boardwalk takes you on (rebuilt) wooden planks over marsh and sand dunes for about one-third mile to Town Neck Beach at Cape Cod Bay. The latest rebuild added railings for safety though it’s still a popular spot for jumping off into the pond that winds through the marsh (swimming is allowed in the waters by the marsh).
When you arrive at the beach, there is a fairly steep staircase down (strollers will need to be carried) to the sand. Town Neck beach is great for a swim or beach picnic too!
You can also see wonderful evening sky views stretching out over the marsh as well as a of variety birds native to coastal habitats.
Tip: This is a well-known attraction for sunrise and sunset views so bring your camera. It gets crowded at sunset during the summer season.
Tip: While there is a $20 daily parking fee in-season (June 21 to Labor Day) when arriving before 430p.m., parking in the lot at the end of Boardwalk Road (where the boardwalk starts) is free during the off season.
The last destination on our Upper Cape Cod day trip is Nobska Lighthouse (also called Nobska Point Light) situated on Cape Cod’s southwestern coastline on Falmouth Road headed towards Woods Hole, MA. Originally established in 1829, the current 40-foot tower was built in 1876, and the grounds were recently refurbished.
Nobska Light is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a great landmark to get beautiful, panoramic views of Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound. During public visiting hours, you can walk onto the grounds including the steps pictured and grassy areas for close up views of the lighthouse tower.
There are a few parking spots right by the entrance and by crossing the road, you can quickly walk a small overlook )with a bench and plaque) to take in the expansive views of Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound.
Get info here about visiting Nobska Light and enjoy this iconic and beautiful Upper Cape Cod attraction.
Tip: Visit at sunrise or sunset for (on a sunny day) incredible panoramas and to avoid the traffic. It will also be easier to park.
Tip: Be careful crossing the two-lane street as it curves sharply in both directions by the lighthouse.
Which of these Upper Cape Cod attractions have you seen? What’s your favorite attraction or spot on Upper Cape Cod to visit?
Share your tips by leaving a comment.
