Cape Cod is a sandy peninsula created during the last ice age that reaches out into the Atlantic Ocean, forming the eastern most land in the state of Massachussets, where today you can find many vacation rental homes and condos. The Cape itself was named in 1602 by English explorer Bartholomew Gosnold, who explored in the vicinity of the Elizabeth Islands. He was impressed with the great number of codfish he saw in Cape waters, which "pestered" his boat. The Pilgrims first landed on the tip of Cape Cod to find potable water and food and had their first fight with the natives. The Pilgrims decided that this land was too sandy to support them, and they sailed across Cape Cod Bay to establish Plymouth.
Accommodations
Cape Cod offers a relaxing, historical getaway with a variety of condos, vacation homes, hotels, and resorts. Choose an accommodation near any of Cape Cod's local attractions that offers comfort while making the most of the beautiful beaches and historical sites at affordably priced rates.
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Activities
The Pilgrim Monument is located in Provincetown at the tip of Cape Cod, not in Plymouth, because the Pilgrims landed first at Cape Cod before settling in Plymouth. You can climb the Pilgrim Monument, America's tallest granite structure, for spectacular Cape Cod views. Visit Cape Cod National Seashore, 43,608 acres with six excellent swimming beaches, sand dunes, cliffs, clear freshwater "kettle ponds" and eleven nature trails. There are nine Cape Cod lighthouses to see, as well as many art galleries, whale watching, and extensive bike trails.
Events
The Annual Cape Cod Maritime Days are celebrated throughout the entire month of May and include a wide array of nautical activities. Nearly 75 events are expected to be held, from lighthouse & walking tours, art exhibits and lectures on maritime lore to boat-building exhibits, village festivals and kayaking excursions. In June, the Blessing of the Fleet ceremony has been part of a Portuguese cultural celebration, with festivities that include parades, fireworks and events that highlight Portuguese art, history, music, dance and cuisine.
Water Sports
Cape Cod offers both fresh and saltwater fishing, seal cruises and whale watching, swimming, scuba diving, windsurfing, and sailing. The rolling sand dunes and pristine beaches are an excellent backdrop to any water activity.
Golfing
The natural beauty and rolling terrain of Cape Cod has captivated millions of visitors, and golf course architects were among them. The respected Donald Ross designed several Cape courses, and many of today's modern designers have had a hand in creating the 50 golf courses dotted throughout the region.
History
Cape Cod had been noted by early explorers for centuries, and is possibly the "Promontory of Vinland" described by Norse explorers around 1000 AD. Settlements on Cape Cod were established shortly after the Plymouth settlement, Sandwich in 1637; Yarmouth in 1639; and Barnstable in 1640. Because of the sandy soil conditions, agriculture on Cape Code has been limited, but due to its location and harbors, the Cape has always had an excellent fishing industry.
Cape Cod consists of four portions: The Upper Cape is the section of Cape Cod closest to the mainland that includes the towns of Bourne, Falmouth, Mashpee, and Sandwich. The Mid Cape includes the towns of Barnstable, Dennis and Yarmouth, and features many beautiful beaches, including warm-water beaches along Nantucket Sound. The Lower Cape is the narrower portion of the cape that bends sharply to the north, and includes the towns of Brewster, Chatham, Harwich, and Orleans. The Outer Cape is the tip of the cape, containing the towns of Eastham, Provincetown, Truro, and Wellfleet, and is home to some of the most popular beaches in America, namely Coast Guard and Nauset Light beaches.
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