Cape Cod is a peninsula in Southeast Massachusetts known for its coastal towns, lighthouses, cedar-shingle homes, and national seashore. This is the perfect destination for any kind of trip, so I’ve rounded up the most incredible Cape Cod cottage rentals.
The Ultimate Cape Cod Travel Guide
From coastal cottages to historic homes to waterfront mansions, these are the perfect “home bases” for exploring Cape Cod.
Here are the best Cape Cod cottage rentals for your next getaway!
Private Dock
Dennis
6 guests bedrooms beds .5 baths
This quintessential Cape Cod home has incredible water views, decks, and a private dock for swimming, fishing, and boating. You’ll also be just a short drive or walk from beaches, restaurants, shops, and some of the cape’s “hidden gem” towns.
Near The Beach
Bourne
10 guests bedrooms beds 2 baths
You’ll love this early 1900s Colonial home that’s been updated with modern appliances, comfy furniture, and coastal design. There’s an above-ground pool, a hot tub, a gas fireplace, an outdoor fire pit, a deck, yard games, and a grill. Plus, you’ll be close to the beach.
Romantic Retreat
Chatham
2 guests Studio bed 1 bath
If you want a romantic getaway, then this tiny house is for you. You’ll be close to shops, restaurants, beaches, a boat ramp, bike paths, golf courses, and tennis courts. Plus, you’ll love the home’s backyard with a brick patio, pergola, grill, and outdoor shower.
Old World Charm
Orleans
8 guests bedrooms beds baths
This tranquil, secluded historic home has beach and marsh views from almost every window. You’ll love the antique furniture, high ceilings, exposed beams, outdoor shower, and screened-in porch. Plus, this home has a private footbridge to the beach.
Oceanfront Home
Oceanfront Home
Falmouth
10 guests bedrooms beds baths
Get ready to fall in love with this quintessentially Cape Cod, cedar-shingle oceanfront home. You’ll have spectacular views from almost every window, a six-person hot tub, beach access, porches, shiplap, a home theater, and a “sports bar” room.
Cabin In The Woods
Yarmouth
12 guests bedrooms beds baths
This cozy cabin is the perfect off-the-beaten-path Cape Cod retreat. The home has pond beach access, a dreamy deck, a grill, and an outdoor shower. You’ll feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, but you’re only a short drive to ocean beaches, bike trails, shopping, hiking trails, golf courses, restaurants, and galleries.
Coastal Cottage
Sandwich
6 guests 2 bedrooms 4 beds 2 baths
You can’t beat the views at this house! You’ll have direct beach access, a fire pit on the beach, a gas fireplace, cathedral ceilings, and a screened-in porch. Plus, you’ll never want to leave the second-floor deck with 180-degree views of Cape Cod Bay.
Get Away From It All
Provincetown
8 guests bedrooms beds baths
This large home sits on a hill, close to downtown Provincetown, Long Point Lighthouse, and Truro Vineyards. You’ll love the home’s decks, hot tub, gourmet kitchen, luxury bathrooms, spacious bedrooms, outdoor shower, and views. Plus, your furry friends can stay with you here!
Recommended Tours in Cape Cod
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What are your favorite Cape Cod cottage rentals? Share with us in the comments!
Plan The Rest Of Your Trip
Frequently Asked Questions
Which part of Cape Cod is best?
Cape Cod is divided into three areas – the Upper (southwest region), Mid (middle region), and Lower & Outer Cape (northeast region). So when you look at a map, the Upper Cape is south of the Lower Cape. A local will tell you to head “up the Cape” to travel south and “down the Cape” to travel north, which can confuse visitors.
All three parts of Cape Cod are incredible destinations, and I highly recommend visiting all three.
What is the best time of year to visit Cape Cod?
July and August are the most popular months to visit Cape Cod because it’s warm enough to enjoy the beaches. But these months are the most crowded and expensive. So book tours, dinner reservations, and accommodation in advance to save money and ensure availability. You’ll also want to get up early to beat the crowds to the beaches and popular attractions.
September – October is a shoulder season. Hotels and tours reduce their prices, and there will be relatively few tourists. The weather will drop to the 60s in September and the 40s in October, which is the end of the whale-watching season.
Cape Cod is practically deserted from November – March because of the freezing temperatures and lack of snow. Many shops, restaurants, ferries, and attractions close or reduce their hours for the winter season. So if you want solitude, rest, and relaxation, then you can score some great accommodation deals during these months.
Apil – June is Cape Cod’s other shoulder season. Crowd and tourist numbers will still be relatively low, and temperatures will usually stay above 50°F in the day. Shops, restaurants, and attractions will re-open or extend their hours. April is also the start of the whale-watching season.
Do you need a car in Cape Cod?
Yes. While it’s easy to walk around in the towns, you need a car to visit the beaches and drive between the towns. Rideshares are available on the island, but these can be very expensive. So I recommend renting a car so you can have the freedom to set your own itinerary on Cape Cod.
Is Cape Cod worth a day trip?
I recommend spending 3-4 days in Cape Cod, but if you can only visit as a day trip, then I recommend a driving tour that includes the Cape Cod National Seashore, Rock Harbor, Truro Vineyards, Provincetown, and Race Point Beach.
How do people spend 3 days in Cape Cod?
If you only have three days in Cape Cod, then prioritize these activities:
1. Bike a portion of the Shining Sea Bikeway
2. Visit the Nobska Lighthouse
3. Wander through the picture-perfect streets of Falmouth
4. Lounge on either Old Silver Beach or South Cape Beach
5. Visit the Kennedy Museum
6. Go on a whale watching tour
7. Marvel at the Cape Cod National Seashore
8. Visit Rock Harbor
9. Do a wine tasting at Truro Vineyards
10. Explore Provincetown
11. Watch the sunset at Race Point Beach
What is Cape Cod known for?
Cape Cod is one of the top getaways in the Northeast and one of the best stops on a New England Coastline road trip. This hook-shaped peninsula is home to quaint villages, incredible seafood restaurants, lighthouses, ponds, and beaches.
How long should I spend in Cape Cod?
Give yourself at least 3-4 days to explore Cape Cod. This will give you plenty of time to visit the towns, enjoy the food scene, hit the beach, and take a day trip.
What should you not miss on Cape Cod?
Top Things To Do In Cape Cod:
If you only have three days in Cape Cod, then prioritize these activities:
1. Bike a portion of the Shining Sea Bikeway
2. Visit the Nobska Lighthouse
3. Wander through the picture-perfect streets of Falmouth
4. Lounge on either Old Silver Beach or South Cape Beach
5. Visit the Kennedy Museum
6. Go on a whale watching tour
7. Marvel at the Cape Cod National Seashore
8. Visit Rock Harbor
9. Do a wine tasting at Truro Vineyards
10. Explore Provincetown
11. Watch the sunset at Race Point Beach
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This article about the best Cape Cod cottage rentals is not a sponsored post, and the thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. Some of the links in this post about incredible Cape Cod cottage rentals are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission.