Best place to celebrate spring in New England? The Cape, of course! Flowers are flourishing, birds are singing, and warmer weather is on the horizon—which means you can officially look forward to the return of your favorite seasonal activities and escapes across the Cape. Need some ideas? Check out these activities to inspire a little spring in your step!

Colorful Blooms

There’s no best way to admire the gorgeous blooms and surrounding pastels of spring’s landscapes on Cape Cod, but there are plenty of places to look—no festival required! Lose yourself in the blooming lupine fields at Fort Hill in the Cape Cod National Seashore, bike through a sea of flowering cherry trees on the Cape Cod Rail Trail, or simply enjoy a scenic drive along historic Route 6A to take in spring’s favorite crocuses, daffodils, and tulips.

Let your spirit bloom with a stroll through Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich, as rhododendrons take center stage in May, along with Star Magnolias and Cherries. Stay tuned as the gardens fill in later in the month and the beginning of June. Have kids? Visit Heritage's Hidden Hollow, a two-acre dry kettle hole designed with a variety of structures for nature play, discovery, and fun! And adventure travelers will need to add The Adventure Park at Heritage Museums & Gardens to their travel bucket list. Set on four acres of prime garden land, the Adventure Park offers five aerial trails with a series of ropes, climbing courses, runways and zip-lines, with varying levels of difficulty.

Epic Whales

What better way to return to the high seas than with a whale watching expedition to welcome these migrating gentle giants of the sea back to their summer home? Reports of humpbacks, finbacks, right whales, and white-sided dolphins just off Cape Cod have officially arrived.

Join locally owned and operated Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises out of Barnstable Harbor on the exceptional 130-foot Whale Watcher vessel, featuring three viewing levels for an unforgettable adventure on the open sea. Reports of humpbacks, finbacks, right whales, and white-sided dolphins have officially arrived. Climate-controlled interior cabins with flat-screen monitors will keep you comfortable and dry throughout the trip. On-board professional naturalists ready to field questions enhance this ultimate marine experience.

Climb aboard Captain John Boats for a four-hour tour departing from Town Wharf in Plymouth or MacMillan Wharf in Provincetown for an unforgettable journey to Cape Cod Bay and Stellwagen Bank, a primary feeding ground. Did you know these magnificent mammals can be up to 70-feet long? Check in with the professional marine biologist for descriptions of the whales you’re most likely to see and the day’s activities.

Looking for a guaranteed sighting? Head to Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch of Provincetown for a truly unique marine encounter you’ll remember for years to come, backed by their 1% PASS promise for a future trip. Research, conservation, and education lead every voyage at Dolphin Fleet. Check out the Naturalists' bios online, who guide each trip with state-of-the-art education materials, and don’t forget to ask about “Salt”—one of the most well-known humpbacks in the world!

Dessert for Dinner

Nothing says yes to longer days and warmer temps then the reopening of your favorite ice cream shops! Flavors abound on the Cape, so the earlier you start, the better chance you have of sampling them all— in fact, this may just be the year for an official Ice Cream Bucket List.

Start out at Sundae School, one of America’s (and the Cape’s) most praised parlors, famed for its signature homemade scoops and namesake hot fudge sundae—topped with a fresh Bing cherry in season! Natural ingredients and standout mix-ins like chocolate-coated coffee beans, fresh fruit, and candy bar classics set the bar high, with a tempting online flavor board to scroll before you go. Turns out real pistachio ice cream is white, not green…who knew? Open weekends from mid-April in Dennis Port with
indoor and outdoor patio seating available. Harwich Port location opens Memorial Day!

Pound for pound, Cape Cod Creamery tips the scales with the heaviest pint of ice cream at three locations across the Cape for a difference you can taste…and feel (just compare the weight of a couple of pints at your local market!). What makes this cream rise to the top? Less air equals more flavor for thicker, creamier scoops. Have a favorite place on the Cape? Of course you do! And chances are high you’ll find one on the Cape-inspired menu designed to celebrate the distinct flavors of the area. From Monomoy Mud Pie and Cummaquid Coconut to Hyannis Heath Bar and Sandbar Swirl, ordering has never been more fun…or tasted so good.

Sleeping under the Stars

Ready to reawaken your love for the great outdoors? Springtime camping on Cap Cod is the perfect way to bring the whole family out of hibernation and connect with nature (just a little) beyond your backyard.

The family-owned and operated Sweetwater Forest in Brewster is a wooded treasure with 250 campsites in perfect harmony with the wildlife of the Cape’s wetlands. Direct access to the Cape Cod Rail Trail invites you to explore local trails, tidal flats, and the sandy shores of nearby Cape Cod Bay before it’s time to build your next campfire. Feel like staying on-site? Keep your whole crew happy from dawn till’ dusk with canoe rentals, cornhole, a basketball court (lit at night), mini golf, and a fishing pond complete with a kid-friendly dock for perfect casting.

Prefer to go camping without pitching a tent and sacrificing every one of your creature comforts at the same time? Say hello to AutoCamp Cape Cod in Falmouth, the Cape’s only glamping resort, where luxury seamlessly meets nature. Choose from Airsteam Suites, Vista X Suites, and Luxury Tents, all equipped for comfort inside and out for the perfect customized outdoor getaway. Amenities include private patios complete with fire pits and grills, kitchenettes, queen and king beds with luxe linens, spa-inspired bathrooms, flat-screen televisions, heating and air conditioning, mid-century modern clubhouse, and locally crafted all-day dining and BBQ kits. Feeling outdoorsy? Bike the direct-access, stunning Shining Sea Bikeway perfect for all ages, relax at nearby Wood Neck Beach, hang out with the animals at local Coonamessett Farm, or even take a short ferry ride to explore Martha’s Vineyard. Don’t stray too far—you’ll be eager to return to camp!