Wellfleet is known for its oysters. And with its annual OysterFest in October - now a highly anticipated Cape Cod tradition - the small Outer Cape town willingly embraces this creature of the sea.

But to pigeonhole Wellfleet solely as the home to this regional delicacy would be unfair to the abundance of fun and excitement that exists in this quaint seaside town. Perhaps no place epitomizes that spirit more than the Wellfleet Beachcomber, a former lifesaving station turned seasonal restaurant and entertainment venue, which sits atop Cahoon Hollow Beach.

The ‘Comber (often pronounced Comah) is an idyllic beachfront setting to spend a sunny summer day on Cape Cod. At night, it transforms into a music hotspot, bringing in such national acts as G. Love, Ween, and Donavon Frankenreiter.

When it comes to music and live performances, the Beachcomber is in good company in Wellfleet. The Wellfleet Preservation Hall, a former church, plays host to a variety of cultural events, from film screenings and food tastings to artist receptions, open mic nights and story slams, which add some year-round pizzazz to the area.

Movie lovers will delight in the old-fashioned Wellfleet Drive-In, a summer favorite that was originally built in 1957 and represents a throwback to a bygone era. Adjacent to the drive-in is an 18-hole vintage mini-golf course and ice cream stand. From May to October, the drive-in plays host to the region’s biggest flea market; with up to 300 vendors, it offers the public a chance to purchase new items, antiques and Cape memorabilia at an affordable price.

Theater buffs are also in luck thanks to the Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater (W.H.A.T.) which was once named "Best Theater" by Boston Magazine. In addition to world-class theater offerings, W.H.A.T. is a year-round host to live concerts, dance performances and film screenings.

Outdoor Adventures
Wellfleet is also ideal for outdoor enthusiasts looking to connect with nature. You can do just that at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, which provides access to five miles of trails that pass through scenic salt marsh and offer stunning views of Cape Cod Bay.

The sanctuary, which sits on over 1,000 acres of protected land, is home to a variety of wildlife including shorebirds, horseshoe crabs, terrapins and sea turtles. Throughout the year, it offers programs aimed at those of all ages and interests, helping to educate the public on the importance of the environment and ways they can help protect it. This beautiful backdrop is the inspiration for many artists, including Gallery 5 owner Nancy Nicol whose paintings pay tribute to familiar locations like Duck Creek, Great Island and Spectacle Pond.

Perhaps Wellfleet’s most historic natural setting is Marconi Beach, named for Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi. It is here that he successfully completed the first transatlantic wireless communication between the United States and England.

Operating out of Wellfleet Harbor, Billingsgate Charters offers some recreational fun for those wanting to explore the ocean, while bringing back any number of fish – striped bass, bluefish, codfish, fluke and tautog – found in local waters.

Epicurean Delights
Those who prefer having others catch (and prepare) such food for them are in luck. Wellfleet has a number of restaurants that, like other Cape communities, specialize in local seafood. Many can be found in and around the busy Commercial Street, and the town celebrates its diverse culinary offerings at the annual Wellfleet Restaurant Week in early June.

Pearl, Mac’s Seafood and Bookstore and Restaurant all provide views of the water matched by mouthwatering menus that feature everything from burgers, fish tacos and paella (Pearl) to lobster fra diabolo, pan-seared salmon and sushi (Mac’s Seafood) to BBQ ribs, lobster rolls and fried scallops (Bookstore). Throw in live entertainment – Pearl and Bookstore – and there’s plenty to keep you satisfied in this section of town.

On nearby Main Street, The Wicked Oyster offers sophisticated dining for those wanting a slightly more upscale atmosphere. Adding to the flavor are PB Boulangerie & Bistro, a highly-rated French bakery and restaurant that is popular among locals and tourists alike, and Marconi Beach Restaurant, which serves some of the best BBQ on all of Cape Cod.

If you’re looking for an authentic Cape experience, head to Moby Dick’s Restaurant on Route 6, which bills itself as a “simple, unpretentious clam shack.” Of course, since they are in Wellfleet, they also serve oysters.

Blogger's Note: This is part of a series of "Road Trip" blogs spotlighting each of Cape Cod's distinctive towns and villages!