The days are getting shorter, but there's still plenty of summer fun left on Cape Cod. Take advantage of warm waters, uncrowded beaches and smooth passage over the bridges, and dive into a more intimate Cape experience.
Here's how to make the most of what may just be our favorite month on Cape Cod.
Take a Beach Day
If you don't know the joys of a Cape Cod beach day in September, make this the year to experience it. Temperatures in Cape Cod Bay remain swimmable throughout the month, even as the air cools. Parking is free as beach lots don't charge after Labor Day, and there's plenty of space to sprawl out on the golden sand. Sure, the beachfront concessions are closed, but throw a sandwich in your beach bag and you'll be prepared for a perfect day soaking up the last summer rays.
Feast on New England Favorites
Indulge in lobster rolls, fish & chips, fried clams, and surf & turf specials without the long dinner waits. And don't forget the oysters. Wellfleet oysters peak after Labor Day, so savor the sweet, briny bivalves by the bucketful. Be sure to do so while sitting on an open-air patio basking in the sea breeze while sipping a Cape Codder. There's also plenty of ice cream to be scooped up while the days remain warm. Feeling guilty about all the delicious indulgences? Go for an after dinner stroll and bask in the epic fall sunsets.
Hit the Greens
Come September, golfers on Cape Cod rejoice. The occasional hobbyists are back at the office and more serious aficionados can return to the greens without waiting for tee times. The ideal weather offers an afternoon on lush greens with mild breezes. With more than two dozen public golf courses, there's plenty of availability across the Cape.
Get Back to Nature
If August had you hiding indoors with the AC turned up, now is the time to bask in more moderate temperatures. There's plenty of time to get outdoors as the mild weather typically lasts through mid October. Put the pedal to the pavement and explore the more than 114 miles of bike trails along Cape Cod, and do so without breaking (as much of) a sweat. If you'd prefer to lace up the sneakers, there's more than 25 running paths from the Upper to the Outer Cape, and plenty of walking trails, too. Once nights start getting cooler, the paths will be lined with brilliant hues of red, orange and yellow foliage, creating an idyllic backdrop to shades of Atlantic blue over the horizon.
Seaside Fests
Cooler days, art fairs, and a bounty of local harvests make September festival season on Cape Cod. Join in the celebration at one of the many events going on up and down the Cape all month long.
The Bass River Arts & Crafts Festival features more than 75 vendors from across New England selling fine art, jewelry, photography, accessories, clothing and more. Head to the tip of the Cape for the Truro Agricultural Fair and feast on local land and sea harvests. Visitors can sample everything from lobster to locally sourced honey, or sit on the sidelines and watch the pie eating or zucchini car racing contest.
Eastham Windmill Weekend is a family affair with live music, a sand art contest, scavenger hunt, and car show. For speed demons, the Seaside Le Mans Formula One Kart Race at Mashpee Commons is a must-attend. Watch competitors speed around a quarter-mile track in European-style racing karts, all while raising money for local charities.
As you can see, summer's far from over on Cape Cod.
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