A Cape Cod Honeymoon for Coastal Charm and More

With its quaint villages, beautiful coastline, lighthouses and seafood, a Cape Cod honeymoon is perfect for newlyweds searching for a scenic and calm getaway on the East Coast. After all, this US honeymoon destination is an iconic summer spot.

Known for its laid-back charm and maritime character, this Massachusetts peninsula provides a serene seaside escape with its romantic beaches, charming bed and breakfasts and scenic hiking trails. Whether it's walking hand in hand along the National Seashore or exploring the historic towns, Cape Cod is one of the cutest backdrops for newlyweds.

When it comes to planning your honeymoon in Cape Cod, let us be your guide. From the best spots to visit to things to do, use our expert tips to plan your Cape Cod honeymoon itinerary.

Cape Cod Honeymoon Tips in this Article:

• Best Time to Honeymoon in Cape Cod
• Cape Cod Honeymoon Planning Tips
• Places to Visit on a Cape Cod Honeymoon
• Best Cape Cod Honeymoon Hotels and Resorts
• Cape Cod Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas
• What to Pack for a Cape Cod Honeymoon

Photo: Ethan Daniels | Shutterstock

Best Time to Honeymoon in Cape Cod

"Cape Cod is a luxurious yet laidback all-American destination," say Kara Bebell and Harlan deBell of The Travel Siblings. They also say it is a summer town, however, the shoulder months of September and October can also be some of the best times to visit, with the benefit of slightly lower prices.

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Best weather: May to October.
Festival highlights: If you can, plan your getaway around the Portuguese Festival in June, the Hydrangea Festival in July or the Yarmouth Seaside Festival in October.

Cape Cod Honeymoon Planning Tips

If boating and beach-going during the day and cozying up by a fire pit at night sounds appealing to you, this romantic New England getaway might be in order. "The best part of honeymooning on the Cape is that couples can choose what type of experience they want to have," say Bebell and deBell.

Whether it's staying at a five-star resort and dining at high end-restaurants or overnighting at a charming inn and picking up fried oysters from seafood shacks, you'll have endless options at your disposal.

Cape Cod offers gorgeous scenery and a relaxed New England vibe—just what many newlyweds want after months of wedding planning. Couples can either spend their entire honeymoon on the Cape or add on days in Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket to the south.

Along with pristine beaches and serenity, the area scores points for accessibility. Just take a direct flight into Boston, then rent a car for the roughly one-hour drive. Or, fly into New York City, then drive about five hours. If driving, try to avoid weekends as there's lots of traffic, says Alexandra Rice, a Reco by Trip Advisor trip designer.

Newlyweds who'd rather arrive by boat can take the one-and-a-half-hour ferry ride from Boston. If you go that route, bring your car and bike on board, recommend Bebell and deBell. Since the area has many beaches, restaurants and sights to explore, honeymooners will get the most out of their vacation if they make a road trip out of it, they say.

Entry requirements: You won't need your passport, but bring your IDs.
Language: English.
Location: Cape Cod is located in southeastern Massachusetts, USA. It extends into the Atlantic Ocean and is accessible via the Cape Cod Canal.
Currency: USD.
Flight time to Destination: From major US cities, flight times are relatively short. For example, from New York City to the nearest airport in Hyannis or Boston, the flight takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. From there, Cape Cod is a short drive or ferry ride away.
Getting around: The best way to explore Cape Cod is by car, allowing for flexibility to visit towns and beaches at your own pace. Bicycles are also a popular option, with several biking trails like the Cape Cod Rail Trail. Local buses and seasonal ferries provide good alternatives for getting around the peninsula.

Pro tip: Consider inviting a honeymoon planning expert to join your vendor team. Browse travel agents near you on The Knot Marketplace for Cape Cod honeymoon expertise, reviews, testimonials and more.

Places to Visit on a Cape Cod Honeymoon

Photo: Racheal Grazias | Shutterstock

Cape Cod National Seashore

Explore this 68-mile stretch of beaches, ponds, dunes, marshes and woodlands. Located between Provincetown and Chatham, this protected area fronts on the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Cod Bay.

Chatham

A charming and highly photogenic small town, Chatham features a bustling Main Street ideal for strolling and shopping, plus romantic bed and breakfasts.

Hyannis

The capital of Cape Cod, this large town is a transportation hub for ferries headed to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. Explore the waterfront and visit the John F. Kennedy Museum, which has an interesting collection of Kennedy-era photographs and artifacts.

Wellfleet

A must-visit for oyster lovers, Wellfleet is home to the annual OysterFest. Spend time sightseeing in the town center, which is full of restaurants, galleries and shops. At night, watch a flick at the Wellfleet Drive-In, the only drive-in theater on Cape Cod.

Provincetown

Located on the tip of the Cape, P-town is known for being a popular vacation spot for the LGBTQ+ community. Book a private boat charter or whale-watching excursion, and spend time on the stunning beaches.

Brewster

Head here to check out historic mansions and homes built by wealthy sea captains, then visit the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History.

Best Cape Cod Honeymoon Hotels and Resorts

From cozy cabins and cottages to historic inns and resorts, Cape Cod has plenty of honeymoon accommodations to choose from. Many places cater specifically to honeymooners, offering romantic packages like private dinners or sunset cruises—so keep an eye out for those kinds of deals.

Photo: EQRoy | Shutterstock

Chatham Bars Inn

A mainstay on the Cape since 1914, Chatham Bars offers a private beach, pool, spa with hot tub, golf course and several restaurants. Book a couples massage, followed by a four-course farm-to-table dinner at the inn's farm in Brewster.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Wequassett Resort and Golf Club

Set on the edge of Cape Cod's National Seashore, Wequassett Resort offers a pool, golf course, tennis courts and activities like night-time paddle-boarding. Book one of the Signature Water View rooms, with soaking tubs and private patios or decks.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Chatham Inn

A Relais & Chateaux hotel, this historic spot is conveniently located in Chatham. There are 18 rooms, some of which have gorgeous private balconies. Even if you don't stay the night, make a dinner reservation at Cuvée at Chatham Inn, the hotel's fine-dining restaurant.

5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Pro tip: If you're looking for more Cape Cod honeymoon accommodations, consider staying at a romantic Airbnb or VRBO.

Cape Cod Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas

Cape Cod is chock-full of romantic activities to enjoy together. Here are a few of our top recommendations.

Photo: James Kirkikis | Shutterstock

Go on Boat Tours

Book a whale-watching day trip or set off on a group sunset sail. For the ultimate in luxury, charter a private yacht complete with a champagne toast and seafood lunch.

Get Some Exercise

Run, walk or bike the 25.5-mile paved Cape Cod Rail Trail, which passes through Yarmouth, Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham and Wellfleet.

See Old Sea Captains' Homes

Pick up an illustrated tour guide at the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center, then drive along what's known as The Captains' Mile on Route 6A in Yarmouth Port. You'll view 54 homes built for sea captains in the 1700s and 1800s, which are designated by black-and-gold plaques.

Pro tip: Add Cape Cod honeymoon experiences to your gift registry so that loved ones can give you one of these memorable couples activities. Make sure to post honeymoon photos to your wedding website so your guests can follow along with your coastal adventure.

What to Pack for a Cape Cod Honeymoon

Photo: Atlantide Phototravel | Getty

Bring beachwear, like flip-flops, sandals, caftans, bathing suits and plenty of sunscreen in your honeymoon luggage, advise The Travel Siblings. For evenings, opt for chic casual wear, including white jeans, button-down tops, knit sweaters and shades. Your packing checklist should also include a light jacket or sweater for cool nights, Rice says.

Brittany Barber contributed to this article.