How to Spend the Perfect Memorial Day on Cape Cod

Cape Cod enthusiasts know that the real start of summer is  the moment you drive over the bridge for the first time on Memorial day weekend. With it brings the hope that the next three months are filled with memories and appreciating the many offerings of Cape Cod. While it is a beautiful place to come and relax in the sun, sand, and the sea, it would also be a shame to miss out on the special events and traditions that are happening this weekend. 

Rise and Shine

The perfect Memorial Day begins the moment the sun starts casting its rays over Cape Cod, waking you up to the promise of a day filled with adventure and relaxation. Start your morning with a stroll along one of the many beaches that line the Cape. Whether it's enjoying the dunes and dramatic cliffs of the National Seashore, appreciating the low tide on the bay side, or listening to the waves crashing on the beaches of Nantucket sound. A morning stroll will be shore to set the tone for a peaceful day ahead.

After a refreshing walk, treat yourself to a classic cape cod breakfast at one of the quaint local diners. Savor a hearty plate of fresh seafood, eggs benedict, or fluffy pancakes, paired with a steaming cup of coffee to fuel your day. Or if you are on the go, check out some local cafes and bakeries for grab and go breakfast sandwiches, pastries and a beverage of your choice.

Celebrate with the Community

Join in on the celebrations and feel the spirit of community that defines Cape Cod. Attend a local Memorial Day parade or concert featuring live music and patriotic performances. Afterwards, get creative and partake in festive activities such as fireworks displays, picnics, beach bonfires, or outdoor barbecues with friends and family.

Many towns on Cape Cod hold Memorial Day ceremonies and parades to honor and remember the men and women who have served in the military. Click here for the local listing of events.

Indulge in Local Favorites

For many of us, it's been a while since our last time on the Cape. The good news is Memorial Day weekend offers several opportunities to cultivate your perfect weekend menu. While you might want to fire up the grill one night, your only other responsibility is to eat all the fresh seafood Cape Cod has perfected over the years. Whether that's a lobster roll, fish tacos, or a nice sitdown meal on the water, you can’t go wrong with any of the local offerings. Many of these places are just opening for the summer this weekend and can’t wait to have you!

Don’t forget about ending the day at one of Cape Cod’s most beloved ice cream shops. Whether it's Sundae School, Cape Cod Creamery, The Smuggler or the shop your family claims is “the best on the cape”, each of these shops deserve to feel the love of Memorial Day weekend. Visit your favorites from the past, or branch out and try something new.

Get Outside

Take advantage of the beautiful weather and outdoor activities. Spend time at the beach with family and friends, hit the golf course with your buddies, go for a solo hike in one of the Cape's many nature preserves, or enjoy a bike ride along the Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Explore the Capes Military History

Take the opportunity to delve into Cape Cod's military history by visiting historical sites and museums. Start your journey at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, where rows of white headstones stand as a reminder of the countless lives lost in service. Continue your exploration at places like the Cape Cod Military Museum in Bourne or the Coast Guard Heritage Museum in Barnstable to learn about local heroes.

Reflect and Remember

As Memorial Day weekend draws to a close, take a moment to reflect on the memories made and the moments shared with loved ones. Whether you spent the weekend lounging on the beach, exploring charming towns, or indulging in delicious cuisine, let the spirit of the holiday remind you of the importance of family, community, and freedom. Express gratitude for the sacrifices of our nation's heroes and the opportunities they have afforded us. Whether you're a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, celebrating Memorial Day on Cape Cod is a time-honored tradition that captures the essence of summer and pays tribute to the values we hold dear.

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