With summer in full swing I thought I would pull together a Cape Cod guide since so many of you have asked where to go and what do. Full disclaimer, it’s very much an abridged version considering there are so many different areas of the Cape, but for now I’ll focus on the Harwich/Dennis area with a few surrounding local favorites. And, if you have any places that you love that I’ve haven’t mentioned, please share in the comments section. I’m always looking for new places to checkout and visit.

Eat

Sesuit Harbor Café is the perfect place to get your seafood fix. This BYOB outdoor dining spot is also great for kids.

The Beach Bar at the Ocean House is a must visit at happy hour.

Southside Café has the best breakfast sandwiches and wraps. A good spot for breakfast or a casual picnic table style lunch.

Favorite date night spots include The Port (they also have a small outdoor bar), Mad Minnow (outdoor beer garden and Sunday brunch) and Ten Yen (new to this summer they have partnered with the owners of Mad Minnow and have an expanded bar and restaurant)

If you want a beautiful view then cocktails or dinner at The Atlantic at Wequesset or The Beach House, at Chatham Bars Inn offer beautiful spots to watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand - I would save both spots for a date night and leave the kids at home (smile).

Other family friendly spots include Land Ho, Chapin’s and Salt Block taco truck (parked in Harwich Port center)

Local coffee shops include Perks Coffee & Beer Garden (with a great little beer garden and outdoor fire pit). Coffee by day and a fun spot for happy hour with live music at night.

Buckie’s in Dennisport for an on-the-go breakfast sandwich (I highly recommend calling your order in ahead time, menu here)

Scribano's Italian Market & Deli for great deli sandwiches (the chicken pesto panini is my favorite) They also have a small, but great, offering of prepared foods. They make there own mozzarella and also have a good selection of imported Italian favorites (pasta, olive oil and cookies).

Coal fire pizza and wings at Ember is a great spot for families. The outdoor patio has a fire pit and they have live music to entertain the kiddos. 

If you want to pack sandwiches for the beach, then The Mason Jar (it’s cash only) is the perfect spot. I recommend calling your order in around 10 am for pick-up before you hit the beach.

Lastly, a local favorite, Sundae School.

Shop

The Grey House offers hostess gifts, housewares, women’s and kids apparel. The shop is perfectly curated with a range of modern and one of kind pieces with a nautical flare.

Shift in Chatham is a great little store with a great selection of a classic and modern closet staples. They also have a great jewelry selection.

I always love popping into the home decor Porter & Mags in Dennisport.

 Kids

Fun activities for kids include the Cape Code bike trail, bumper boats, mini golf, trampolines, go-carts, catching a game with the local baseball team, Harwich Mariners and a visit to the local kite shop, Dr. Gravity’s.

Rainy Day Activities

The Harwich Public Library has a great kids room with toys and fun games. They also have a story time and fun music program on Monday and Friday mornings. You can check out the full events and activities schedule here.

Also great for rainy days include the pirates museum and children’s museum.

Other

The JBar is the perfect spot to get your smoothie fix on. They also have a great selection of healthy, vegan friendly, lunch options too.

If you plan to be in the Harwich area the first weekend of August, the Irish Pub Road Race is always a good time. I solid 5-miler to start the day followed by a post-run celebratory party.

If you have any favorite spots not featured, please share in the comments section. And, feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions!