The 12 Most Popular Tours & Things To Do In Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a place where the scenery, history, and local flavor come together in a way that makes for memorable outings. Whether you want to capture stunning night photos, taste local wines, explore the charming streets of Chatham, or paddle through salt marshes, Cape Cod offers a rich variety of experiences to suit all tastes.

For instance, the Private Guided Night Photography Tours provide a rare chance to learn astrophotography from a professional, while the Cape Cod Sunset Kayak Tour offers peaceful water and wildlife encounters at the end of the day.

We’re big fans of tours that combine small-group intimacy with authentic local insights, like the Provincetown Prowl Scavenger Hunt or the National Seashore Guided Hike.

Throughout this list, you’ll find options for outdoor enthusiasts, history lovers, foodies, and those simply wanting a relaxing way to enjoy the Cape’s natural beauty. To help you choose the best fit for your trip, we’ve rounded up a variety of well-rated experiences, each with its own charm and appeal.

1. Private Guided Night Photography Tours on Cape Cod

At number 1 on our list, the Private Guided Night Photography Tours offers a tailored experience for a single photographer with an expert guiding the way. For approximately 4 hours, you’ll work one-on-one with a full-time night photographer to learn techniques like light painting, long exposures, and astro-photography.

This hands-on approach is perfect for anyone eager to improve their night-shooting skills and bring home quality prints, which are included in the $375 fee.

The tour adapts to your skill level and preferred lighting conditions—moonlit or starlit—making every session unique.

Reviewers love Tim’s teaching style, citing it as “absolutely awesome,” and highlight how this experience transforms their perspective on night photography. This tour is best suited for serious photographers or those wanting a high-value, personalized learning experience.

Bottom Line: If night photography or astrophotography intrigues you, this private tour delivers expert guidance, a personalized approach, and tangible souvenirs you’ll cherish.

2. Wine and Wine Jelly-Sauce Tasting on Plymouth Bay

Next, the Wine and Wine Jelly-Sauce Tasting at Plymouth Bay Winery offers a delightful swirl of local flavor and craftsmanship. For just over $13, you’ll sample wines made from native fruits, along with wine jellies and sauces crafted by talented vintners and chefs.

Tasting the collection, with the opportunity to learn how these products can enhance your home cooking, makes this experience both fun and educational.

Visitors consistently praise the friendly, knowledgeable staff and the chance to take home a commemorative etched glass.

The relaxed setting by Plymouth Rock makes it perfect for wine lovers who want an authentic, low-key experience that highlights regional ingredients.

Bottom Line: This tasting is an easy, affordable way to enjoy local wines and culinary products, especially for those who appreciate small-batch craftsmanship and regional specialties.

3. Chatham Bites and Sights Walking Guided Food Tasting Tour

At number 3, the Chatham Bites and Sights Food Tour combines history and flavor on a 3-hour walk through one of Cape Cod’s most beloved towns. Led by a local expert, this tour features multiple stops of seasonal bites from well-known eateries — from clam fritters to local desserts — plus one included alcoholic beverage.

The tour’s highlight is the storytelling aspect, with guides sharing tales of local legends, tradition, and the people behind Chatham’s culinary scene.

Reviewers mention how the tour offers “delicious food” and “great stories,” making it a favorite for first-timers and repeat visitors alike. It’s perfect for those wanting a relaxed, social way to explore Chatham’s iconic streets.

Bottom Line: Food and history blend seamlessly on this engaging walk, ideal for travelers who love discovering local flavors and stories in a friendly, small-group setting.

4. Kayak The Creek Nature Tour

Number 4, the Kayak The Creek Nature Tour, offers a peaceful paddle through Cape Cod’s most pristine waterways. RideAway Adventures, awarded the best Cape Cod tours for 12 years straight, provides top-of-the-line equipment and guides with over two decades of experience.

The tour takes you in the protected Game Creek Conservation land, offering views of saltwater, brackish, and freshwater ecosystems teeming with birdlife, crabs, and other wildlife. It’s suitable for all skill levels, with a focus on low participant numbers to keep the experience intimate.

Reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guides and scenic scenery, with one noting, “wonderful scenery and bird life.” The tour is perfect for nature lovers and families who want a relaxing outdoor activity.

Bottom Line: For a tranquil, wildlife-rich paddle, this guided kayak tour provides excellent value and a chance to connect with Cape Cod’s natural environment.

5. The Martinis & Mingle Tour

The Martinis & Mingle Tour, at number 5, offers a lively 2-hour jaunt through Provincetown’s bohemian streets. Starting at The Harbor Lounge with a Cape Cod Blueberry vodka lemonade martini, you’ll explore historic landmarks like Lobster Pot and the Old Colony Tap Room, all while hearing stories of Ptown’s artistic and LGBTQ+ culture.

This tour is praised for its engaging storytelling, with reviewers calling guide Cathy “amazing” and “very knowledgeable.” It’s ideal for those looking for a mix of history, local flavor, and fun cocktails in a relaxed, social atmosphere. The tour’s small size makes it personal, and the included drink and local bites add to the value.

Bottom Line: Perfect for cocktail enthusiasts and history buffs, this tour mixes spirited drinks with vibrant local stories in a friendly setting.

6. Cape Cod & Provincetown Self-Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour

At number 6, the Self-Guided Audio Tour allows you to explore Cape Cod at your own pace. Starting at the Cape Cod Visitor Center, the GPS-enabled app guides you through 65 miles of scenic towns, lighthouses, and beaches. You learn about the Nauset tribe, the Mayflower sightings, and local legends along the way.

With several stops like Scargo Tower and the Nauset Lighthouse, this tour offers a flexible way to experience Cape Cod’s highlights over 3 to 4 hours.

It’s highly rated for its convenience and depth of information, with one reviewer noting, “Very informative and enjoyable.” It’s ideal for independent travelers who want to customize their day without missing key sights.

Bottom Line: This self-guided tour provides excellent value, giving you control over your schedule while delivering rich insights into Cape Cod’s history and scenery.

7. Cape Cod Explorer Tour

Number 7, the Cape Cod Explorer Tour, takes you on a 2-hour exploration of Popponesset Bay and surrounding areas with RideAway Adventures. With top-rated, fully ACA-certified guides, the tour offers a relaxed boat ride over calm waters that suit all ages and skill levels. Highlights include bird-watching, seeing the Popponesset Spit, and visiting the Chatham Fish Pier and Lighthouse.

Reviewers emphasize the “wonderful scenery” and “great value,” especially noting the guides’ local knowledge. It’s a great choice for families or anyone wanting a gentle introduction to Cape Cod’s maritime environment.

Bottom Line: For a peaceful, scenic boat ride with expert commentary, this tour offers good value and accessible outdoor fun.

8. National Seashore Tour with Guided Hike

Number 8 is the National Seashore Tour with Guided Hike. This 2-hour experience combines a scenic drive with a walk into Beech Forest, one of the few remaining old-growth forests on Cape Cod. Starting from Provincetown, you’ll visit the Province Lands Visitor Center, learn about the park’s ecosystems, and hike around ponds and birding sites.

The guide’s knowledge makes this tour appealing to those interested in nature and conservation, with review comments noting “very personable and knowledgeable.” It’s best suited for active travelers comfortable with walking. The tour includes a commemorative tote bag and snacks.

Bottom Line: Perfect for nature lovers who want a compact but enriching experience of Cape Cod’s wild side with expert guidance.

9. Mayflower Trolley Tour!

Number 9, the Mayflower Trolley Tour, offers a 50-minute journey through Provincetown’s landmarks and history. It’s a fun, relaxed way to see the town’s sites, from Pilgrim landing spots to the art district and the Cape Cod National Seashore. The vintage trolley adds charm, and the guide shares stories about the town’s early days, art scene, and notable personalities.

Reviewers mention it as a “great overview,” especially on rainy days when walking isn’t ideal. It’s suitable for families, first-timers, or those with limited time.

Bottom Line: A quick, engaging introduction to Provincetown’s highlights, ideal if you want a broad overview without much fuss.

10. Local Legends and Lobster Roll Tour

Number 10, the Local Legends and Lobster Roll Tour, is a 2-hour culinary journey inspired by Anthony Bourdain. It takes you through Provincetown’s historic eateries like the Lobster Pot and Spiritus Pizza, with stops at dive bars Bourdain loved in the ’70s. You’ll sample a classic lobster roll, Malasadas, and cold beer, all while hearing tales of seaside lore and Bourdain’s connection to the town.

Reviewers find this tour “informative and lively,” perfect for foodies and fans of the chef. It’s best suited for those who enjoy local food, tales of pop culture, and a lively atmosphere.

Bottom Line: An engaging way to combine culinary delights with local history, especially if you’re interested in Bourdain’s Cape Cod lore.

11. Provincetown Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour

The Provincetown Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour provides a 1-2 hour independent exploration of the town’s landmarks. Using an app with GPS tracking, you’ll discover the Pilgrim Monument, Adams Pharmacy, Whalers Wharf, and other sites, all at your own pace.

Reviewers appreciate the ability to explore comfortably and learn with rich narration, noting, “We could go as fast or slow as we wanted.” This is a great option for travelers who prefer self-paced sightseeing with detailed background info without a large group.

Bottom Line: Perfect for independent travelers wanting a comprehensive yet flexible tour of Provincetown’s sights and stories.

12. Private and Fully Customizable Cape Cod Dream Boating Adventure

Number 12, the Private Boating Adventure offers a tailored four- to eight-hour trip for up to six people. Run by CAP’n JP, this family-owned charter provides a true “salty” experience exploring Little Pleasant Bay, Cape Cod National Seashore, Chatham Pier, and Lighthouse. The itinerary is fully customizable, so you can focus on fishing, sightseeing, or just relaxing on the water.

At $399 per group, it’s an excellent value for families or groups wanting a personalized day out. Reviewers mention the “great value” and the chance to see wildlife and coastal sights in comfort.

Bottom Line: Ideal for private groups seeking a flexible, all-day boating experience with local charm and expert guidance.

How to Choose the Right Tour

When selecting the best tour in Cape Cod, consider your interests, budget, and activity level. For instance, if you’re a photographer or keen on landscape and astrophotography, the Night Photography Tour is unbeatable. For food lovers, the Chatham Food Tour or the Bourdain-inspired Lobster Roll Tour offer delicious insight into Cape Cod’s culinary scene.

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the Kayak the Creek or Cape Cod and Provincetown Self-Guided Tour. Budget travelers might find the Wine Tasting or Provincetown Walking Tour appealing.

Always book early, especially for popular outdoor tours or private experiences, and check seasonal availability. Some tours, like the Mayflower Trolley, run only from May to October, so planning ahead ensures a smooth trip.

Final Thoughts

Cape Cod’s range of tours ensures there’s something for every traveler—whether you’re after scenic boat rides, cultural explorations, or active outdoor adventures.

For a relaxed, scenic experience, the Sunset Kayak Tour offers peace and wildlife, while the Private Night Photography Tour helps you capture Cape Cod’s night sky in a way few others can. Foodies will love the Chatham Bites and Sights, and history buffs can’t miss the Mayflower Trolley.

Whatever your style, booking early and selecting activities that match your interests will make your Cape Cod visit truly special. With so many options, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy and inspired on your trip.