It’s a Cape Cod Summer, Every Summer

By: Lily Stein

Every summer, every long weekend, and any other stolen slice of time, the Cape is my true escape. When I think of the quaint peninsula just about an hour from Boston, I feel pure happiness. There’s something so special about driving over the Bourne bridge and knowing that the next couple of days will be filled with moments you will never forget. 

As a girl who has spent two decades summering on the Cape, I’ve curated my own version of the perfect Cape Cod guide-a collection of shops, bites, and can’t-miss sights that make up my personal definition of an East Coast summer. Consider this your starter map to the dreamiest season of all.

Start Your Morning at Hole In One 

Located in the heart of Eastham and Orleans, Hole In One has the Cape’s best donuts. These are the kind of hand-cut, still-warm rings of dough that make you forget every chain bakery you’ve ever been to. Not only do they have the classics, like glazed and chocolate frosted, they also serve specialty donuts, such as blueberry crumb. Also, don’t skip out on their coffees and lattes. They are a must try! The Cape may be a quaint destination spot, but don’t be fooled, the donuts sell out fast. Be sure to get in line early to secure your morning treat! 

Spend A Few Hours at Nauset Light 

Nauset Light Beach is where the iconic candy-striped lighthouse towers over a mile of soft sand. Hundreds of people each day flock to this beautiful beach, whether they are tanning, swimming, or playing games along the beach, there is enjoyment for everyone. Cape Cod’s water temperature rarely exceeds 70 degrees fahrenheit, so it definitely makes for a brisk, yet refreshing dip in the ocean.

Shop the Streets of Chatham 

After some time at the beach, be sure to stop by Chatham, known for its picture perfect downtown area. Main Street looks like it was taken right out of a postcard. It’s all coastal-prep-meets-old-money-charm, the kind of place where you’ll see hydrangeas on every corner and people who somehow look effortlessly cool in boat shoes. 

One must-visit? All Points Beautiful, a boutique packed with one-of-a-kind dresses, breezy linen sets, trendy bikinis, and accessories that echo the coastal granddaughter aesthetic. 

Golden Hour at Chatham Bars Inn 

Once the afternoon of shopping comes to a close, the breathtakingly beautiful Chatham Bars Inn is just a couple of minutes away. The sunset feels almost cinematic as the sky turns a sherbet-pink, the ocean shimmers, and there’s the strum of live music. Order a summer cocktail, relax in an adirondack chair on the hill, and you won’t want to ever leave.

And How Could I Forget?...Follow Cape Cod Sisters @EmmaPritchard & @MaggieMacdonald 

No Cape Cod guide is complete without mentioning Emma Pritchard and Maggie Macdonald. The sisters grew up here and still spend nearly every summer on the Cape, sharing their favorites with hundreds of thousands on Instagram and TikTok. 

From viral spots like The Lighthouse Keeper's coffee shop, to tucked-away beaches you won’t find in a brochure, Emma and Maggie are the ultimate Cape muses. Their feeds capture that mix of serene mornings and fun evenings out, the kind of Cape Cod summer I’ll always be down for.