Hotel at a Glance: CapeWind Waterfront Resort

This secluded resort is right on a bay that leads out to the Atlantic Ocean. But it’s also on a 5-acre swath of greenery, dotted with country-style touches—think a wooden bench swing and a shady gazebo. It’s a picturesque setting well into autumn, when the surroundings explode into a rainbow of colors as summer fades in New England.

• Local experts: The front-desk staff are happy to make restaurant recommendations or help book kayak rentals.
• Guest rooms are equipped with microwaves, fridges, coffeemakers, and free WiFi.
• A long wooden dock extends into the water and provides a great spot for group photos.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts: Quaint Villages, Protected Beaches, and Miles of Shoreline

In the late 19th century, Cape Cod began to blossom into a summer vacation destination as visitors swapped crowded coastal cities for the sandy shores of eastern Massachusetts. Today, the arm-shaped peninsula encompasses a string of idyllic fishing villages, rolling dunes, and 300 miles of sandy shoreline—and it’s still the place where many East Coasters choose to spend their leisurely summer days. Popular attractions include fresh-seafood restaurants, quaint stores, and bicycle trails, such as the 11-mile Shining Sea Bikeway that wends from North Falmouth to Woods Hole.

But there’s also plenty to do in winter and spring, when the crowds are a lot smaller. On the uppermost tip of the Cape, the free-spirited art colony of Provincetown attracts visitors year-round. This is one of the best places to head for a vibrant nightlife scene—there are cabarets, bars, and lounges aplenty. Farther south, the Woods Hole Science Aquarium houses 140 marine animals native to the Northeast and mid-Atlantic region. You might even see marine biologists feeding the seals in the aquarium’s outdoor enclosure. You can also take advantage of the region’s museums, which range from august (The John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum) to artisanal (The Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum).

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