A Rainy Day On Cape Cod
Summer vacation on Cape Cod is supposed to be filled with idyllic sunny beach days — not rainy days. But Cape Cod is subject to a decent amount of temperamental weather, and inevitably, a summer on Cape Cod will come with some drizzly days and drenching storms. These can be great opportunities to explore the Cape beyond its natural beauty. An abundance of culture and history can be found on Cape Cod from the wide range of museums, galleries, restaurants, and more. So it’s a rainy day on Cape Cod so you’re asking, what can I do?
What Can I do?
On a rainy morning, consider going out to eat while the storm blows over. Breakfast restaurants, cafes and diners are a speciality on Cape Cod and they double as great places to see the locals. Moonakis Cafe in Falmouth is a favorite dining spot for Cape Codders. With countless variations of pancakes and daily specials, this small restaurant delivers large portions and great food.
Further down the Cape’s peninsula lies Jack’s Outback II in Yarmouthport. The building is a small white house, home to a golden retriever who often greets customers on the lawn. The charming atmosphere and homemade baked goods make this place a cozy stop on a dreary day.
A third recommendation is The Daily Paper, located on West Main Street in Hyannis. Easily accessible and centrally located, The Daily Paper is an inexpensive option with tons of original specials and exceptional service.
Explore The Villages
After eating breakfast, consider taking a drive to a part of the Cape you have never visited. Woods Hole is a fun destination that will entertain the whole family. Kids will enjoy the Woods Hole Science Aquarium, which offers hands-on exhibits of a wide variety of sea life and creatures. Seal feeding and training occurs twice a day at 11 am and 4 pm. This aquarium is an inspirational and educational atmosphere, and free of charge! Besides the aquarium, there are plenty of other things to do in Woods Hole. The village is home to quirky shops and boutiques along the harbor.
The Woods Hole Historical Museum and Nobska Lighthouse are additional attractions that complete a visit.
Check Out A Museum
Museums offer another opportunity to learn about Cape Cod and make the most of a rainy afternoon. A extra benefit is that getting the family out of the house is usually a good idea to avoid restlessness. Fortunately, there are such a variety of museums on Cape Cod that you can find one to suit every interest.
For the kids, Cape Cod Children’s Museum makes it easy to pass an entire day. There are a variety of play areas geared towards younger children, plus a planetarium and creative programs for older kids.
Art enthusiasts enjoy the Cape Cod Museum of Art. Located off Route 6A in Dennis, this art museum features works from local artists and art inspired by Cape Cod. There are also a bunch of small galleries along Route 6A to discover.
The Coast Guard Heritage Museum brings to life seamen’s expeditions and the evolution of the United States Coast Guard. Besides the Heritage Museum, on-site is the Old Jail, a building constructed in the 1600s that visitors can tour.
What about the Movies?
Rainy days and movies often go hand in hand. Cinemas can be found across the Cape, bringing locals and vacationers the newest releases and box office hits. Movie theater complexes showing Hollywood’s latest hits can be found in Falmouth, Sandwich, Mashpee, and Hyannis. For those who like independent features and foreign films, the Cape Cinema in Dennis is a unique historic venue that has been showing movies, for more than 80 years. This spacious venue is akin to the old time movie palaces and the experience is made even more special by a dramatic mural painted by artist Rockwell Kent that is on the theater’s ceiling.
Where can I shop?
At Mashpee Commons, each family member will find something that peaks his or her interest, even in the rain. Color Me Mine is a paint-your-own pottery studio that welcomes artists of all ages and talents. The Lanes Bowl and Bistro calls itself an “uncommon bowling experience.” The trendy atmosphere in the bar and restaurant can serve to enhance the fun during an evening of bowling and dinner. Mashpee Commons has over 50 shops and restaurants to explore, along with a movie theater.
Looking for quality family time?
Staying at home with family can be fun, and it provides the opportunity to get some quality family time together. There are tons of stores that sell board games and puzzles related to Cape Cod, such as Ben Franklin’s in downtown Chatham and The Village Toy Store in Brewster. Reading a book at home or at the library can make an afternoon pass by too. Cape Cod is home to picturesque libraries in each town. Oftentimes, there are daily children’s programs or talks available to attend for free.
It’s not all bad…
Beaches can be beautiful places to visit, even when the sun is not shining. Prepare yourself with an umbrella and rain jacket and take to the shores of Cape Cod in all kinds of weather and all times of year.
Poor weather on the Cape doesn’t mean a waste of a day. An occasional rainy day can force families to change their routine of spending each day on the beach. The Cape is over 70 miles long with culture and history to discover all along the way.
What’s next?
Check out the Cape Cod Weather page by clicking the button below!
