Hotel at a Glance: Chatham Seafarer

Though recently renovated and upgraded, this quintessential Cape Cod inn keeps its quaint and homey vibe firmly in tact. From the charming fireplace-equipped lobby to the secluded garden out back, every area of this well-manicured property invokes feelings of delight and leisure. And with well-loved beaches— including Hardings Beach and Cockle Cove Beach—less than a mile away, it also makes a great home base while exploring the  Cape, as well as the historic town center of Chatham.

• Take a relaxing dip in the hidden-from-view heated pool.
• Relax in style: Boxwood rooms feature fully-equipped efficiency kitchens, private eating areas, hardwood floors, and a patio that leads to the gardens and pool.
• Hike or bike on the 22-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail Bike Path, located steps away from the property.
• Stay connected thanks to the inn’s free WiFi.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts: Historic Towns and Miles of Protected Beaches

In the late 19th century, Cape Cod blossomed into a summer vacation destination as visitors swapped crowded coastal cities for the sandy shores of eastern Massachusetts. Today, the arm-shaped peninsula, located 60 miles south of Boston, encompasses 15 idyllic towns, 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.

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. Pop into the Provincetown Art Association and Museum to check out local artwork, both historical and contemporary.

Along the Lower, or Outer, Cape, the 44,000-acre Cape Cod National Seashore stretches from Orleans to Provincetown and features six swimming beaches, wild cranberry bogs, and miles of walking and biking trails. The charming town of Chatham, whose quaint Main Street teems with family-run restaurants and shops, boasts the historic Chatham Lighthouse, which was founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1808 to protect ships circling the cape. Another popular lighthouse is Eastham’s Nauset Lighthouse, which has overlooked the Atlantic and helped guide vacationing British fish to shore since 1838. This coastal region is also known for whale watching; between April and November, tour boats take passengers out to sea to catch glimpses of humpback and minke whales.

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