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Wellfleet, Massachusetts has more than its fair share of attractions for visitors to this corner of New England, about 100 miles from Boston. Along with a wealth of activities, and an abundance of art galleries that’s second only to its route 6 neighbor Provincetown, this Outer Cape town is also famous for its seafood – specifically its oysters, as evidenced by the annual OysterFest festival showcasing Wellfleet oysters.
But that’s not all Wellfleet has going for it. With nearly two-thirds of its territory covered by sections of the Cape Cod National Seashore, and over 1,000 acres of protected wildlife sanctuary, Wellfleet is a true paradise for nature lovers.
In this post, we’ll highlight Welfleet’s top attractions, local secrets, and must-visit destinations, as well as Wellfleet vacation rental options, so you can make the absolute best of your getaway.
Top Sights in Wellfleet
There’s no shortage of must-see attractions in Wellfleet, starting with the town center and harbor. This area has been designated as a Cultural District, in large part due to its artsy vitality and the density of its cultural and natural resources. The district connects the harbor and town through a loop along Main Street and Commercial Street, and includes many of Wellfleet’s restaurants, galleries, theaters, flea markets, shops, and cultural centers.
Wellfleet Harbor itself is a small, exceptionally pretty harbor leading out to Cape Cod Bay, with several inlets extending inland and leading to a multitude of scenic brooks.
But really, it’s difficult to set foot anywhere in Wellfleet without encountering hidden gems and superb natural beauty: between the Cape Cod National Seashore, the Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (which features six varied and intriguing trails including shaded woodlands, birdwatching, a boardwalk to a salt marsh beach, fresh-water pond, and biking), and other small parks and beaches, seventy percent of the town's area is protected.
As far as historical landmarks go, Wellfleet’s arguably most historic setting is the Atlantic-facing Marconi Beach, where Guglielmo Marconi successfully made the first transatlantic wireless communication between the USA and England. There's also First Congregational Church, which boasts the only clock tower in the world that still chimes on “ship’s time” to designate change in shift duties.
Wellfleet Harbor
Downtown Wellfleet
The National Seashore
Best Activities You Should Do in Wellfleet
Without any word of exaggeration, there’s something for everyone and every interest in Wellfleet. A typical day might begin with an exploration of the Cape Cod National Seashore, continue with a show at the Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater (WHAT), and conclude with a leisurely art gallery tour.
Or it might center around unique Wellfleet experiences such as oyster-tasting tours, a hike along the Great Island Trail out to Jeremy Point (a stretch of sand only accessible at low tide), and a stop at Uncle Tim’s Bridge, which provides a memorably photogenic view across marshland and tidal creek, and leads to the beautiful Cannon Hill preserve.
Or you might simply take the time to experience the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, with its five miles of walking trails through scenic salt marsh, a wealth of birdwatching and sea turtle spotting opportunities, and exploratory excursions by kayak, canoe, or paddleboard.
Another popular walking spot is the White Cedar Swamp Trail, which wanders along woodland to a boardwalk that takes hikers through the beautiful Atlantic White Cedar Swamp area.
For lighthouse spotters, Cape Cod’s iconic Nauset Lighthouse in Eastham is only a 15-minute drive south of Wellfleet.
Family-Friendly Activities
Wellfleet's family-friendly appeal makes it a top family destination in Cape Cod. Along with family-oriented events such as the Fourth of July classic American car parade and its abundance of outdoor summer concerts, the Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre and Baker's Field Skate Park are perennial favorites. On weekends the Drive-In doubles as the Cape’s biggest flea market by day with up to 300 vendors selling antiques and vintage clothing.
But above all, Cape Cod in general and Wellfleet in particular is a paradise of beaches.
Activities suitable for families include warm water beach days at Mayo Beach, or on the Atlantic-facing side, visits to the popular Marconi Beach, or White Crest Beach, which is particularly popular for surfing.
Other favorites include Newcomb Hollow Beach and Lecount Hollow Beach on the Cape Cod National Seashore, and the sandy beaches around Wellfleet’s freshwater ponds, such as Great Pond beach.
Facing Cape Cod Bay, Duck Harbor Beach is a quiet beach off the beaten path, and is a great spot for collecting shells and taking in the sunset.
Activities If You Have Pets
Wellfleet is said to be very pet-friendly, all the more so as Wellfleet beaches allow dogs during peak season, which is typically not the case elsewhere in Cape Cod. Note that they must be leashed, and are not permitted on lifeguarded beach areas, or wherever shore birds are nesting.
Naturally, there are great dog walking trails in the National Seashore, and numerous pet-friendly patios at local eateries.
Where to Eat in Wellfleet
Wellfleet's dining options range from fine dining seafood spots to cozy cafes.
Standouts include Mac's Shack for seafood, The Wicked Oyster for fine dining, and the Wellfleet Marketplace for casual bites and local flavors.
Other local favorite places to eat include Mac’s on the Pier, Moby Dick’s Restaurant, Winslow’s Tavern, The Beachcomber perched on top of the sand dunes overlooking Cahoon Hollow Beach, and (in season) the Pearl Restaurant and Bar.
For ice cream aficionados, A Nice Cream Stop and Gelato Joy Cafe (also in season) are highly regarded.
Remember to book reservations ahead of time if you’re looking for a sunset view on an outdoor patio.
Wellfleet Travel Tips
1 Wellfleet offers stunning natural beauty and visitor attractions year-round, but as with all Cape Cod destinations, summer is peak season, so this is when you’ll need to plan, book, and reserve well ahead of time, starting with vacation rental accommodations.
2 Del Mar Vacation Rentals is a favorite in the Cape Cod region, and offers a rich catalog of Wellfleet vacation rentals, including bay views, beach access, and luxury retreats.
3 Although you can access Wellfleet by bus, traveling by car will also get you within easy day trip range of Ptown, Eastham, Chatham, or for a change of pace, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket by ferry.
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