Best Cape Cod Neighborhoods & Other Cape Cod Areas to Visit

Cape Cod is one of the United States’ most famous and prestigious vacation destinations.

But it’s a lot larger than people think. If you’ve visited, you might have been shocked to realize there are over 400 miles of coastline and around 340 square miles to explore on the peninsula. The distance from the mainland to the very edge of Cape Cod is just under 70 miles.

From most viewpoints, the fact that Cape Cod is slightly larger than anticipated is a good thing. There are more beaches to explore, more museums to check out, more restaurants overlooking the water, more experiences to take on—you get the point.

That being said, you might want a little crash course on the best Cape Cod neighborhoods. The peninsula is divided into four areas, each of which has a unique lifestyle and atmosphere. Plus, each area is home to a handful of towns—some of them are more famous than others, meaning you need to make time to visit. (Or plan to stay in one.)

Ready to learn about all four Cape Cod areas, plus those smaller towns? Consider this your introductory guide.

Cape Cod neighborhoods: here’s what you need to know

Upper Cape: great for culture & history lovers

Reproduction of the Thomas Dexter Grist mill originally built at this location in Sandwich, Massachusetts in 1654 making is one of the oldest mills in the country. (Getty)

Upper Cape is closest to the mainland—it’s where you’ll first drive in. Bourne is considered the gateway to Cape Cod and is renowned for its cultural attractions, including the Bourne and Sagamore Bridges. You’ll be able to walk the Cape Cod Canal path and admire the charming cottages that line it.

Make sure to visit Sandwich, as well. It’s the oldest town in Cape Cod, founded back in 1637. If you’re into history, check out the Hoxie House, which is the peninsula’s oldest home. You can also explore the Heritage Museums and Gardens, which include over 100 acres of greenery.

Falmouth is another famous town in Upper Cape. It’s well-known for being the spot where you can take a ferry to Martha’s Vineyard, but it’s also charming and walkable. If you enjoy small-town fare, you’ll enjoy Falmouth.

Mid Cape: convenient exploring

Yarmouthport, Massachusetts, USA – June 2, 2017-Two young women walk the long boardwalk over green saltmarsh at Grays Beach (Bass Hole) (Getty)

Mid Cape is one of the best Cape Cod neighborhoods for staying active and exploration. You can jump from town to town, including family-friendly spots like Yarmouth and Hyannis. Yarmouth gives you access to lovely beaches, along with unique museums like the Whydah Pirate Museum and the Edward Gorey House.

Hyannis is actually a village on the outer rim of Barnstable, which is the largest town on Cape Cod. If you enjoy history, don’t skip out on Hyannis—it’s home to the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum, where you can explore the family’s long history of visiting the peninsula.

Lower Cape: tiny towns & beaches

Chatham is a town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts. (Getty)

Want to dive deep into the charm of Cape Cod? The Lower Cape is known for its spread of small towns and villages, along with its secluded and pristine beaches. (There are even a few bogs and harbors to check out!)

Chatham is an upscale town that offers unspoiled and large beaches. It’s also home to the famous Chatham Lighthouse, which you’d probably recognize from pictures.

Brewster, by contrast, is a lot more affordable while also offering charm. It’s home to Nickerson State Park and the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, offering a dose of both natural wonders and history.

Nature-lovers also shouldn’t miss out on Orleans, which gives you access ot the Cape Cod National Seashore and its beloved Nauset and Skaket Beaches. Lastly, you might want to visit the cranberry bogs of Harwich.

Outer Cape: artsy vibes

Provincetown is a town located at the extreme tip of Cape Cod. Sometimes called P-town the town is known for its beaches, harbor, artists, tourist industry, and its reputation as a gay village. (Getty)

Outer Cape is the most easterly of all Cape Cod neighborhoods, meaning it has more coastal miles than the rest. But you’ve got more than nature splendor at your fingertips because the Outer Cape is known for its eclectic artistic communities.

For example, Wellfleet lets you eat world-class oysters between shopping at art galleries and hanging out at Cahoon Hollow Beach. Provincetown is a slightly larger town with a vibrant arts scene—along with tons of historic fare, as it’s the site of the very first pilgrim landing site.

Just watch out for those prices. Similar to Chatham, Provincetown, and other Outer Cape spots like Eastham and Truro, you’ll be paying exorbitant prices for basic rentals compared to other Cape Cod areas, especially during those peak summer months.

New York City’s Famous Waldorf Astoria Just Got a $2 Billion Facelift

Hilton’s most famous property might just be NYC’s Waldorf Astoria. Of all New York City’s most iconic hotels, it stands apart—amongst the likes of the St. Regis, The Plaza, and The Hotel Chelsea.

Originally built back in 1931, it remained the largest hotel in the world until 1957. Its towering, commanding Art Deco design rises 47 floors into Midtown’s skyline. Its primary penthouse room was designed to emulate the White House and has played host to famous celebrities, from Frank Sinatra to the Duke and Duchess of Windsor to Albert Einstein.

I can’t emphasize this enough: The Waldorf Astoria has played host to some insanely elite parties, meetings, and gatherings during its nearly 100-year run. I’m talking four of the actual Dead Sea Scrolls (you know, religious texts written in the 3^rd century BCE) were sold privately in their basement.

For decades, the property was run by Hilton. The hospitality group began privately managing the property in 1949 before buying it outright in 1972.

Then came another buyer in 2016: Anbang Insurance Group, a Chinese insurance company. They purchased the property for almost $2 billion… before the property switched hands again to Daija Insurance Group Co after Anbang went bankrupt.

Since then, another $2 billion has been poured back into the property via renovations, restorations, and tons of new builds. And it’s finally reopening to the public.

Welcome to the new Waldorf Astoria.

Updates, refurbishments, and history at the Waldorf Astoria

Anbang’s buyout signaled a new beginning for the Waldorf Astoria. The property now includes a separate area for its residential condominiums, known as The Tower.

Otherwise, Hilton remains in charge of running and managing the hotel rooms—and much of the interior remains the same. They signed a 100-year contract at the time of the buyout to ensure the historic hotel wouldn’t be drastically altered.

That being said, the Waldorf isn’t necessarily at risk of disappearing.

Areas like the Grand Ballroom and Peacock Alley were declared New York City Landmarks by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Committee. Additionally, the hotel was listed as a Historic Hotel of America, further protecting its status and design.

In other words, expect plenty of sleek, modern refurbishments since the Anbang buyout and Daija takeover, but don’t expect major switch-ups to the atmosphere and essence.

For example, the new reception area will use the same marble that was used in the famous Peacock Alley, creating a sense of what Hilton calls ‘visual continuity’. At least, when it comes to those more iconic communal spaces.

So, what’s actually changing?

As mentioned up top, the primary change to the Waldorf Astoria is the addition of its new residential condominiums. While Hilton is still managing the property and the hotel section, the condominiums have been the main source of construction delays since the 2016 buyout.

Previously, the Waldorf Astoria had 1,400 rooms. But they’ve now been divided into 375 guestrooms and 372 private residences. In terms of hotel rooms, guests can expect much larger and apartment-like spaces that include bars and spa-level bathrooms.

The World Tour of Oopsies: Chapter 7 – The Monastery (Part II)

[The World Tour of Oopsies is an ongoing series of travel stories about my first decade of travel. During these adventures and misadventures, I had to unlearn many things I thought I knew about life. Welcome to my miseducation.]

Catch up on the World Tour of Oopsies:

Part I / Still at Rumtek Monastery…

Door of Rumtek Monastery,also called the Dharma Chakra Centre,is a gompa located in the Indian state of Sikkim near the capital Gangtok (Getty)

The group’s first day at Rumtek Monastery was a peaceful one. We arrived and stretched our legs, then had a meeting with one of the Karmapa’s regents. (See: Chapter 6.)

We ate, we cleaned our dishes, and then we got ready for our two-day-long silent retreat.

During the retreat, we’d live similarly to the young monks at Rumtek Monastery. We’d rise early, eat our meals, perform basic cleaning tasks, and learn about Tibetan Buddhism from more senior monks. Oh, and we’d be silent. For two whole days.

Like you might have pieced together from previous travel stories in my World Tour of Oopsies, the chance to learn more about Tibetan Buddhism was a big deal to me. The silent element of the retreat was also something I looked forward to.

I wanted to turn inward during my first international travels. I wanted to discover a spiritual practice or, ideally, uncover my life’s highest purpose. Though those desires were more than a bit misplaced, it was heartfelt, and I was open to learn.

But much like the first lesson from Rumtek Monastery, the second one was just as out of left field.

Part II / Laughter echoing up the stairs

What happened next at Rumtek Monastery is easily the most impactful travel moment of my life. I know that’s true because of how often I think of it today, over 15 years later.

Anytime I feel myself getting grumpy and short-tempered, I think back to this moment.

It was the first day of our silent retreat. We were all in high spirits, having woken early and gotten into the rhythm of life at the monastery. In the afternoon, we had a meditation lesson with one of the senior monks.

Rumtek Monastery isn’t just a monastery; it’s also a gompa, making it a spiritual knowledge center where monks learn about important texts, teachings, and lessons that have been passed down in the Kagyu Tibetan Buddhist sect for centuries.

That’s a pretty big deal, and there are monks in training as young as five and six, along with senior monks like the regent.

These monks perform a range of tasks to care for the gompa while also undertaking their studies. As I mentioned above, our small group was joining for a few days; when we weren’t learning or meditating, we were cleaning.

Back to the meditation lesson from the senior monk. We were about an hour into a lesson on mindfulness when we started to hear laughter echoing up the stairs from the hallway where kid-monks were cleaning.

The senior monk stood up and reminded them that we were in a lesson and that they needed to keep quiet.

Another twenty minutes passed, and the sound kicked up again. Once more, the senior monk stood up and went to the hallway to ask them to be quiet.

The kids, who ranged from eight to twelve years old, once more got back to work.

Another thirty minutes went by, and the sounds of playful laughter echoed into the room.

Part III / Having fun

Here’s where you learn something about me: I figured the kids were about to get into a lot of trouble. I think my first thought after the third interruption was something like… It’s ass-whoopin’ time.

To clarify, I did not grow up in an abusive household. But it was the 90s, and it was a time when kids weren’t supposed to interrupt adults. The more adult-like a child acted, the more they were rewarded. And if they didn’t…

I remember being suspended as a kid for being too rowdy in school. At that time, I was even younger than the kid-monks in question here.

I looked down, prepared to mind my business as they were reprimanded.

But nothing happened. The senior monk leading the lesson looked in their direction as the kids kept playing. I saw him take a deep breath, then exhale. Then he looked at our group, smiled, and said, “Well, I guess they’re having fun.”

And that was that. He didn’t try to quiet them again and, within another thirty minutes, the kid-monks had finished their work and moved on.

Sounds very simple, right? And maybe even unmemorable.

But I was seeing some enlightenment-level patience in action, and it was deeply moving. Frustration turned to understanding as the monk realized that expecting children to act like adults might not work.

Then, understanding turned to joy as he realized that the issue was their joyful laughter—and isn’t that silly? To think of a child’s laughter as a problem?

TL;DR my world tour of travel stories: Kindness is a type of wisdom.

Wine Paradise Awaits: Places to Stay in Napa Valley for a Girls’ Trip

You’ve got the vision—

You’ve confirmed travel dates with your group of girlfriends. You’ve narrowed down which wineries you’re going to visit, which outfits you’ll bring, and even hammered out little details like a private driver.

All that’s left to do is pack your bags… and sift through all those recommended places to stay in Napa Valley for a girls’ trip.

While Napa Valley is a top spot for girls’ trips, from reunion vacations to bachelorette parties, it’s also one of the toughest to plan when it comes to lodging. And with pretty hefty prices year-round, it’s a high-stakes game that you want to get right.

After all, you’re going to need a solid crash pad to nurse you back to health after those long days spent chugging Chardonnay… or floating in a hot-air balloon—who knows? Napa is surprisingly dynamic.

If you’re looking for the best places to stay in Napa Valley for a girls’ trip, start here. I’ve rounded up a diverse range of private rentals that will sleep at least five.

Places to stay in Napa Valley for a girls trip

Affordable condo with shared pool

Stay in the highly sought-after Silverado Resort in the heart of Napa Valley, which gives you two bedrooms and a shared outdoor pool. There are also two patios for any after-hours, at-home wine tasting. Just know that this spot is ideal for a max of five guests.

Resort-style home rental

If you’re okay drifting a bit further from Napa Valley into St. Helena, you’ll be treated to this central, historic home. You’ll be near the town’s lovely Main Street, while also having access to some resort-style amenities. I’m talking a gorgeous outdoor pool setup, quality materials and design elements, and even a mini at-home gym.

Downtown Napa hideaway

A jacuzzi, a fire pit, and a close proximity to both downtown Napa Valley and its greatest wineries—what else could you want? Plus, this home has three bedrooms, two of which come with king-sized beds for added space. It’s got everything you could want or need for a girls’ trip in Napa Valley.

An Italian villa with gorgeous style

Inspired by the Tuscan hills and farmhouses of Italy, this villa takes you into a chic atmosphere. There’s a small creek that runs through the property, plus an opulent, Old World design on the interior. It’s also situated between downtown Napa and its most delicious wineries, giving you the best of both worlds.

Upscale stay with all the basics

If you’re looking for a simple and straightforward stay, head to this Silverado Resort condo. (It’s on the same grounds as the very first rental pick, and is similarly priced.) It’s got a bright and clean layout, modern furnishings, a full chef’s kitchen, and resort amenities like dining and shopping nearby.

Private rental with plenty of space to roam

Located in Glen Ellen, this private home gives you all the space to roam you could hope for. Though it’s a bit of a drive to wineries compared to the other rentals listed here, I think it’s great for any group that also wants to soak up the outdoors. There’s a hot tub, redwoods growing on the property, and freshly-brought daily pastries from a local bakery.

Minimalist design with a large pool

This Sonoma Valley home consists of two buildings with three bedrooms, which also comes with a heated pool, hot tub, and bocce ball court. Similar to the Glen Ellen rental (above), that makes this home perfect for girl groups that want to spend quality time together at ‘home’. It’s also close to the two oldest wineries in the region, if you’ve had Gundlach Bundschu and Buena Vista on your radar.

High-design luxury home

Located on the grounds of a working vineyard in Sonoma (called Barboshi Farms), this rental puts you in reach of some of the region’s tastiest grapes in reach. (And when it comes to the best places to stay in Napa Valley for a girls’ trip, how does it get better?) Personally, I’d probably book the rental thanks to its lovely infinity pool and gorgeous living spaces. The home is newly built in a modernist style, giving it an effortlessly minimalist feel.

Unexpected Bohemian vibes

If your girl group is on the hunt for tranquility, it doesn’t get any better. This property is built with natural light and the surrounding woodlands in mind, letting you unwind like you’re at an eco-retreat. Just know that you need to pay a bit extra if you’re with a group over four, but the home can accommodate up to eight.

In the heart of Sonoma

If you’ve got your sights set on the Carneros wine region, head to this rental. You’ve got world-class vineyards within reach, along with tons to do back at the property. There’s a pickleball court, a hot tub, an outdoor pool, and even a grilling area. For the truly active girl group.

Stunning treehouse just outside of town

No, it’s not a traditional treehouse. And, no, it’s not located in Napa or Sonoma. But this Mill Valley home is still only an hour from those wineries and, most importantly, has redwood forest views. It’s also endlessly gorgeous, with a natural, cottage-style design.

How to Get Free Things To Do in Copenhagen, From Drinks to Tours

European sentiments toward tourism are souring in some parts of the continent. That’s a big hangup for many tourists, especially considering how expensive visiting countries like Spain, France, and Italy can be.

But there’s one place where visitors aren’t likely to get snubbed by locals and, at the same time, save a few dollars.

Sounds too good to be true, right?

Well, there is a catch—I’m talking about Copenhagen, Denmark. It would be a little misleading to suggest that all Danes are welcoming to Americans, given the current climate. (Something about Greenland, I think?)

That being said, the city of Copenhagen has taken proactive steps to create a system in which tourism works to help the city rather than work against it.

Welcome to CopenPay, a unique program from Visit Copenhagen that lets tourists do little acts of goodness in exchange for free experiences.

What’s the idea behind CopenPay?

The CopenPay website is extremely straightforward and easy to use, but let’s dig into the idea behind it first. If you’ve never been to Denmark before, know this: rules abound. Rules are taken seriously. Rules are in place to ensure fairness for all residents.

And rules are (in part) what keep Copenhagen safe, clean, and worth visiting.

Let’s dig in deeper. Authorities and residents in Copenhagen have seen other hubs in Europe struggle with overtourism, including its neighbor, Amsterdam. In a bid to get ahead of and manage mass tourism, Copenhagen is looking to leverage its approach to tourism to actively improve the city.

So, here’s the gist of CopenPay: you agree to take on little chores like cleaning up the harbor or donating your time in a city garden in exchange for free tourist experiences, such as free entry to a museum or a free drink.

How does CopenPay work?

CopenPay runs on the trust system, which is, again, part of Danish culture; they a little iffy on the enforcement and very big into something called ‘high-trust’. So, here’s how it works: using the CopenPay platform, you see which jobs need to get done.

Those jobs could be helping out in an urban garden or as simple as taking one of the city’s electric bikes around instead of hailing a taxi. The platform is very straightforward, so you can easily shop around for ‘actions’ or jobs that need to get done. Again, some are as simple as sharing your thoughts, using public transportation, and even crafting.

Click on the action that speaks to you, then you’ll see a short intro to the job that needs to be done, where it is, how to participate, and what comes with that experience.

For example, I clicked on ‘City clean up’ under Actions (pictured above), then clicked on the Copenhagen Pier location. A description popped up that describes the setup: I volunteer for 30-60 minutes at the pier, then get 50% off lunch at the Copenhagen Pier Bar located inside the Copenhagen Marriott Hotel (pictured below).

You’ve just cleaned up the city and gotten a discounted meal at a highly rated restaurant with ocean views. How do you say bada-boom, bada-bing in Danish?!

CopenPay makes it easy to get free things to do in Copenhagen

Is CopenPay worth it if you’re in town for a few days?

Because the CopenPay platform is so easy to use and the tasks are clearly explained, I think anyone spending more than a night in the city should take advantage. It’s one of the easiest ways to get free things to do in Copenhagen, which also makes it great for those on a budget.

On a personal level, I’m into community service—but as a frequent traveler, I’m doubly interested in community service projects that give tourists the power to give back to the destination.

That being said, if you don’t want to volunteer during your vacation, I understand. I’m sure you’re not alone. Still, I think the tasks listed on CopenPay are all realistic in terms of the time, effort, and energy they require. And, again, you’ll get some pretty juicy perks when you participate.

Charleston vs Savannah for Vacation: Which Should You Visit First?

Close your eyes and imagine a southern city that’s known for hanging Spanish moss, ghost stories, centuries worth of history, and its hospitable charm.

Usually, Charleston and Savannah are top of mind.

Charleston, South Carolina, was founded in 1670 and named after King Charles II of England. Around 100 miles to the south sits Savannah, Georgia, which was established in 1733. Both played pivotal roles in the American Revolutionary War and the Civil War, and are dotted by historic sites that attract thousands of tourists each year.

With so much in common, it’s easy to get turned around when planning a trip in the Southeast. Which city should you visit if you find yourself in the area? And what are you missing out on by picking one over the other?

Let’s dig into the differences between Charleston vs Savannah for vacation, from size to local culture to walkability. Here’s what you need to know about these informal sister cities.

Charleston vs Savannah for vacation: the main differences

Similarities do abound—including size

Charleston, South Carolina – May 7, 2024: The famous Rainbow Row in Charleston, with a long cluster of Georgian row houses with pastel colors on the East Bay Street. (Getty)

Here’s the rub: you’re going to notice plenty of similarities between these two cities. If you’ve visited both in a short span of time, you might actually mix up a few memories.

Founded within sixty years of each other, only separated by 100 or so miles, and with populations hovering around 150,000, they’re easy to mix up.

So, what can you expect—regardless of which city you visit?

Both have well-preserved historic districts with colonial architecture, cobbled streets, live oak trees with drooping Spanish Moss, and small, quaint parks. Both are home to historic sites, museums, and tours that showcase the important economic role Charleston and Savannah played during the colonial English era into the earliest years of the US.

So, if you want to explore history, take ghost tours, walk through historic neighborhoods, and avoid massive crowds, both Charleston and Savannah fit the bill.

Now onto the differences.

Savannah is more laid-back and walkable

Historic converted cotton warehouses on River Street, Savannah Georgia (Getty)

Charleston has a bigger downtown area with larger buildings and plenty of chain shops and restaurants. Its King Street hub has a truly cosmopolitan feel, which is great if you want a familiar world of nightlife, restaurants, shops, and more.

But Savannah’s Broughton Street doesn’t have the same bright-lights feel. When comparing Charleston vs Savannah for vacation, you might want to take a look at commercial locations versus homegrown spots.

Savannah’s walkable areas are known for offering tons of boutique and independent stores, letting you explore mom-and-pop establishments of all stripes. When the sun sets, the same area comes alive with cocktail bars and nightlife.

There’s also an open container policy at River Street, which gives you plenty of reason to keep exploring its downtown area.

Charleston is a culinary capital—and a brewery hub

Henrys Seafood and Jazz Restaurant in downtown Charleston, South Carolina (Getty)

Charleston is home to three James Beard Award-winning restaurants, including FIG, Husk, and Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ.

FIG offers a modern take on classic seafood delicacies from the Southeast; Husk focuses on delectable eats with ingredients sourced from nearby producers; and Rodney Scott specializes in smoking whole hogs in the low-and-slow Charleston style.

That’s a pretty solid range for you to sink your teeth into. On top of its great eats, Charleston also has a growing obsession with microbreweries and alehouses. There are currently 37 operational breweries in the city—enough that local newspapers have weighed in on whether there are too many.

Savannah has a funkier arts vibe

Savannah, Georgia – April 13, 2023: The Telfair Academy is a museum which includes American and European art including paintings, works on paper, sculpture, and decorative arts.

Savannah is home to the Savannah College of Art and Design, which attracts innovative and creative thinkers from around the country.

Their influence can be felt in the city’s artistic community and its events, from the Telfair Museums to older projects in the Historic District like The Kobo Gallery and the Signature Gallery of Savannah.

The former is actually the oldest public art museum in the US, founded back in 1883 by a female philanthropist. Or, if you want to keep things more focused on contemporary works, head to the SCAD Museum of Art, which is located on the College of Arts and Design campus.

Charleston was America’s No. 1 City for years

If you’re into the opinions of Travel + Leisure, you should know that Charleston took the top spot on its Best City in the US list for a whopping 12 years running. (It was finally toppled this year by Santa Fe, New Mexico.)

That’s a wildly impressive reign, which Charleston achieved thanks to its southern charm, culture, architecture, and dining scene.

Plus, it looks like Charleston’s proximity to hotspots like Kiawah Island has influenced traveler opinion on the city. So, if you’re into trending destinations with accolades to back up their popular status, don’t miss Charleston.