White toy airplane next to

Your Cape Cod Practical Travel Tips: Packing and Local Know-How

It’s essential for every vacation that you have an idea of what you’re getting into. Nothing makes for a more anxious time than being unprepared in a new area. So before you head out the door, make sure you’ve had a bit of prep. It goes a long way towards making your next trip worthwhile. And, if you’re planning a trip to Cape Cod, you’ll definitely want to have an idea of what there is to do there, because the activities are endless. 


Luckily for you, we’ve developed some essential travel tips on how to make the most of your next Cape Cod vacation, including packing, navigating, and things to do. Let’s dive in.

Three colorful buoys hang on a weathered wooden wall, with a blue top.

Cape Cod’s weather can shift quickly from warm and sunny one moment to foggy or breezy the next, so it’s best to be flexible with your clothing choices.


Essentials:

  • Layers: A mix of T-shirts, long-sleeves, and a hoodie or sweater will go a long way to ensure comfort.
  • Shoes: You’ll want some nice hiking shoes for trails like Fort Hill or Nauset Marsh, plus sandals or flip-flops when you hit the beach.
  • Beach gear: A beach chair, sunscreen, sunglasses, a nice hat, and a reusable water bottle are a must when at the beach.
  • Bug spray: If you’re hanging out near the marshes, this’ll keep the bugs at bay.
  • Backpack: Unless you’re a pro juggler, consider storing your items in a backpack.
  • Small cooler: Having something cool to insulate your food is nice to have.
  • Phone charger: You’d hate to have your phone battery die midway through a hike in the middle of nowhere.


Some of this list, such as the beach chair, is dependent on whether you fly into Cape Cod or not. If you are traveling by car, it will be easier to bring a plethora of items, however, if you’re flying, that’s where The Inn at the Oaks comes in. We offer complimentary beach towels, chairs and umbrellas for the perfect beach day, so no need to worry!

What to Pack (Without Overpacking)

  1. Use landmarks, not street addresses: Street addresses in Eastham, and all of Cape Cod, can get confusing based on the winding roads and duplicate names across town. Locals will often use nearby places instead, such as “It’s across from Salt Pond Visitor Center” or “Just before Coast Guard Beach”. 
  2. Biking is underrated: Most drive, but Eastham is bike-friendly, especially across the Cape Cod Rail Trail. Running from Wellfleet to Yarmouth, this flat and scenic journey is a relaxed take on Cape Cod. Plus, we at The Inn at the Oaks have a bike rack on-site for you to store yours, just make sure you bring a lock!
  3. Parking passes: During the summer, some beaches may require a parking pass, such as the Coast Guard Beach or First Encounter Beach. You can utilize Eastham’s city website  for any additional information on daily passes.
  4. Download your maps: Cell service can get spotty depending on where you are, so having a downloaded offline map could be a game changer.
  5. Know the tide: Some beaches are best at low tide for walking, while others are better at high tide for swimming. Researching the area’s tide charts matters.

Navigating Like You Know the Place

Two boats on a calm river, red sailboat and black rowboat, surrounded by green marsh and trees under blue sky.

Even if you aren’t looking to travel to Cape Cod ( though that’s crazy talk), here are some general tips that’ll help you regardless of your destination.


  • Book ahead: If you’re a first-time flyer, it’s so important to book far in advance for the best pricing on not only flights, but excursions as well. Especially if you’re looking to vacation during the summer or on weekends, book everything early, but make sure you leave some wiggle room in your itinerary for new discoveries.
  • Dining: Local restaurants can fill up fast. Plan for early dinners or make reservations if allowed to ensure you try all the local cuisines. 
  • Hydrate: Even if the air is cooler, the sun can still be intense. Hydrate well by always keeping water on you, especially if your trip involves hiking or biking.
  • Ask locals, not just Google: Although Google is our best friend for searches, try asking locals about various things. Most people will love giving current advice on where to eat and what to do while you’re in the area. Who knows, you may just make a new friend out of it. 
  • Don’t try to do it all: Honestly, depending on where you go, the amount of activities could get overwhelming. If you try to squeeze in everything, you’ll find yourself disappointed if you don’t finish it all. Pick a few highlights, and let the rest of the trip unfold at its own pace.

General Tips That Always Apply

While you’re here, make sure you try out some of the following places:



Cape Cod Must-Visits

Our Last Tip: Book a Stay at The Inn at the Oaks

Okay, this last tip might be a little biased, but ensure you’re within close proximity to all there is to do by staying at our property, The Inn at the Oaks. We have a diverse selection of places to stay, from our inn and carriage home to our farmhouse and cottage. These comfortable accommodations come at an affordable price, with complimentary parking and an outdoor patio deck to relax on.



So pack light but smart, explore our area, and don’t over-plan, because Cape Cod rewards the travelers who take it slow.