If you’re currently planning a trip to Wellfleet, you’re in for the trip of a lifetime. There are so many fun things to do in Wellfleet, Massachusetts, which is why it’s the perfect place to vacation on Cape Cod and one of the best beach towns on the Cape and beyond.
Wellfleet is a pretty small town, but it’s surrounded by the coast on both sides. It’s most well known for its great oysters (which you have to try!), beaches, and wildlife sanctuary. Plus, it’s pretty centrally located on Cape Cod, so you can easily take trips to nearby towns and beaches if you want.
Below, find some of the best things to do in Wellfleet MA!
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Things to Do in Wellfleet MA
Eat seafood from Mac’s on the Pier
Trying seafood is an absolute must on this list of things to do in Wellfleet, Massachusetts. There’s no better place in Wellfleet to try it than at Mac’s On the Pier! It’s located right along the waterfront (as the name suggests) and is situated in a shack, which is just what you’d expect from a great seafood restaurant on the Cape.
The most popular thing on the menu here is clams, but they also serve various other dishes. There are oysters, littlenecks, shrimp, shellfish, lobster bisque, and more. If you don’t like fish, you’ll still enjoy this shack. You can also find many other staples on the menu, like hot dogs, burgers, and salads.
Visit the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
One of the most beautiful and tranquil places to visit in Wellfleet is the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. This area has multiple trails that will bring you throughout the sanctuary, and the trails are basically like boardwalks, so they’re not that difficult to walk. You could even easily push a stroller on them if you’re traveling with younger kids.
The sanctuary has its own campground, too, if you’re interested in camping while visiting Wellfleet. You can also find exhibits and aquariums at their award-winning nature center!
Relax at Marconi Beach
If you visit Cape Cod and you don’t visit one of the beaches, then you’re doing your trip wrong! It’s one of the main reasons that so many people visit the Cape, and Wellfleet has some of the best!
Wellfleet’s best beach is Marconi Beach, and it’s incredibly picturesque and perfect for relaxing.
In addition to relaxing, there are many other great things to do here. You can go hiking, swimming, and even biking on one of the trails that the beach is home to. There is also a huge parking lot at the beach, which makes it pretty easy to visit the surrounding area.
Support locals at Wellfleet Flea Market
The Wellfleet Flea Market is the biggest flea market on all of Cape Cod. They usually have up to 150 vendors! Even if you attend the flea market knowing you don’t have anything to buy, you’ll probably leave with at least something.
The flea market is only open on weekends, which is something to consider if you know this is something you want to attend during your trip to Wellfleet. The majority of the vendors are local, so this is the perfect opportunity to show your support for them. Throughout the Wellfleet flea market, you can find antiques, souvenirs, art, and more.
See a movie at the Wellfleet Drive-In
There aren’t many drive-in movie theaters left in the United States, but this is such a classic American activity. That makes visiting this one in Wellfleet a real treat and a unique experience, no matter your age! This movie theater opened in the 1950s and has been a favorite among locals ever since.
The drive-in has tons of parking spots, so you can set up your spot to watch movies from your own car. You pay by the number of people in your car, tune your radio to their radio station, and settle in to watch the show. They also have a snack bar, so you don’t have to worry about bringing your own food.
Do the Cape Cod Rail Trail
A fun way to spend an afternoon while in Wellfleet is on the Cape Cod Rail Trail. This is a pretty long trail and goes on for just under 26 miles. It’s doable just to do a small part of the trail if you want, or you could do the entire thing.
The trail goes through many different towns along the Cape, including Wellfleet, Eastham, Yarmouth, Brewster, and Dennis. It’s a great way to explore the nature in the area, and also get outside and moving, especially if you’re visiting during the time that it’s gorgeous weather. If you want a bike to do the trail (because you’re most likely not traveling with one), you can swing by a bike shop to rent from.
Learn at the Wellfleet Historical Society & Museum
One of the best things to do in Wellfleet, Massachusetts (and anywhere you visit) is to head to one of the local museums so that you can learn more about the area. In Wellfleet, that museum is the Wellfleet Historical Society & Museum.
The museum hosts various exhibits and artifacts about the area, and the people who work there are extremely helpful and know a lot about Wellfleet. If you have any questions about Wellfleet’s history, this is the place that you’ll want to ask them! The museum also hosts public events throughout the year.
Go on a boat tour
Because you’re on the Cape, what better way to explore than by going on a boat tour? There are quite a few different boat tour companies in the area, so you’ve got choices at different price points.
One of the top boat tour companies in Wellfleet is Cape Cod Catamaran Sailing Charters, and this is the perfect way to get out and explore Cape Cod Bay and take in the scenic views.
Walk the Great Island Trail
Another of the best trails to explore in Wellfleet is the Great Island Trail. This is arguably one of the most popular trails in this area of Cape Cod. It’s roughly five miles long and is a loop trail, so you start and end at the same point.
Along the trail, you can take in epic views and even spot some of the local wildlife. The trail is considered moderate and part of it will even give you some great viewpoints of the surrounding coastline, so be sure that you don’t forget your camera! It’s also a kid-friendly trail and can be biked instead of hiked/walked.
Visit Marconi Wireless Station
The Marconi Wireless Station is a historic destination and attraction in Wellfleet. It was built in early 1903 and was the very first site where communication was able to occur from the United States over the Atlantic Ocean to Europe!
While there isn’t a whole lot to see here, it’s still worth visiting because of its historical significance. There are a few outdoor exhibits and signs that will give you a bit of a run-down about the area when you visit. You could also visit Marconi Beach which is a short drive away and another great beach in the Wellfleet area.
Go Whale Watching
While on Cape Cod between spring and fall, whale watching is one of those quintessential coastal activities that really and truly make for a memorable time. There are several options for whale watching on Cape Cod, but it’s less than a 20 minute drive to boat Blue Claw Boat Tours in Orleans!
Indulge at PB Boulangerie Bistro
The PB Boulangerie Bistro is a delicious restaurant serving up French and European cuisine in Wellfleet. They also have a great bakery with top-notch French pastries that will make you feel like you’re in Paris!
The restaurant is a bit on the pricier side, but the price is well worth it for the great food. On the menu, you can find burgers, steak, pasta, desserts, and more. This is the perfect place to eat if you want to pretend you’re in Europe.
Attend the Wellfleet OysterFest
You can’t visit Wellfleet without trying the oysters at least once. If you’re a huge oyster fan, then you should definitely try them during the Wellfleet Oysterfest! This annual celebration and festival takes place in Cape Cod in the fall.
During the event, there’s live music, vendors, and of course, lots of oysters!
Where to Stay in Wellfleet
You’ve got options for where to stay in Wellfleet, but Even’tide Resort Motel and Cottages has popular and practical accommodations situated on over 5 acres of woods with a hiking trail through the gorgeous Cape Cod National Seashore that leads to Marconi Beach!
In addition to the comfy guest rooms, there’s also an indoor pool, a playground, mini golf, basketball court, and more, so this is a great place to stay with kids in Wellfleet!
Click Here to Check Prices & Book!
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There are so many great things to do in Wellfleet, Massachusetts. From hanging on the beach to enjoying community events, there’s plenty of fun to be had in Wellfleet!
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your next trip to Wellfleet today!
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Amy Hartle is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of New England With Love, a comprehensive resource for travel in the New England region. Amy has been exploring New England since 2001. She lived in Vermont for many years and is a graduate of Plymouth State University in New Hampshire. Amy has been writing about travel for over a decade. On this site, Amy aims to share her love of New England and help you to have the best possible adventures!
Amy has been a full time blogger since 2012, and is also the publisher of Two Drifters, where she writes about couples travel and relationships, as well as Let’s Adventure Baby, a family travel site. When not traveling the world or creating epic blog content, Amy can be found cuddling with her husband, son, and cats, & drinking a maple latte.