Why You Should Visit This Popular East Coast Summer Vacation Destination In The Fall

When the summertime crowds go and the leaves change colors, Cape Cod becomes magical once fall begins. This popular peninsula is rated by travel bloggers as number 5 on their list of 17 favorite East Coast fall getaways, and it may be the perfect place to watch the trees transition from lush green to burnt orange. As well as fewer tourists, prices drop in the 'shoulder season' from September to October before it gets colder for winter. 

In September, high temperatures range from 73 degrees Fahrenheit to 66 degrees Fahrenheit in September and 64degrees Fahrenheit to 57 degrees Fahrenheit in October. Fall is a great time for camping and one of the top-rated RV grounds on the East Coast is Sun Retreats, near Falmouth. As well as the cooler weather, Cape Cod still has many of its attractions open – including its iconic trails, beaches, wineries, and museums. There are also plenty of themed events designed to keep the whole family happy.

Visiting in the fall is a great time to enjoy Cape Cod's beaches in cooler weather. It may be a great time to bring your furry friends as some of them drop their dog restrictions outside of peak season from May 15th to September 15th. Some of the most beautiful beaches are Mayflower Beach, Sandy Neck Beach, Nauset Beach, and Old Silver Beach. Fall is also a good time to get involved in events like Oktoberfest. There is one in Mashpee and one in Chatham and they both feature German-themed food, drink, entertainment, crafts, and games. 

For those who prefer fish to beer, there is the Wellfleet OysterFest which is held in mid-October and features an oyster-shucking competition as well as a road race, crafts, live music, and children's activities. Elsewhere, the Yarmouth Seaside Festival is held in early October and it involves a sand sculpture contest, competitive pie-eating, a kayak race, and a fireworks display. There are also farms where children can enjoy pumpkin picking before Halloween. Those who stay in November will see the annual Cape Cod tradition of lighting the Pilgrim Monument. This event is held in ​​Provincetown to commemorate pilgrims arriving at the harbor and local food and drinks are served to keep away the chill.

Watching the trees and bushes change color is known as "leaf peeping." A great place to see this happen is along the Cape Cod Rail Trail which you can walk, run or cycle along. The trail is 25 miles long and it passes through the center of Cape Cod's wild areas. If you prefer the ocean, September is the last month that boats go out to see whales passing through Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary on their migration North. However, the Woods Hole Science Aquarium is open all year round to learn about local marine life.

There are also museums to enjoy, like the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Cape Cod Children's Museum, Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, and Whydah Pirate Museum. Fall is also the perfect time to visit a winery! There are three wineries on the peninsula where you can partake in a tour and a tasting: Cape Cod Winery, First Crust Winery, and Truro Vineyards. The temperate weather is the ideal time to enjoy a cool glass while relaxing in nature! The island of Martha's Vineyard is also much quieter out of season and can be reached by ferry in 30 minutes from Falmouth until October.