Cape Cod in September brings about a different perspective that everyone should experience. The crowds lessen and the opportunity increases greatly to see this legendary coastal region with fewer obstructions.
As validation, the day after Labor Day 2020 proved a peaceful antidote to the previous summer crowds traveling the area. First, the Bourne Bridge — connecting the mainland with Cape Cod — had little traffic which contrasts with the long waits of summer.
In Bourne, locals and some visitors sparsely populated the beaches. Those looking for a nice seafood meal at a local restaurant had no trouble finding a socially distance-friendly seat. The scenic views, of course, remained as spectacular as Cape Cod could only express in its quaint and coastal ways.
The renowned, popular Monument Beach (Shore Rd. in Bourne) looked like one’s own discovery on this day…
Just up the road at the Lobster Trap (290 Shore Rd. in Bourne), the chance to dine waterside without lines proved to be a revelation instead of a summer source of irritation and frustration.
Those pleasing water views combined with a flavorful cup of New England clam chowder and bountiful, tender lobster salad helped create the quintessential Cape Cod dining experience.
After lunch, a short drive to Island Rd. in Pocasset — a beautiful, classic Cape Cod village in Bourne — lent more splendid scenery, as well as an extension of the peace and solitude experienced at Monument Beach.
Best Seen on a Weekday, Offseason
Cape Cod in September is best seen on a weekday as the weekends can still remain fairly crowded and the bridge traffic ridiculous. The chance to see one of America’s great travel destinations beyond summer, however, suggests a shift in the way visitors visit Cape Cod. A long time ago, Cape Cod gradually shut down soon after Labor Day Weekend. Not so much anymore, as people will not hesitate to vacation or take day trips year-round.
Summer once indeed took summer stage on Cape Cod. Once those days ended, the show ended with travelers exiting stage left. The big production suddenly had no audience as the warmth of a carefree summer day turned colder and eventually frozen in time with each shortened day. Fortunately, today, the show has been ongoing with rave reviews 12 months a year. Metaphorically speaking, it’s also great that tickets remain available for experiencing one of the best travel destinations in New England with plenty of front row seating!
Go on a weekday and the chance to fully appreciate Cape Cod in September becomes a “Must-See” experience. Those empty beaches, restaurants with no lines and with all that glorious scenery intact make for a relaxing, unstressful Cape Cod that we all long for in New England travel.
What is your favorite Cape Cod destination after Labor Day Weekend? Please comment in the box at the end of this post.
Additional reading
Waking up to the beauty of coastal Maine
A memorable walk along the coast in Gloucester, Mass.
Finding a fabulous Cape Cod neighborhood restaurant
This Cape Cod pie company once caught the attention of Oprah
The inside story of the legendary Four Seas Ice Cream in Centerville (Cape Cod)
Where the locals go to eat in Fairhaven, Mass.
This Middleborough, Mass restaurant specializes in fresh seafood and whiskey
Editor’s tip: To find a rental anytime of the year for your Cape Cod travels, Log onto WeNeedAVacation.com
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