25 free things to do on Cape Cod

Every wonder what was lurking at the depths of the ocean?

Visit the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution at Woods Hole to find out, located in an area well known for its international marine research. The institution offers free walking tours behind the scenes of the center (pictured) in July and August, Monday through Friday at 10:30 a.m. and again at 1:30 p.m. by reservation. The institution also offers a number of free seminars and presentations like Peanut Butter Club, a weekly talk held every Friday at noon at the Redfield Auditorium.

Pack a picnic and watch the sun set either on the sands of Lighthouse Beach in Chatham, or from atop the bluff, where the Chatham Light stands guard.

Curious how some artisans blow piping hot glass into vases, lamps, and other trinkets? Visit the oldest existing glasswork business, Pairpoint, in Sandwich, which was founded in 1837. Pairpoint encourages interested parties to witness glassblowing Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

On clear days you can see as far as Provincetown and the Massachusetts mainland from the top of the 30-foot high Scargo Tower, which sits atop the 160-foot tall Scargo Hill in Dennis. The tower is the highest location on the mid-Cape.

Ride a bike along the Cape Cod Rail Trail – a great way to see the seashore.

Cape Cod has long attracted artists of all kinds through out the region. Now, visitors can see what these local artists are made of at the Eastham Painters Guild’s outdoor fine arts gallery. Since 1980, paintings have been hung on wood and wire from old chicken coops on the lawn of the Eastham Historical Society’s Schoolhouse Museum.

Find out how the Bernard family cranks out their own batches of hand-stirred kettle-cooked potato chips during the Cape Cod Chips Factory Tour in Hyannis, held Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Once a vital communications hub for the entire country, the French Cable Station Museum in Orleans was the nation’s primary link to US forces overseas; and in 1927, news of aviator Charles Lindbergh’s successful landing in Paris was first telegraphed to the tiny station for all of his countrymen to hear. The original Morse code equipment is in place, with guides demonstrating the dots-and-dashes technology. Open summer only.
www.frenchcablestationmuseum.org

Even the inexperienced hiker can enjoy a brisk walk on Fort Hill Trail, a 1.5-mile loop that runs across fields, through oak and cedar forests, and along the edge of Nauset Marsh. The trail also connects to the half-mile-long Red Maple Swamp Trail, which takes you through the wooded forest.

At Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge in Chatham, see a variety of wildlife, including the piping plover, at this 7,600-acre refuge.

Nothing quite complements a warm summer day like a fine glass of wine. Take in a free wine tasting at the Cape Cod Winery in East Falmouth where they specialize in harvesting grapes for Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Seyval and Vidal varietals. The vineyard is open year-round, but its summer hours until Aug. 30 are Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Stroll through this farm’s 12 secluded acres overlooking Island Pond in Harwich. One of the largest lavender farms on the East Coast and harvester of over 14,000 plants, the Cape Cod Lavender Farm is open for the public to explore. One of the farm’s favorites is their own Harwich Blue which has a very dark late June and early July flower.

Ten lighthouses dot the Cape Cod shoreline. Take a free tour of the Chatham Lighthouse, the Nobska Light in Woods Hole or Race Point Light in Provincetown.

At the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail, enjoy the wooded canopies and wildlife when you set aside an hour to walk this 1.25-mile trail.

Admission is free at the Woods Hole Science Aquarium, the country’s oldest. Seals play in an outdoor pool and more than 140 species are on display.

Early risers might be inclined to venture to ocean side of the Cape, where Nauset Beach stretches 10 miles from Orleans to Chatham. There’s no shortage of parking, and there’s even a snack bar nearby.

Nearly all of the communities that dot the Cape have a town green where bands play free weekly concerts for summer music enthusiasts. The Sandwich Town Band performs every Thursday evening from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Henry T. Wing School Bandstand. The 45-piece Brewster town band performs every Sunday in July and August at Drummer Boy Park at 6 p.m. Chatham’s brass band performs every Friday night at 8 p.m. from July to Labor Day in the Kate Gould Park. Truro hosts weekly concerts at 6:30 p.m. on their town green (pictured) every Thursday.

Calling all beer aficionados: Take a free tour of Cape Cod’s only brewery, Cape Cod Beer, located in Hyannis. They are held every Tuesday at 11 a.m. and every Saturday at 1 p.m. Tours take about 45 minutes, kids must be accompanied by adults and yes, you have to have to be 21 to sample the beer.

Stock up on fresh fruit and veggies at both the Provincetown and Orleans farmers’ markets. The Provincetown Farmers’ Market is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through October and is located on Ryder Street next to town hall. The Orleans Farmers’ Market is held 8 a.m. to noon through November, and is located on Old Colony Way.

Catch a Cape Cod Baseball League game and get a sneak peak at the upcoming major league stars. Teams are located all over the Cape in Bourne, Brewster, Chatham, Cotuit, Falmouth, Harwich, Hyannis, Orleans, Wareham, and Yarmouth-Dennis. As the Cape league is a nonprofit organization, there are no game tickets available for purchase. Many teams may ask for a small donation or “pass the hat.’’

Race Point in Provincetown is a great place to spot whales and seals. If you’d prefer a chartered tour, check out these companies.

Adventurers can bike the sand dunes along the beaches. The dunes lining the shores of Provincetown are the most popular. Try the 7-mile Province Land Trail that challenges even the most fit with steep dune after steep dune.

Harborside Commercial Street in Provincetown boasts shops ranging from surplus stores to quiet galleries to old salt water taffy candy shops, like Cabot’s Candy (pictured).

Marconi Station was home to the first trans-Atlantic wireless communication between the United States and England was completed. The area, perched 85 feet above the beach, is known for its stunning views.

History buffs can also brush up on their knowledge, as there is an exhibit of a scale model of the original wireless station along with a bronze plaque and bust of Marconi.

Pictured: an old postcard of Marconi Station.

The Cape Cod Canalprovides spectacular ship watching. Cruise lines, cargo ships and jumbo car carriers can be seen from the canal banks as they travel between the Cape Cod Bay and Buzzards Bay.