BackNortheastern University
Total Duration: Approximately 12-13 Hours
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: $64 - $137
After a busy week at Northeastern University, you just feel an uncontrollable urge to leave Boston. A quick break, somewhere chill but cool. Cape Cod is the perfect one-day escape. It has pristine beaches and a National Park (Seashore). The quaint and quirky towns along the trail to Provincetown are elegant to see.
This one-day trip will take you to sandy beaches, lighthouses, seafood shacks, and vintage vibes. History nerds can relive New England, explore quirky towns, and unwind by the ocean. In this guide, we’ll take you through Cape Cod’s ‘you just can’t miss’ spots, add some trivia, and share tips for an unforgettable day.
Bus Fair: $7 - $45
Kick-off early, like, 7.30 AM sharp. Grab a car, or hop on a bus, and head straight to Hyannis. If you plan to take a bus, walk to Ruggles and hop on the Needham Line 604 to South Station. You can take a Peter Pan from South Station to reach Hyannis.
A drive to Hyannis will be about 1.5 to 2 hours, so perfect time for music, maybe even a throwback playlist. Check out the "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa" by Vampire Weekend for a road trip soundtrack with just the right vibe.
Or you can watch an episode or two of The Summer I Turned Pretty. The series has a lot of Cape Cod vibes with its beachy settings and teenage romance, making it perfect for getting in the ‘one-day trip to Cape Cod’ mood. And what team are you “Team Conrad” or “Team Jeremiah”?
Road Tip: For those who plan to travel by an EV, the MA-3 S is the best bet with several charging stations.
Category: Food
Cost: $10 to $15
There are several cafes and restaurants around the Hyannis Transport Center. You can enjoy a warm coffee at Mariner Café. It’s just the place for some coffee and comfort food.
Category: Activities
Exploration Time: 1 hour
Cost: $5-14 (Students with ID: $8)
Buy Tickets: https://jfkhyannismuseum.org/hours-admissions-directions
Do you know that Cape Cod was a beloved retreat for President John F. Kennedy and his family, and this museum brings that story to life? The John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum is all about JFK’s connection to Cape Cod—tons of vintage photos, videos, and family stuff.
Fun fact: One of the most well-known Kennedy pastimes was sailing around Hyannis Harbor, Lewis Bay, and into the Nantucket Sound. The museum honors JFK’s role in establishing the Cape Cod National Seashore, preserving the area for all future beach lovers.
Travel Trivia: Massachusetts is Kennedy Country and there's no getting around it. Grab a selfie with the JFK statue in front of the museum, where even your Instagram followers will feel the Camelot charm.
Category: Adventure
Exploration Time: 1 hour
Bus Fair: $2
Now let’s drive down Route 6A, or the Old King’s Highway (bus- H2O Hyannis-Orleans) for our one-day trip. Not only does Old King's Highway run directly through America's largest historic district, but it is also well-known for scenic drives. It’s like wandering through a New England postcard with charming villages preserved colonial homes, and cozy cafes along the way. As you move along the narrow, tree-lined road, the journey feels like a destination in itself.
Pop Culture Alert: Old King’s Highway is literally the King of cameos in movies and TV shows about New England life owing to its classic charm and picturesque scenery that captures the essence of the region. You might feel like you’re driving into a scene from The Notebook (Cape Cod edition).
Road Tip: For those traveling by bus for this one-day trip, you can take the H2O Hyannis-Orleans bus from Hyannis Transportation Center to Chatham - Veteran's Field Rd
Category: Food
Exploration Time: 1 hour
Cost: $20-30 per meal
After a movie-worthy scenic drive, it’s time to fuel up! The Chatham Squire is “the” neighborhood hang-out in town, buzzing with locals and tourists alike. This place is super laid-back and known for its seafood. We’re talking lobster rolls, clam chowder, and burgers.
You can wash down with a couple of glasses of Devil’s Purse Handline Kolsch, which can be very welcoming after an hour’s drive.
Food Trivia: The history of chowder dates back to the 1700s. It was brought by settlers from Nova Scotia, France, or England. It was a time when Cape Codders would whip up a hearty soup of clams and cream to survive harsh winters. And yes, you’re supposed to pronounce it “chow-dah.”
Category: Adventure/Activities
Exploration Time: 1 hour
Cost: Free
After you eat, take a 4-minute drive to Chatham Lighthouse and Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge for some picturesque views and scenic spots. The Chatham Lighthouse, known as Twin Lights before 1923, has been guiding ships since 1808. Considered the iconic landmark of the town, the Chatham Light stands 48 feet tall and 80 feet above sea level overlooking the infamous Chatham Bar.
Chatham Lighthouse is one of Cape Cod’s most photographed sites. There is a mystery to its timeless charm as legend has it that during WWII, local lights were dimmed to avoid German U-boat attacks. The location can be a perfect spot for some insta-worthy pics of your one-day trip.
Next, it's time to "get back to nature" at the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge. This scenic spot is home to migratory birds, seals, and serene sandy trails. If you are looking for an unforgettable experience of undisturbed nature on a quiet Cape Island, hop on the boat and take a day trip around Monomoy Island. But that adventurous journey is for another day. For this one-day trip, make sure to keep an eye out for seals sunbathing along the shore!
Nature Fact: Monomoy is a critical habitat for endangered species, including migratory birds, horseshoe crabs, tiger beetles, gray seals, and the rare piping plover. Conservation efforts here are a reminder of JFK’s vision to preserve the Cape’s natural beauty.
Category: Adventure
Exploration Time: 1 hour
Bus Fair: $4
Next up on the one-day trip checklist is the 36-mile drive to Provincetown. It’s about an hour, but the coastal views make it fly by. The passing dunes and wetlands are straight out of a scenic landscape painting.
Did You Know: Provincetown has one of the oldest continuous art colonies in the U.S. It’s where artists like Edward Hopper painted structures like rough-hewn barns and pitched-roof saltboxes.
Category: Activities
Exploration Time: 1.5 hours
Cost: Free to explore downtown; Pilgrim Monument entry $7 for students
Buy Tickets: https://pilgrim-monument.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/
For the next stop of your one-day trip, go to the Pilgrim Monument and Museum where you can learn all about the Pilgrims’ first landing. This 252-foot tower commemorates the Pilgrims' first landing in Provincetown in 1620 (before they moved to Plymouth). Look out for major exhibits that provide an immersive experience and showcase storied past and vibrant modern history. And don’t forget to ascend the tower’s 116 steps and 60 ramps to take in stunning views of Provincetown, Cape Cod, and the Atlantic!
You can also stroll along Provincetown's Commercial Street and browse the countless shops amid Cape Cod's historic architecture. The street is filled with eccentric shops, art galleries, and street performers such as the Provincetown Art Association and Museum (PAAM), Berta Walker Gallery, and Fanizzi’s Restaurant. The atmosphere is sick and unlike anywhere else.
Pop Culture Alert: P-Town (as locals call it) is known for its LGBTQ+ pride, famously featured in the show RuPaul's Drag Race. It’s the perfect place to experience Cape Cod’s quirky, inclusive charm.
Category: Adventure
Exploration Time: 1 hour
Cost: Free
Located at the end of Race Point Road, off of Route 6 in Provincetown, is Race Point Beach - one of the most stunning beaches on the Cape. This is the best spot to chill on your one-day trip. The Old Harbor Life-Saving Station Museum is nestled in the dunes here. Although it is open seasonally, the museum provides a glimpse of daily life for the men of the US Lifesaving Service, the precursor to today's Coast Guard.
Race Point Beach is home to vast sand dunes, gentle waves, and often a few seals bobbing in the surf. Bring a blanket, sit back, and enjoy the views of Cape Cod’s rugged coastline.
Trivia: Because of its west-facing position, Race Point is one of the few spots on the East Coast where you can watch both the sunrise and sunset over the water!
Category: Food
Exploration Time: 1 hour
Cost: $20-50 per meal
Cap off your one-day trip with a feast at The Lobster Pot. Provincetown’s iconic seafood spot usually serves an evening menu from 5 pm until 7 pm.
With sweeping harbor views, this restaurant is famous for its homemade New England clam chowder and lobster rolls. You can also try baked & broiled seafood dinners served with homemade coleslaw and a choice of French fries or rice pilaf. Grab a table by the window if you can!
Food Fact: The Lobster Pot’s family recipes have remained largely unchanged since it opened in 1979, making it a true P-Town classic.
Category: Activities
Exploration Time: 30 minutes
Cost: Free
Wrap up the one-day trip by watching the sunset at Herring Cove Beach. Known for some of the most beautiful sunsets on the East Coast, Herring Cove is an idyllic way to end your adventure.
Local Lore: Folklore claims that watching the sunset here brings good luck—Cape Cod magic to carry back to Boston with you!
7:30 AM – Departure from Northeastern University
9:30 AM – Breakfast in Hyannis
10:15 AM – John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum
11:15 AM – Scenic Drive on Route 6A
12:30 PM – Lunch at Chatham Squire
1:30 PM – Chatham Lighthouse & Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge
2:30 PM – Drive to Provincetown
3:30 PM – Provincetown’s Commercial Street & Pilgrim Monument
5:00 PM – Relax at Race Point Beach
6:30 PM – Dinner at The Lobster Pot
8:00 PM – Sunset at Herring Cove Beach
Total Duration: Approximately 12.5 hours
(7:30 AM departure - 8:00 PM return)
Difficulty: Easy
(Mostly sightseeing, light walking, and short drives)
Estimated Cost: $64 - $137
(Includes bus fare, food, activities, and optional attractions)
Transportation Tips: Cape Cod can get crowded, especially in the summer. Use public parking where possible and wear comfy walking shoes.
Things to Avoid: Avoid restricted parking zones (tickets are steep), getting too close to wildlife, and packing more than you need (you’ll be on the move all day).
Nearest Hospital: Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis has a 24-hour emergency department.
Walk-In Clinics: Outer Cape Health Services in Provincetown offers walk-in care.
Emergency Number: 911 (for police, fire, and medical emergencies).
Budget Tip: Many places offer student discounts, so bring your student ID!
Enjoy your day in Cape Cod—an unforgettable blend of history, adventure, and coastal beauty, all just a drive away from campus! Safe travels!