Sandwich, Massachusetts in autumn by the water
Local Guide

Things to Do in Sandwich, MA

Discover the historic charm, pristine beaches, and relaxed lakefront lifestyle of Cape Cod's oldest town.

Welcome to Sandwich

As the oldest town on Cape Cod, Sandwich offers the perfect blend of rich history, beautiful ocean beaches, and serene freshwater ponds. Whether you are staying at our Peters Pond Cabins or just exploring the area, here are our favorite local spots to add to your itinerary.

Water & Beaches

Sun Retreats Peters Pond (On-Site)

You don't even need to leave the resort! Enjoy zero-entry pool access, water slides, sandy lake beaches, catch-and-release fishing, and paddleboard/kayak rentals right where you're staying.

Sandy Neck Beach

Just a short drive away, this sprawling barrier beach is famous for its dunes, off-road trails, and classic Cape Cod ocean views.

Town Neck Beach & Boardwalk

Walk the iconic Sandwich Boardwalk across the marshes to the beach. Recently rebuilt to better handle rising tides, it is wider and sturdier but still has all of its old-school charm.

Local rite of passage: at high tide, you will see locals of all ages jumping off the boardwalk into Mill Creek. Only jump when the tide is high and the water is deep, and use the new ladders and jumping platforms built into the design.

Cape Cod Canal Bike Path

A nearly 7-mile, completely flat paved path that runs right along the Cape Cod Canal and is perfect for families, walkers, and runners.

Pro move: start from the Sandwich Recreation Area so you can watch massive cruise ships and cargo vessels pass by at eye level while you ride.

Scorton Creek Kayaking

A winding salt marsh just north of town that offers some of the best birdwatching and quiet paddling on the Cape.

Time it with the tides: launch from the Service Road access about two hours before high tide so the current carries you toward the dunes, then ride the receding tide back in with almost no effort.

Local Eats & Drinks

Peters Pond Café & Bar

Open Thursday–Sunday right inside the resort. Grab a casual bite, a cold drink, and enjoy regular live music and entertainment without needing an Uber.

Tree House Brewing Company

This world-famous craft brewery's Sandwich location has a sprawling outdoor deck overlooking the ocean and has quickly become one of the most popular spots in town.

To dodge the biggest crowds, aim for a Tuesday or Wednesday visit and use the Tree House app to pre-order cans for quick, contactless pickup so you can spend more time on the deck and less time in line.

Snowy Owl Coffee Roasters

The cool kid of the Sandwich coffee scene. They roast their own beans on-site in a bright, airy café on Route 6A — perfect for a serious latte or grab-and-go bag of beans to bring back to the cabin.

Beth's Bakery & Cafe

Housed in a 19th-century former church in the village center, Beth's is beloved for its fresh-baked pastries and legendary scones. Go early for the best selection before a day of exploring.

Cafe Riverview

A true hidden gem in East Sandwich. This non-profit café provides hands-on vocational training for students with learning differences and serves excellent coffee, baked goods, and hearty breakfast burritos.

It is a feel-good place to start your day — you get a great breakfast and support a great local mission.

The Brown Jug

An upscale gourmet market and wine bar tucked right into Sandwich Village, ideal for stocking the cabin with elevated snacks and drinks.

Our favorite "Cabin Supplies" run: grab one of their curated charcuterie boards, a chilled bottle of rosé, and some artisan crackers to enjoy on your Peters Pond deck at sunset.

Fishermen's View

A higher-end alternative to classic clam shacks, Fishermen's View sits directly on the canal and features seafood that goes straight from their own fishing fleet to your plate.

They hold back a large portion of seating for walk-ins. If you cannot snag a reservation, head for the Canal Bar area around 4:30 p.m. to claim a seat with front-row views of the boat traffic.

Family Attractions

Heritage Museums & Gardens

Explore 100 acres of gardens, outdoor exhibits, a vintage car collection, and a classic antique carousel kids will love.

In 2026, their famous Bulb River (over 35,000 grape hyacinths) is a must-see in late April and May. With kids, do not miss the Hidden Forest play area — an outdoor "classroom" where they can build forts and climb natural structures for hours.

Green Briar Nature Center & Jam Kitchen

A charming nature center best known for its historic Jam Kitchen, where staff still make "sun-cooked" jams using recipes that date back to the early 1900s.

Look for adult and family jam-making classes on their calendar so you can stir your own batch in the historic kitchen and take home jars of Cape Cod flavor.

Sandwich Glass Museum

Learn about Sandwich's role in American glassmaking and watch live glass-blowing demonstrations that bring the history to life.

Check their events calendar for summer happenings like the annual Glass Bazaar in July, when you can shop one-of-a-kind local pieces at more approachable studio prices.

2026 Local Pro Tips

A few up-to-the-minute tips to help you experience Sandwich like a local and make the most of your stay at Peters Pond.

"Shop Sandwich First" Hack

Many boutiques and small businesses participate in the town's "Shop Sandwich First" initiative.

Look for the logo in shop windows and mention that you are staying locally; some spots offer small perks like a discount, a sticker, or a postcard to say thanks for supporting Sandwich-owned businesses.

Avoiding Bridge Traffic

Sundays can bring the infamous "Cape Cod Crawl" as everyone leaves at once.

If you are heading off-Cape, plan to cross the Sagamore Bridge before 10:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. for a much smoother ride home.

Pond vs. Ocean

Peters Pond is spring-fed and stays warmer than Cape Cod Bay well into September, making it ideal for swimming with little ones.

If the ocean feels too chilly or windy, the pond almost always offers calmer water and more comfortable temps just steps from your cabin.

Build Your Perfect Day

Sketch out your ideal vacation day—mix beaches, coffee stops, dinners out, and quiet time at the cabin. Your itinerary stays saved in this browser and you can export a printable PDF to share with your group.

Tip: Keep it simple—one highlight per time slot.

Quick ideas from this guide

Nothing planned yet. Add a few anchors for your day above.

    Stay Near It All in Sandwich

    Our Peters Pond cabins put you right in the heart of the action with shared resort amenities. Book one cabin, or combine cabins for a multi-family getaway.