Nestled in the heart of Cape Cod, The Blue Hydrangea welcomes you to a world of picturesque picnic experiences. Here’s a guide to some of the most delightful family-friendly picnic spots that are just a stone’s throw away from our cozy home.
Popular Picnic Areas with Ocean Views
Scusset Beach: Imagine a gentle breeze and the soothing sound of waves as you lay out your picnic blanket. Scusset Beach offers a panoramic view of the ocean, making it an ideal spot for families to relax and dine with a view.
Herring Cove Beach: Known for its stunning sunsets, Herring Cove in Provincetown is a tranquil spot to enjoy an evening picnic. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky’s changing colors provide a perfect backdrop for a family meal.
Corporation Beach: A place of personal significance, Corporation Beach in Dennis holds a special charm with its calm waters and soft sands. It’s a perfect spot for families to enjoy a sunny day picnic, especially memorable for those who appreciate its unique history and personal connections.
Mayflower Beach: Known for its vast tidal flats and stunning vistas, Mayflower Beach provides an idyllic setting for a family picnic. The gentle tides and beautiful sunsets make it a favorite spot for both locals and visitors.
SeaView Park: On the south side, SeaView Park offers a different perspective. It’s a great place for families who want a playground nearby for their children to enjoy before or after their picnic. The park’s facilities make it ideal for a full day of family fun.
West Dennis Beach: Stretching along the warm waters of Nantucket Sound, West Dennis Beach offers a spacious and family-friendly environment. Its long shoreline makes it a great spot for beach games after a picnic.
Windmill Beach: Small and quaint, Windmill Beach in Yarmouth is perfect for families looking for a quieter picnic spot. The historic windmill adds a charming backdrop.
Gray’s Beach: Also known as Bass Hole, Gray’s Beach in Yarmouth Port is renowned for its boardwalk and stunning marsh views. It’s an excellent location for families who enjoy serene natural settings and bird watching.
Picnic in Historical Settings
Pilgrim Monument: Combine a bit of history with your outdoor meal. Near the towering Pilgrim Monument in Provincetown, families can enjoy a picnic with a side of history. It’s a unique opportunity to discuss Cape Cod’s past while enjoying its present beauty.
Marconi Station Picnic Area: Immerse yourself in a blend of history and scenic beauty at the Marconi Station Picnic Area. Here, families can enjoy their lunch with a view of the ocean where Marconi successfully completed the first transatlantic wireless communication. It’s a wonderful spot to reflect on the marvels of human innovation while surrounded by natural beauty.
Doane Homestead Picnic Area: Nestled near the historic Doane Homestead, this picnic area offers a serene environment for families to relax. It’s a great place to discuss the early settler history of Cape Cod, adding an educational element to your family outing.
Scargo Hill: For a picnic with a historical twist, Scargo Hill in Dennis is not to be missed. Known for its Scargo Tower, this spot offers not only a glimpse into Cape Cod’s history but also panoramic views of the bay. It’s a unique setting where families can enjoy their meal surrounded by both history and stunning natural beauty.
Nature Immersion Picnics
Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary: For those who cherish the sounds and sights of nature, this sanctuary offers secluded spots amidst lush greenery. It’s a haven for bird watchers and nature lovers, providing a peaceful setting for a family lunch.
Wilbur Park: With its serene riverfront setting, Wilbur Park is perfect for families seeking a peaceful picnic spot. The gentle river creates a soothing backdrop for a relaxing family lunch.
Bell’s Neck: Offering a mix of salt and freshwater views, Bell’s Neck is a hidden gem for nature-loving families. It’s an ideal spot for observing wildlife and enjoying the tranquility of nature.
Mass Audubon Long Pasture: This sanctuary provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature. Its diverse habitats make it a great spot for families to explore and picnic.
Crowes Pasture: Embrace the natural beauty of Cape Cod at Crowes Pasture. Its quiet environment is perfect for a family picnic, surrounded by the area’s native flora and fauna.
Paines Creek Beach: Ideal for families who love beachside picnics. The creek and beach provide a scenic view, making it a memorable spot for a family outing.
Nobscussett Park: For a more secluded and natural setting, Nobscussett Park in Dennis is a wonderful choice. Surrounded by lush greenery and the gentle sounds of nature, it’s a peaceful spot for families to enjoy a quiet picnic away from the bustling beach crowds.
Nickerson State Park: A jewel in the heart of Cape Cod, Nickerson State Park offers an array of scenic picnic spots. With its freshwater ponds and forested areas, the park provides a beautiful natural setting, different from the typical ocean views, yet equally breathtaking.
Picnic and Play Areas
Heritage Museums & Gardens: This spot in Sandwich combines beautiful gardens with fascinating exhibits. After a picnic, families can explore the gardens or let the kids play in the hidden nooks and crannies of this enchanting place.
Flax Pond Recreation Area: This area combines the beauty of a freshwater pond with ample space for family activities. After a picnic, families can enjoy swimming or playing in the designated areas.
Johnny Kelley Park: Known for its excellent recreational facilities, this park offers families a place to enjoy a lively picnic with various activities for kids.
Drummer Boy Park: A historic and picturesque setting that provides families with the perfect mix of leisure and play. The park’s playground and open spaces are ideal for a family day out.
Princess Beach: Nestled in Dennis, Princess Beach is an excellent choice for families seeking both relaxation and recreation. This freshwater beach on Scargo Lake provides a peaceful setting for a picnic, with the added benefit of swimming and play opportunities for children. The calm waters and playground facilities make it a favorite spot for a family day out, combining the tranquility of a picnic setting with the fun of a day at the beach.
Biking and Picnicking Along the Rail Trail
The Cape Cod Rail Trail offers an excellent opportunity for families to combine a biking adventure with picnicking. Stretching through various towns, this trail provides numerous scenic spots perfect for a picnic break. Families can bike through the natural beauty of Cape Cod and stop at one of the many idyllic spots along the trail to enjoy a meal surrounded by nature. It’s an ideal way to experience the diverse landscapes of Cape Cod while enjoying outdoor activities.
The convergence of the Cape Cod Rail Trail and the Old Colony Rail Trail at a landscaped bicycle rotary in Harwich is a highlight for biking enthusiasts. This spot features a picnic area and information kiosks, making it a perfect rest stop. The Old Colony Rail Trail extends east for 7 miles through the picturesque Hacker Wildlife Sanctuary and concludes in Chatham, offering a beautiful route for a bike and picnic excursion. This area is ideal for families seeking a combination of cycling and nature enjoyment.
Some of my favorite places to stop while enjoying the trail include:
- Bass River Bridge, Dennis/Yarmouth: A scenic stop with views of the Bass River, perfect for a relaxing picnic.
- Great Western Road, Hinckley’s and Seymour Pond, Harwich: These spots offer lovely views and a peaceful setting by the ponds for a family picnic.
- Nickerson State Park, Brewster: The park provides a natural retreat with numerous picnic spots amidst its beautiful landscape.
- Downtown Orleans: A convenient stop with access to local eateries, ideal for a quick bite.
- Salt Pond Visitors Center, Eastham: Combines educational elements with picturesque picnic areas.
- LeCount Hollow Road and Marconi Beach, Wellfleet: These locations offer stunning coastal views, perfect for a memorable picnic experience.
Eco-Friendly Picnicking
As we enjoy the natural beauty of Cape Cod, it’s vital to protect it. We encourage visitors to practice eco-friendly picnicking. This means packing in reusable containers, avoiding single-use plastics, and ensuring that yoCape Cod’s unique environment, being a sandy and delicate ecosystem, requires extra care. Here are additional tips for eco-friendly picnicking:
- Biodegradable Products: Opt for biodegradable utensils and plates, which are less harmful to the environment.
- Local Produce: Support local Cape Cod farms by including local produce in your picnic. This reduces the carbon footprint associated with food transportation.
- Water Conservation: Bring water in large reusable containers to minimize waste and conserve this precious resource.
- Clean-Up Kits: Carry a small kit with reusable bags and gloves for cleaning up your picnic area.
- Educate and Involve Kids: Use the picnic as an opportunity to educate children about environmental conservation.
- Respect Wildlife: Avoid feeding animals and encroaching on their habitats.
By adopting these practices, visitors can enjoy Cape Cod’s beauty while ensuring its preservation for future generations and leave no trace behind.
Winter Picnicking
Winter in Cape Cod has its own charm. While unconventional, a winter picnic can be a magical experience. Bundle up and enjoy the crisp air and often quieter beaches. It’s a unique way to appreciate the quieter side of Cape Cod’s beauty.
From sun-kissed beaches to historical settings, Cape Cod offers a variety of picnic spots perfect for families. Each location provides a unique backdrop for creating lasting memories.
After a day filled with scenic delights, return to the warmth and comfort of The Blue Hydrangea. Book your stay now at The Blue Hydrangea on Airbnb and prepare for an unforgettable Cape Cod experience.
