Sandwich MassachusettsATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Sandwich, Massachusetts.
1. Heritage Museums & Gardens
HISTORY AND NATURAL BEAUTY
Heritage Museums & Gardens spans 100 acres of stunning gardens and trails combined with fascinating museum exhibits. Visitors can explore outdoor features including a 200-year old windmill, walking labyrinth, and seasonal gardens showcasing hydrangeas and rhododendrons. Inside the museum, guests will find a hand-carved carousel from 1908, historic automobile exhibits, and rotating seasonal displays.
2. Sandwich Boardwalk
PICTURESQUE COASTAL WALK
The Sandwich Boardwalk stretches plank by plank out to Cape Cod Bay, offering stunning views of the salt marshes. This picturesque walkway ends at the beautiful Town Neck Beach, providing visitors with the best of both landscapes. Though temporarily closed for repairs in recent years, the boardwalk remains one of Sandwich's most beloved attractions for leisurely strolls and birdwatching.
3. Sandwich Glass Museum
HISTORIC GLASSMAKING HERITAGE
The Sandwich Glass Museum preserves and showcases the town's rich history in glass production. Visitors can witness glassblowing demonstrations and explore exhibits featuring stunning glass artifacts from the area's industrial past. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the craft that once defined Sandwich's economy and cultural identity.
4. Hoxie House
PRESERVED COLONIAL HOME
Hoxie House is one of the oldest houses on Cape Cod, dating back to the 17th century. The saltbox-style home has been carefully preserved to show how early settlers lived in colonial New England. Visitors can tour this historical treasure to experience authentic period furnishings and architecture from Sandwich's earliest days.
5. Route 6A (The Old King's Highway)
SCENIC HISTORIC DRIVE
Route 6A, known as The Old King's Highway, is a scenic road running through Sandwich that showcases historic Cape Cod at its finest. The route is lined with antique homes, charming shops, and beautiful natural vistas that capture the essence of the region. Travelers along this historic byway can experience the unique character and rich heritage of Cape Cod's oldest town.
6. Dexter's Grist Mill
WORKING HISTORICAL MILL
Dexter's Grist Mill is a functioning water-powered mill dating back to 1654 in the heart of Sandwich. Visitors can watch as corn is ground into meal using the same methods employed for centuries, offering a living history experience. The picturesque setting along Shawme Pond makes this one of Sandwich's most photographed and cherished historical landmarks.
7. Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center
MARITIME HISTORY EXPLORED
The Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center offers interactive exhibits detailing the construction and importance of this engineering marvel. Visitors can learn about the canal's history while watching ships pass through the waterway from the center's observation deck. The facility provides educational displays about maritime history and the ecological impact of the canal on the Cape Cod region.
8. Scusset Beach State Reservation
PRISTINE COASTAL RECREATION
Scusset Beach State Reservation offers a beautiful sandy beach along Cape Cod Bay with excellent swimming and fishing opportunities. The reservation includes camping facilities, hiking trails, and prime spots for watching ships enter and exit the Cape Cod Canal. Visitors appreciate the clean, well-maintained grounds and the spectacular sunset views over the bay.
9. Town Neck Beach
SERENE BAYSIDE RETREAT
Town Neck Beach is a tranquil bayside beach at the end of the famous Sandwich Boardwalk. The beach offers spectacular views of Cape Cod Bay and is known for its calm waters and interesting tidal pools at low tide. Visitors enjoy swimming, beachcombing, and watching dramatic sunset displays over the water.
10. The Adventure Park on Cape Cod
TREETOP ZIPLINE ADVENTURES
The Adventure Park on Cape Cod offers exciting zipline and climbing experiences for visitors of all ages. The park features multiple aerial trails of varying difficulty levels suspended among the trees. Adventurers can challenge themselves on rope bridges, ziplines, and other obstacles while enjoying the natural beauty of the Cape Cod woodland setting.
11. Beth's Bakery & Cafe
BELOVED LOCAL EATERY
Beth's Bakery & Cafe is a charming local establishment known for its freshly baked goods and hearty breakfast and lunch offerings. The cafe has become a favorite gathering spot for both locals and visitors seeking homemade meals in a cozy atmosphere. Their legendary pastries, sandwiches on fresh-baked bread, and friendly service make it a must-visit dining destination in Sandwich.
12. Titcomb's Bookshop
HISTORIC INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE
Titcomb's Bookshop is a cherished independent bookstore housed in a charming historic building along Route 6A. The family-owned shop offers an impressive selection of new, used, and rare books spanning all genres and interests. Book lovers appreciate the knowledgeable staff, author events, and the shop's commitment to preserving the tradition of independent bookselling on Cape Cod.
13. Dan'l Webster Inn & Spa
HISTORIC DINING EXPERIENCE
The Dan'l Webster Inn & Spa offers an upscale dining experience in a building with over 300 years of history. Guests can choose from several distinct dining areas including a casual tavern, elegant dining rooms, and a beautiful glass-enclosed conservatory. The restaurant is known for its sophisticated New England cuisine featuring fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms.
14. Shawme-Crowell State Forest
WOODLAND RECREATION HAVEN
Shawme-Crowell State Forest encompasses over 700 acres of woodland offering extensive hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. The forest provides year-round camping facilities with convenient access to both Cape Cod Bay and Cape Cod Canal. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the diverse wildlife, peaceful atmosphere, and the opportunity to experience Cape Cod's natural beauty away from the crowds.
15. Sandy Neck Beach
WILD COASTAL BEAUTY
Sandy Neck Beach is a magnificent 6-mile barrier beach just a short drive from Sandwich offering dramatic dunes and pristine shoreline. The beach features a diverse ecosystem including maritime forests, marshes, and tidal flats teeming with wildlife. Visitors can enjoy swimming, off-road vehicle trails (with permits), and hiking paths through one of Cape Cod's most unspoiled natural landscapes.