Travel

Dennis Family Fun Guide things to do in Cape Cod MA 2024

Dennis combines its traditional New England heritage with modern day conveniences. The villages of East Dennis, Dennis and South Dennis feature scenic historic charm   Dennis is  the last “mid-Cape” town – touches both Cape Cod Bay and Nantucket Sound, and is bordered by Yarmouth to the west and Brewster and Harwich to the east.

There are many  fabulous restaurants to gorgeous beaches, great hiking to the arts, you’re sure to find something for everyone to do and enjoy while visiting

Dennis is absolutely beautiful and so many places besides the beach to get fresh air — and many ways to take it all in! You can spend a morning  climbing Scargo Tower. The views on a clear day from this highest point on the Mid-Cape stretch from Plymouth to Provincetown. You can find more scenic beauty as you walk down a dirt path to the beach, by marsh and dunes, at Crowes Pasture. Explore the 27 wooded acres around a freshwater pond at Dennis’ Fresh Pond Conservation Area. Something new to the area is a dog-friendly park with two fenced enclosures and a fresh water swimming area. An easy way to explore the Cape, while getting plenty of exercise, is biking the Cape Cod Rail Trail! Perfect for biking, walking, and  running  it is over 22 miles long and winds through the towns of Yarmouth, Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham, and Wellfleet.

Enjoy some Cultural in Dennis from Creative to Performance Arts  You’ll find art and exhibits featuring artwork from Cape Cod’s finest artists, past and present, at the Cape Cod Museum of Arts. The Cape Cinema, around since 1930, offers movies and theatrical performances as well as concerts and ballet. See a live music or play at the  Cape Playhouse, a summer theater continuously running since 1927,  During July and August there  our live music concerts featuring many local bands

Favorite Dennis   Beaches

Dennis boasts 16 inviting beaches with the warm waters of Nantucket Sound to the south and the cooler waters of Cape Cod Bay to the north. Family friendly with easy-going surf, soft sand, and expansive tide pools, Chapin, Corporation, and Mayflower Beaches are north of Route 6A on Cape Cod Bay. Chapin Beach is long, with drifting sand dunes marked by the occasional boulder, and has restrooms. Corporation Beach has a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk, lifeguards, a snack bar, restrooms, a children’s play area and soft, smooth sand for all ages to enjoy. Mayflower Beach is a 1,200-foot beach with tide pools to wade through and all amenities and facilities, including an accessible boardwalk.

Where to Eat

Sesuit Harbor Cafe overlooking Northside Marina, this restaurant is one of the best the Cape has to offer! From their seafood to their delicious breakfast, you need to pay this special spot a visit the next time you’re in Dennis. Cash only and you need to bring your own beer!

Chapin’s Fish & Chips and Beach Bar located just down the road from West Dennis Beach, it’s a great spot to meet up with friends for good times and great food. They offer live music on the patio and there are both indoor and outdoor dining options available

Kream N’ Kone –   a MUST FOR ICE CREAM and quick bite to eat  award-winning fried seafood, including fried clams, shrimp, seafood platters, french fries, onion rings, and their fresh lobster roll, has been a Cape favorite for over six decades.

The Ocean House Restaurant contemporary cuisine featuring locally-sourced seafood, farmed ingredients & craft cocktails. Voted in the Top 100 “Most Scenic Restaurants”  Your special event restaurant

Captain Frosty’s Fish & Chips  for over 40 years, they have been serving award-winning fried seafood! Grab a meal “to-go” or relax under their shaded patio.

Scargo Cafe – casual fine dining in Dennis Village.  You can eat  seafood, steaks, burgers, craft cocktails, local beers, and of course, their award winning wine list. They also offer greenhouses to allow for outdoor dining in the cooler months!  Great place for date night without the kids!  You will need to check out their cozy fireplace during the winter months 

Cleat & Anchor   an American style restaurant and tavern that fuses casual Cape Cod charm with a little contemporary flare. They also offer tons of gluten-free options!

The Pheasant – focused on sustainable locally-sourced dining and approachable hospitality. Their kitchen works closely with local farmers and fishermen to offer seasonal menus featuring Cape Cod ingredients and bold flavors!

Sundae School serving homemade ice cream since 1976 with the motto, “Never skip Sundae School!” Located in Dennis Port.

Where to Visit

Cape Cod Museum of Art Discover the heart and soul of the Cape as envisioned by its past and present artists. Be amazed by the vast diversity of art, enjoy the beauty of the Sculpture Garden, be creative in year-round classes for children and adults, socialize at special events, and find unique gifts by local artists in the Museum Shop. Kids can always have fun with the Treasure Hunt in the Galleries.

1736 Josiah Dennis Manse Mus  Built in 1736 for the Rev. Josiah Dennis, for whom the town is named, this salt box house was purchased by the town in 1967. It has been fully restored. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. There is a maritime room with a diorama of the Shiverick shipyard and has various items associated with the days of clipper ships.

1801 Jericho Historical Center  Old Main Street, West Dennis
Historic house built in 1801 by Capt. Theophilus Baker. Exhibits include antiques, glassware, costumes, tools and driftwood zoo.

 Dennis Maritime Museum The Maritime museum highlights local sea captains, their ships, their tales and navigational tools. The last graded school in Dennis features an 1860’s school room.

LaBelle’s General Store – the most unique destination for beautiful coastal gifts, Cape Cod Gifts, souvenirs & sweashirts.

Cape cod card shark is the place to visit located in Dennisport  They  have sports cards memorabilia Pokémon and much more we buy sell and trade

Pelham House Resort – recently renovated with a fresh look. A stay at the Pelham includes a private beach, a beachfront pool, breathtaking views of Nantucket Sound, a rooftop restaurant (with heaters in the off-season), and oceanfront fire pits!

Where to Stay in Dennis

Find your  Dennis area  hotel 

Find  a vacation home or cottage rental