SIX18 TRAVEL

With its colorful clam shacks, shingle-style cottages and serene beaches, it's easy to see why Cape Cod – or simply "the Cape" to locals – is a top summer retreat for New England mainlanders. Quaint bed-and-breakfast accommodations sit beside rugged sand dunes, scenic bike trails snake along forests and the seemingly endless seashore is punctuated by bright kayaks and fishing boats. Life moves at a slower pace here – but that's part of the charm. And while the Cape is a sought-after spot for celebrities and athletes, it's actually an unassuming place, with a laid-back personality.

Spend a day getting acquainted with the Cape's artsy side with a trip to Provincetown, a bohemian (and particularly LGBTQ-friendly) seaport that boasts quirky art galleries and excellent whale-watching spots. Then, continue south to Sandwich, the Cape's oldest town, where glass-blowing demonstrations and storied New England homes await. Spread across four diverse regions – the Upper Cape, Mid Cape, Lower Cape and Outer Cape – the area offers much to explore. And though you'll only need a few days to sample the Cape's pristine beaches, striking views and superlative seafood, to truly soak in the Cape's quiet calm, try to carve out a few weeks to experience the low-key vibes that captivate visitors each summer.