Photo Credit : Courtesy of the Wagner at Duck Creek
There is no one single “Cape Cod experience,” since each community on this famed Massachusetts peninsula has its own distinct charms. This is especially true of Provincetown’s quiet neighbor to the south, Wellfleet, which is anchored by its proximity to some of the finest beaches in the Northeast and a small-town vibe that is both upscale and down-home. Boutiques and galleries abound, for example, while family-friendly motels and one of New England’s last remaining drive-ins are often a part of any Wellfleet travel itinerary. Ready for a visit? Then read on for our selection of favorite Wellfleet, MA, hotels, eateries, and attractions.
Guide to Wellfleet, MA | Hotels & Inns
The Wagner at Duck Creek | Wellfleet, MA, Hotels & Inns Photo Credit : Courtesy of the Wagner at Duck Creek
This boutique inn has welcomed Cape Cod travelers since the 1930s. Today the property features three distinct buildings: the elegantly appointed 18-room Captain’s House; the cozy Carriage House, with its three rooms and deluxe suite; and, for families in need of an entire dwelling, the Cottage. After a day of exploring, make dinner plans at the hotel’s on-site tavern/restaurant, The Well.
Biking is a fun (and convenient) way to avoid the Cape’s auto traffic. This neat and clean motel sits right on the Cape Cod Rail Trail, making for a quick ride to Marconi Beach, LeCount Hollow Beach, or even Nauset Light Beach, where there’s parking for bikes but not for cars. Named a 2014 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best Lodging Near Bike Path.”
The Even’tide Resort Motels and Cottages | Wellfleet, MA, Hotels & Inns Photo Credit : Courtesy of Even'tide Motels and Cottages
At this family-owned-and-operated motel, guests have their pick of cozy motel rooms or more spacious cottages for their Cape Cod stay. A large indoor pool, outdoor deck, central playground, and barbecue all play starring roles at this modestly priced destination.
This popular motel puts visitors in the heart of the action. The Southfleet is located by the entrance to the Cape Cod National Seashore’s Marconi Beach, offering easy access to the Cape’s bike trail, the Wellfleet Drive-In, and the Audubon Society Sanctuary. Guests also have the use of the motel’s hot tub, heated indoor swimming pool, outdoor pool, playground, and fleet of bikes.
Lodging options can also be found in neighboring Provincetown. Below are two favorites.
Simple decor with retro touches is a reminder that this beachfront motel was originally built as a Holiday Inn. Rooms are set aside for pet owners, and various configurations, including connecting rooms, ease family sleeping arrangements. Bring sticks and marshmallows to toast at the firepit. Named a 2015 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best Child- and Pet-Friendly Lodging.”
Lands End Inn | Wellfleet, MA, Hotels & Inns Photo Credit : Annie Graves
Looking out from the high tower rooms hovering above Provincetown Harbor (each richly appointed with heirloom-quality antiques and private decks and patios), you’ll see the sea stretching out endlessly before you. Perched atop Gulf Hill in the town’s serene West End, the inn provides views of islands, clusters of sailboats, and winding beaches so enchanting that guests almost feel as if they’re out to sea themselves. Named a 2017 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best Inn with a View.”
Guide to Wellfleet, MA | Restaurants
Native mussels and corn on the cob from PJ’s Family Restaurant | Wellfleet, MA, Restaurants Photo Credit : Megan Haley
Year after year, hungry vacationers line up at PJ’s Family Restaurant. And why not? The stuffie alone — one hefty quahog shell filled with spicy linguiça, kale, briny clams, and just enough breading — is worth a drive in summer traffic. And in a 2007 travel piece for The New York Times, Mark Bittman declared that “PJ’s has the best fried clams and onion rings I’ve had on the Cape” (the rings are hand-cut and breaded, then chilled overnight to intensify the flavor).
No matter how long the lines at the counter, there’s always a picnic table free on the adjacent sand when your number is called. This is the spot to indulge in steamers, lobster, fried fish, onion rings, or even a fish taco. The sunset is free, and you can crown the evening with ice cream, soft-serve or scooped. Named a 2015 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best Seafood in the Rough.”
You can get shellfish in lots of places, but it’s harder to find good Southern-style fried chicken on the Outer Cape. The takeout dinner of wing, breast, thigh, and leg, with coleslaw, potato, barbecued beans, and garlic toast, is just the ticket for a beach picnic.Named a 2013 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best Fried Chicken.”
Sacred Surf holds that riding a wave is much more than an athletic thrill: It’s a mystical connection to the beauty and power of the ocean and the confidence of trusting your own capabilities. The Cape’s most consistent breaks happen just offshore from Marconi Beach, making this the perfect spot to learn. Named a 2015 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best Surf Lessons.”
Wellfleet Drive-In | Wellfleet, MA, Things to Do Photo Credit : Ian Aldrich
While the drive-in has faded into memory in communities across New England, in Wellfleet this icon of so many summers (it opened in 1957) is alive and well. Big cars, small trucks — they all parade into the lot, and moms and dads pour out of those cars to set up shop for the evening. Out come the beach chairs. Then the coolers of cold drinks. Kids collect small wads of dollar bills to buy candy at the snack shack. Then, as darkness descends, the scene grows still and everyone, locals and tourists alike, settle in to watch the featured attraction.
Do you have favorite Wellfleet, MA, hotels, eateries, or attractions to recommend? Let us know!
Ian Aldrich
Ian Aldrich is the Senior Features Editor at Yankee magazine, where he has worked for more for nearly two decades. As the magazine’s staff feature writer, he writes stories that delve deep into issues facing communities throughout New England. In 2019 he received gold in the reporting category at the annual City-Regional Magazine conference for his story on New England’s opioid crisis. Ian’s work has been recognized by both the Best American Sports and Best American Travel Writing anthologies. He lives with his family in Dublin, New Hampshire.
