Things to Do in Orleans, MA

Things to Do in Orleans, MA

Orleans is a quaint seaside town that sits on the outer elbow of Cape Cod. The town is famous for its beaches, which are situated on both the wild Atlantic Ocean and calmer Cape Cod Bay. Use this Cape Cod guide to find things to do in Orleans, Mass. the next time you stay at Brewster By The Sea Inn!

WHAT TO DO

Orleans, Massachusetts is your classic coastal New England town with beautiful beaches and a bustling downtown filled with locally-owned boutiques and restaurants. If the weather’s nice, rent a kayak from Goose Hummock or a paddleboard from Pump House Surf Shop and enjoy a day out on the water. The Cape Cod Rail Trail runs through town and is the perfect place to go for a bike ride.

After you’ve finished up with your exercise for the day, pick up a new outfit or souvenir for your friends and family back home on Main Street in Orleans. For history buffs, the French Cable Station Museum is a must-see. The museum is the site of an Atlantic undersea telegraphic cable in the 1800s and enabled communication with Europe. At night, put your bowling skills to the test at the recently-renovated Orleans Bowling Center. Bowler beware – this alley is candlepin only (and it has amazing barbecue food and a bar)! 

WHAT TO SEE

With picturesque beaches, lush forests, and crystal-clear ponds, Orleans is a nature lover’s paradise. Nauset Beach is the perfect spot to enjoy a day in the waves and check out some of New England’s marine life – whales can often be spotted from shore! But, great white sharks are known to hunt for seals in the area, so heed the warnings to keep yourself safe.

If you’re looking for a quieter, less wavy option, check out the Cape Cod Bay beaches of Skaket Beach and Rock Harbor (which offers one of the best sunsets on Cape Cod).

WHERE TO EAT

Start your morning off right with a coffee and a pastry from The Hot Chocolate Sparrow, where you can pick up some delicious homemade chocolates and treats to bring home. After a morning at the beach, head down to Sunbird Kitchen and try an eclectic lunch that’s sure to put a smile on your face, or Viv’s Kitchen for a healthy, filling meal.

For dinner, check out Rock Harbor Grill for a creative bite to eat. If you still have room afterward, make a pit stop at Ice Cream Cafe to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Looking for a relaxing getaway? We have rooms available through the summer and fall. Browse our rooms and book your stay today!

About the Author

Smiling woman with short gray hair standing outdoors with arms crossed, wearing a sleeveless white top in front of a blue house.

Amy Chesnut has been exploring Cape Cod for over 60 years — and has called it home full-time since 2016, when she purchased Brewster By The Sea Inn on Main Street in Brewster. Over a decade of welcoming guests year-round, Amy has personally guided thousands of visitors through the Cape's best trails, beaches, hidden gems, dining spots, and seasonal experiences across all 15 towns. A former attorney and land conservation professional — and a former trustee of the Brewster Conservation Trust — she brings deep knowledge of the Cape's natural landscape to everything she writes. Amy is a member of the Brewster Chamber of Commerce and a 2026 recipient of the Chamber's Small Business Excellence Award.

Learn more about Amy here.

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