Nothing says “summer” quite like Cape Cod. Drive the iconic “bent arm” between Barnstable and Provincetown, with side trips to striped lighthouses, sandy beaches, and historic Pilgrim landmarks. Along this 60-mile route down Route 6, we’ll detour to discover everything from quaint coastal towns like Harwich, gorgeous salt marsh hikes through protected landscapes, and hidden histories at Scargo Tower and First Encounter Beach. Don’t miss the highlights: Nauset Light, which once guided ships past the treacherous Cape shores, Pilgrim Monument, with its gorgeous seashore views, and the thrilling rocky causeway at the very end of Provincetown.

This quiet spot on the beach holds a world-changing story. Marconi station marks the spot where the very first transatlantic wireless signal was transmitted between the U.S. and England, making history and bringing people together like never before. Enjoy the peaceful coastal trails that wind around the shore, or dive deep into Marconi Station’s role in the historic Titanic survivors’ rescue in 1912 as we explore the historic markers here.

The iconic red-and-white Nauset Lighthouse perches on shifting dunes and is the perfect backdrop for all your Cape Cod selfies. Standing almost 50-feet high, it’s the most-photographed lighthouse on the Cape and has its own story of grit and survival to share. Climbing to the top of the historic lighthouse rewards you with a breathtaking view of the Atlantic and an up-close look at the functioning mirror system that has guided so many ships safely home.

You can’t miss this stately granite tower reigning over the lively streets of P-Town. The Pilgrim Monument rises 252 feet over Provincetown, commemorating the Pilgrims’ first landing in 1620. No trip to the Cape is complete without venturing to the top of the Monument -- via stairs or elevator -- to see the sweeping panoramic views of Cape Cod Bay and the quaint coastal town hugging the beach. You might be able to see all the way to Boston!

This spot along the Outer Cape commemorates where the Pilgrims first landed in North America - before even the famous Plymouth Rock! Walk the scenic Pilgrim Spring Trail to see the forest gradually returning to the landscape and imagine the Pilgrims’ first steps in the New World. Today, the beach and park offer a rock-and-sand beach that’s perfect for beachcombing or just enjoying the sea breeze a little off the beaten path.

This literal rock bridge connects the Provincetown shoreline to the very tip of the “bent arm” of Cape Cod. Huge granite rocks form a narrow breakwater that can be crossed during low tide, providing access to the remote beaches and isolated lighthouses on the far side. The causeway is just over a mile each way, over uneven and often slippery rocks. The causeway walk is unique and unmissable -- one of the Cape’s best activities.