Studying a map of Massachusetts, to the northeast of the USA’s Atlantic seaboard, Cape Cod is the stretch of land jutting far out into the Ocean, shaped like a giant hook. With miles of unspoiled beaches, charming lighthouses, and vibrant coastal communities, it’s no wonder this spectacularly beautiful landscape is a magnet for tourists all-year-round. The Cape would also make a wonderful backdrop for a first date. If you’ve been getting on well with someone you’ve been chatting to on a dating site and are mulling over somewhere to invite them for a romantic liaison, here are five of Cape Cod’s finest locations compiled for you by dating experts from LesbieMates.
Seaviews and picnics by East Chop Light
One of the five lighthouses located on Martha’s Vinyard, an island to the south of the Cape, East Chop is a 19th-century lighthouse overlooking the turbulent waters of the Atlantic. A short ferry trip from the mainland, you can stock up with picnic supplies and safely pack them into a hamper, enjoy the brief voyage, then find a secluded dune to enjoy your refreshments. If you’d prefer sitting in somewhere, adjourn to the Barn Bowl and Bistro for sumptuous fresh seafood, followed by a stroll over to Carousel for ice cream.
Zoom around Martha’s Vinyard
There are many ways of getting around Martha’s Vinyard, a large island (250 square kilometers) that is always bustling with visitors. But if you want to take in as much as you can while still feeling immersed in the scenery, hire a little moped. Firstly, you can catch the ferry over from the Cape mainland at Hyannis Cruise Terminal, with departures running every hour during the height of the summer season. After a 45-minute crossing, you can pick up your transport and proceed to enjoy zipping around the sandy beaches and quaint harbor towns.
Unforgettable boat trips
Another boat trip departing from Hyannis is perfect for a first date. Bay Spirit Tours offer a sunset cruise that will transport you and your partner out into the Atlantic just as the sun is sinking into the western skies. Against a backdrop of light music and cool drinks, you can watch the fiery colors setting the waves ablaze.
Provincetown Wine tasting
Nothing seals romance more than a few glasses of mouth-watering chilled wine. Head over to Truro Vineyards, where the tasting room and gift shop have been set up in a charmingly restored early 19th-century farmhouse. One of the most scenic of the Cape’s vineyards, you and your partner can sample the various wines on an outdoor terrace, with stunning views of the surrounding vines. If you need something to absorb the liquid refreshments, the good news is there are also plenty of local food vans in the vicinity. There are daily tours of the Truro Vineyards at 1 pm and 3 pm, and visitors are also encouraged to take part in games.
Cape Cod bike trail
Another romantic way for you and your other half to make the most of your first date in the Cape is to hire bikes, enabling a greater degree of flexibility as you explore your surroundings. The Cape Cod Rail trail spans 40 kilometers, on a paved path running from South Dennis to Wellfleet. Along this thoroughfare there are breathtaking vistas, so you can pull in at any point for a rest or for taking some photos to capture your memorable day out. If you’re feeling even more adventurous you can also hire kayaks at the same outlet and navigate around the shallows, keeping your eyes peeled for dolphins, seals, and sea turtles.