Why Wareham, Massachusetts, the Gateway to Cape Cod, Is Worth a Visit in Its Own Right

I absolutely love the beach, and I consider myself so fortunate to live in a state that has miles of beautiful coastline. Although I am a North Shore girl, a trip down the Cape is always a welcome treat. I enjoy exploring the quaint New England towns, the sandy beaches, and all the delicious local eats, but like most New Englanders, there is one thing I dread about visiting here, and that, of course, is the miles and miles of traffic, especially on busy summer weekends. Luckily, there is a nearby town where I can experience just as much fun as a day on Cape Cod. Wareham is a great place to vacation, and best of all, you don’t need to cross the bridge to get here.

Other Massachusetts towns may claim to be the “gateway to the Cape,” but in my opinion, it is Wareham that holds this title. This small coastal town is located at the head of Buzzard’s Bay and is approximately 54 miles from Boston. Wareham is made up of three different villages: East Wareham, West Wareham, and Onset.

This scenic seaside community is the perfect place to visit to experience summer activities without having to deal with the traffic and crowds. There are several wonderful beaches to explore right in town. Onset Beach is a sandy, family-friendly beach and a popular place to kayak. Nearby Little Harbor Beach has great swimming, beachcombing, and scenic views.  

When you have had enough of the ocean but still want to enjoy the water, head over to Water Wizz. This amazing water park has tons of exhilarating slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river. If the park looks familiar to you, it may be because it was featured in the 2010 movie Grown Ups, starring Adam Sandler. 

And there is more outdoor adventure to be had on land in Wareham. Be sure to visit the Douglas Westgate Conservation Area, which is made up of 48 acres of trails, woods, and cranberry bogs. The Douglas S Westgate Conservation Area Loop is an easy 1.5-mile trail that is perfect for walking or running.

Visiting during the fall harvest season? Stop at the A.D. Makepeace Company for a quintessential New England cranberry bog tour. Sample some cranberries and other fresh produce at local farms and farmstands. 

And speaking of great eats, you will find plenty of top-notch dining in Wareham. At Warren’s Harborside, you can enjoy dinner with a waterfront view. The restaurant features fantastic seafood options and a wonderful Sunday brunch menu. Or, if you are in the mood for pizza, you can grab a delicious pie at Ella's Wood Burning Oven Restaurant. 

Have you taken a trip to Wareham? If so, what did you enjoy most about this coastal town? For more information, please visit the Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of Commerce website and the Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.  If you are looking for a great place to stay, you can't beat the Inn on Onset Bay, which is considered to be one of the most stunning coastal hotels in Massachusetts.