Wareham was recently featured in an article published on Only In Your State, a well-known travel and lifestyle website dedicated to highlighting local attractions in each of the 50 states. Kim Falchek’s article, “Why Wareham, Massachusetts, the Gateway to Cape Cod, Is Worth a Visit in Its Own Right” shines a light on the hidden gem of Wareham.
Other Massachusetts towns may claim to be the ‘gateway to the Cape,’ but in my opinion, it is Wareham that holds this title.
Wareham embodies the widely-loved qualities of Cape Cod: sandy beaches and sparkling seas, fun community activities, and gorgeous natural views. Being the ‘gateway to the Cape,’ as Falchek puts it, Wareham has all these qualities minus the most prevalent issue Cape Cod faces: traffic. Wareham lives just before the Bourne and Sagamore bridges, meaning it doesn’t require facing bumper-to-bumper traffic to enjoy a day at the beach. Right here in town, locals and visitors alike can enjoy nine beaches and access five boat ramps along 54 miles of coastline—more coastline than any town on Cape Cod. From Onset Beach’s sandy shores to Little Harbor’s secluded coves, each beach in town offers a picturesque spot for the perfect beach day.
Beaches aren’t Wareham’s only strong suit. A variety of nature trails, including the Douglas Westgate Conservation Area and Horseshoe Mill, offer miles of beautiful walking trails and nature views featuring rivers and streams, local wildlife, and budding plants. Stop by one of many ice cream shops and enjoy a sweet treat while checking out vendors’ handcrafted wares. Local events like the Onset Summer of Love concert series and Annual Oyster Fest also provide plenty of fun in the summer. The quaint seaside town’s charms don’t end with summer. When the leaves change to vibrant fall colors and the ocean grows too cool for swimming, Wareham still shines.
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.
Local farms and farmstands like Nessralla and Mazilli’s are abundant with delicious produce. From sweet honey sticks to ripe apples to plump pumpkins—there is no shortage of fresh food to enjoy. Local restaurants, cafes, and bars pitch in on this effort, serving up numerous tasty dishes and signature seafood plates. Stop by The Gateway Tavern or Narrow’s Crossing for a waterside meal, or check out Warren’s Harborview or Ella’s Woodfired Kitchen for deliciously refined dishes. From charming cafes like Bluefoot Cafe (and the soon-to-be new Tropical Smoothie Cafe) to lively restaurants like Narrow’s Crossing, Wareham has food and drinks for everyone to enjoy. Soon, it will also include retro games with the upcoming addition of the RWND Restaurant & Arcade on Main Street.
Beloved events like the Harvest Moon Festival and Polar Plunge continue to entertain while bringing the community together as a cool breeze sets in. If you prefer a more secluded activity, there are still plenty of options. Remember the trails mentioned earlier? Fall is a great time to visit them and see Wareham’s natural beauty up close. If you want to explore some trails for yourself, check out the Wareham Land Trust. Their resources detail each trail’s unique traits to guide your stroll, from brief history lessons to wildlife to whether group tours are available. If sitting back and enjoying a guided tour is more your style, bog tours with the A.D. Makepeace Company is a great choice. Canopies of color-changing trees create picturesque scenes and cranberry bogs turn bright red as farmers prepare for harvest. The tours allow attendees to relax while taking in stunning views and seeing bright cranberries of ‘the Cranberry Coast.’ As a strong presence in the global cranberry industry, it’s truly a sight to see.
Wareham truly offers something to enjoy year-round. Local or visitor, everyone is encouraged to explore ‘the Cranberry Coast’ and enjoy a day in Wareham for themself. To read more about New England highlights, take a look at other exciting articles from Kim Falchek. For more Massachusetts highlights and activities, read more with Only in Massachusetts.
