Things To Do
in Harwich
Harwich is a charming town located in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, known for its picturesque coastal scenery and sandy beaches. Visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing in the surrounding waters. The town is also rich in history, with historic lighthouses, museums, and colonial architecture to explore.
Harwich offers a laid-back atmosphere perfect for a relaxing seaside getaway.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at Red River Beach, where you can enjoy a relaxing stroll or beachcombing. Bring a picnic breakfast to savor while watching the sunrise over the water.
Head to Bank Street Beach for a swim or some sunbathing. Grab lunch at a local seafood spot nearby to fuel up for the rest of the day.
Wrap up your day with a sunset view from Harwich Port. Enjoy dinner at a cozy restaurant with ocean views.
Rent a bike and start your ride on the Cape Cod Rail Trail from Harwich. The scenic route offers beautiful landscapes and wildlife sightings.
Stop for lunch at a charming café along the trail. Afterward, continue biking to explore more of the picturesque Cape.
Return to Harwich and have dinner at a local pub. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and perhaps a craft beer.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close proximity to beautiful beaches and coastal activities.
- A quaint, small-town atmosphere with a friendly community.
- Access to parks and outdoor recreational areas.
- Rich in history and charm, with historical landmarks.
- Good opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water sports.
- Limited access to large shopping centers and amenities.
- Can be crowded during tourist season.
- Cold winters and potential for harsh weather conditions.
- Economic opportunities may be limited compared to larger towns or cities.
- Public transportation options may be less developed.
Best Activities in Harwich
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches of Harwich, such as Red River Beach or Saquatucket Beach, where you can sunbathe, swim, or have a picnic.
Explore the scenic 22-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail for biking, walking, or jogging. The trail offers a picturesque journey through the Cape's natural landscapes.
Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the local waterways, including the Herring River and Pleasant Bay, providing a chance to see local wildlife.
Try your hand at fishing, whether from the shore, a boat, or a charter trip, with local spots like Saquatucket Harbor being popular choices.
Take a whale watching tour from nearby Harwich Port to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, typically from April to October.
Cycle through the charming coastal towns and scenic routes, offering stunning views of landscapes and access to local attractions.
Visit the annual Harwich Cranberry Festival for family-friendly activities, local crafts, food, and entertainment to learn more about the area's cranberry farming.
Enjoy nature walks in conservation areas such as the Harwich Conservation Trust lands, which feature trails through forests and wetlands.
Tours
Uncover the best of Harwich with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Harwich
Visit one of these nice places.
A picturesque beach known for its stunning sunsets and scenic shoreline, perfect for capturing breathtaking ocean views.
This harbor offers beautiful views of boats and the surrounding landscape, making it a great spot for photography.
A scenic bike and walking trail that showcases beautiful views of nature and rural landscapes, ideal for capturing images of the Cape Cod charm.
Vibrant cranberry bogs can provide unique photo opportunities, especially during the harvest season when the berries are bright red.
Just a short distance from Harwich, this beach offers stunning views of the iconic lighthouse and ocean waves, perfect for stunning photographs.
This refuge provides beautiful natural scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities, which can make for great nature photography.
Renowned for its long sandy shorelines and tranquil waters, this beach is perfect for sunset shots and capturing the beauty of the Cape.
Food in Harwich
Harwich Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A signature New England dish, the lobster roll features succulent, locally caught lobster meat, lightly dressed with mayo, served in a buttered, toasted bun. Must-try at The Hot Stove Saloon.
Must-Try!
Harwich's creamy and hearty clam chowder is a classic favorite, showcasing tender clams, potatoes, and aromatic herbs in a rich broth. Best enjoyed at Brax Landing Restaurant.
Codfish cakes are a beloved local treat, made with fresh cod fillets, mashed potatoes, and savory seasonings. Don't miss out on trying them at the Cape Sea Grille.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Harwich better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Visit the Harwich Farmers' Market to sample a variety of fresh, locally sourced produce, artisanal goods, and ready-to-eat treats from local vendors. Open on Thursdays, this market is a paradise for food lovers.
For a taste of casual beachside dining, head to Wychmere Beach Club Snack Bar, where you can savor delicious street food such as gourmet hot dogs, lobster rolls, and refreshing frozen treats while enjoying the ocean views.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Be mindful of the diverse cultural backgrounds of residents and visitors in Harwich. Recognizing and respecting different customs and traditions is key to fostering harmonious interactions.
Use polite language and expressions of kindness, such as 'please' and 'thank you.' Greeting people with a smile and a friendly hello can go a long way in establishing positive connections.
Engage in local events and community gatherings. Showing interest in and support for local initiatives, such as festivals and volunteer opportunities, reflects respect for the community and its values.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Harwich with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Harwich
Ensure a smooth experience
In Harwich, as in much of the United States, tipping is a common practice in the hospitality and service industries. It is customary to tip restaurant servers between 15% to 20% of the total bill, depending on the quality of service. Tipping is also common for taxi drivers, hotel staff, and other service providers, with typical tips being around $1 to $2 per bag for bellhops or 10% to 15% for taxi drivers.
Payment methods in Harwich include cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payment apps. Most businesses accept major credit cards, and contactless payments are becoming increasingly popular. For everyday transactions, some residents may still prefer cash, especially for small purchases or local markets. The use of digital wallets is also on the rise, providing a convenient option for many consumers.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Harwich.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (March to May) is a lovely time to visit Harwich, with mild temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to mid-60s Fahrenheit. Expect blooming flowers and vibrant landscapes. It’s an ideal time for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, as well as enjoying local festivals and events.
Summer (June to August) is the peak tourist season in Harwich, featuring warm weather with temperatures averaging between the mid-60s to mid-80s Fahrenheit. Visitors can expect sunny days perfect for beach activities, boating, and fishing. The area can be crowded, with various events and activities taking place throughout the summer.
Fall (September to November) offers cooler temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to low 70s Fahrenheit and beautiful autumn foliage. It’s a quieter time to visit, with fewer crowds. Expect to see harvest festivals and seasonal activities, such as apple picking and scenic drives through the countryside.
Winter (December to February) is cold in Harwich, with temperatures typically between the mid-20s to mid-40s Fahrenheit. It’s a peaceful time to visit, ideal for those who enjoy quiet walks and the cozy atmosphere of winter holidays. Expect occasional snowfall and the chance to enjoy winter sports or local holiday celebrations.
Harwich at Night
Hiking in Harwich
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A protected area along the Cape Cod coastline featuring scenic views, sandy beaches, and various hiking trails through diverse landscapes.
A large state park that offers several trails for hiking, along with access to ponds for swimming and fishing.
A refuge with trails that provide views of unique wildlife and coastal habitats, ideal for hiking and birdwatching.
A sanctuary with trails that extend through marshland and woodlands, offering a peaceful hiking experience with views of the bay.
A network of scenic trails that wind around several ponds, perfect for hiking and enjoying nature.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Harwich through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Harwich by plane.
The primary airport serving Boston and the surrounding areas, located approximately 70 miles from Harwich.
Located in Warwick, Rhode Island, this airport is about 70 miles from Harwich, offering various domestic and international flights.
Located in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, this airport is approximately 90 miles from Harwich and serves as a major airport for the region.
Located in Newark, New Jersey, this major international airport is around 200 miles from Harwich.
Located in Queens, New York, JFK is one of the largest international airports in the United States and is about 200 miles from Harwich.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority demographic group in Harwich, comprising a significant percentage of the population.
A growing demographic group, representing a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures.
A smaller demographic group within Harwich, contributing to the community's diversity.
A minority demographic group that adds to the cultural richness of Harwich.
This group represents individuals who identify with multiple racial backgrounds.
A very small demographic group, representing the indigenous population.
Includes individuals who identify with other racial categories not specifically listed.
The Soul of Harwich
Discover the essence of Harwich through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular team sport played in Harwich, often enjoyed during the summer months with local leagues and community events.
A widely played sport among youth and adults in Harwich, with various leagues and recreational opportunities.
Commonly played in community parks and schools, basketball is a favorite activity for many residents.
Tennis courts are available in Harwich, making it a popular individual and doubles sport among residents.
With several courses in and around Harwich, golf is a favored pastime for both competitive players and casual enthusiasts.
Running is a popular activity in Harwich, with many trails and parks available for jogging and marathon training.
Cycling is enjoyed by many, with scenic routes and paths available for both casual and serious cyclists.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Harwich.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Several eateries in Harwich feature a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes, from fresh salads and vegetable pastas to innovative plant-based entrees, ensuring that non-meat eaters have ample choices.
Individuals requiring gluten-free options will find accommodating menus at many restaurants in Harwich, with gluten-free pasta, pizzas, and dedicated preparation practices to cater to their needs.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Harwich with these cultural adventures.
