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Sandwich, MA, is a charming coastal community located on Cape Cod and its oldest town with a rich history dating back to the 1600s.
But don’t let its age fool you- there are plenty of attractions and activities that will keep you entertained during your visit.
Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie, there’s something for everyone- from stunning beaches and nature preserves to historic architecture, museums, and restaurants.
In this guide, we break down some of the best things to do in Sandwich, Massachusetts- perfect if you are looking for something new to do or a tourist visiting for the first time.
Check out our guide to all the Cape Cod towns to learn more about each one.
Sandwich also features in our guide to romantic things to do in Cape Cod, including being home to one of the most romantic places to stay on Cape Cod.
Fun Things to Do in Sandwich, MA
Beth’s Bakery and Cafe
You should stop by Beth’s Bakery and Cafe (16 Jarves St) for breakfast before you start exploring Sandwich.
From breakfast baked goods to delicious soups and sandwiches, Beth’s is a perfect spot to grab a coffee and a treat in a quaint cafe, which was once a Puritan Church almost 200 years ago.
Sandwich Antiques Center
Sandwich Antiques Center (131 Route 6A) is a massive antique shop, which occupies more than 5,000 square feet and features vintage furniture, jewelry, home decor, and fine art.
Each room is themed and curated, and the vendors are proud to offer high-quality items sourced from across the globe and through the decades.
Dexter’s Grist Mill
Dexter’s Grist Mill (Grove St) is a well-loved and frequently photographed spot on Cape Cod.
The working mill grinds corn into cornmeal, which can be purchased from the mill’s shop!
Watch how the mill operates, and pick up a bag of cornmeal, which includes famous recipes you can use to create memorable treats.
Sandwich Glass Museum
Of all the things to see in Sandwich, the pieces in the Sandwich Glass Museum (129 Main St) might be the most beautiful.
Glass-blowing has a centuries-long history in Sandwich and the museum honors that history through demonstrations, rotating exhibits, and deeply knowledgeable guides.
We also featured this museum in our guide to things to do on Cape Cod; check it out for more ideas!
Old Town Burial Ground
You could also try visiting the Old Town Burial Ground (Grove St) for a slightly spooky activity.
With centuries-old headstones, winding paths, and famous headstones, like the builder of the famous Hoxie House, you’ll love exploring the grounds.
Bring a picnic to enjoy at the lake’s edge and keep an eye out for swans that like to stop by.
Heritage Museums and Gardens
Visiting the Heritage Museums and Gardens (67 Grove St) is one of the best activities in Sandwich, because it is a 100-acre natural area, historic museum, and manicured garden.
There are tons to explore here, from fountains, herb gardens, a labyrinth, a mill, and a treehouse.
We also featured this beautiful place in our guide to Massachusetts in spring, thanks to its show-stopping blooms!
Hoxie House
Hoxie House (18 Water St) is said to be the oldest home on Cape Cod, built around 1674.
The building is a saltbox, which means the roof is steeply sloped and much longer on one side, and it was owned by a whaling captain in the mid-1800s.
You can visit this early colonial home and enjoy some original furnishings as you explore!
This is one of the most popular Sandwich attractions for architecture and history fans.
The Old King’s Highway
A truly fun thing to do in Sandwich is to travel along the Old King’s Highway (Route 6A), a National Scenic Byway in Massachusetts known for its views of the ocean and rich historic landmarks.
Drive this meandering road, which has been a well-loved trade route for centuries.
It was named by National Geographic as one of the most scenic drives in the world, which makes it an absolute must-do if you’re visiting.
Green Briar Nature Center and Jam Kitchen
The Green Briar Nature Center and Jam Kitchen (6 Discovery Hill Rd) is a natural history museum, garden landscape, and educational center.
When you visit, you can find something for every age: there is a life-sized replica of Peter Rabbit’s storybook world, a full schedule of jam classes, a natural history library, and a stunning wildflower garden, all to explore.
This nature center is one of the best things to do in Sandwich for kids.
East Sandwich Quaker Meetinghouse
Built and opened around the 1650s, the East Sandwich Quaker Meetinghouse (6 Quaker Rd) is the oldest continuous Quaker meeting place in the country.
This peaceful historic landmark is almost hidden in the woods, but you’ll find a graveyard, quiet, colonial-style buildings, and you can sit in on meetings on Sundays.
Visitors are always welcome at this site, and it’s an interesting place to go if you’re keen on spiritual history.
Tree House Brewing
Tree House Brewing (98 Town Neck Rd) is a very popular brewing company on Cape Cod, and they are well-known for creating their products from start to finish.
Along with fresh drafts and amazing views, you’ll also be able to enjoy bar snacks and deli sandwiches.
If you’re visiting during the busy summer season, Tree House recommends you purchase draft tickets ahead of time so you don’t have to wait in line for as long!
Town Neck Beach and Boardwalk
If you’re looking for a fun, soft beach, make a trip to Town Neck Beach (Town Neck Rd).
This oceanside beach is perfect for fishing, skimboarding, and swimming, and it has plenty of parking and restrooms.
With views of the famous Cape Cod Canal, Town Neck Beach is a great spot to spend the afternoon in the sun.
First Beach
First Beach (Town Neck and Freeman Ave) is a small, ocean-side beach with a parking lot but no lifeguards.
You can purchase a daily or weekly pass at the nearby gatehouse.
Play in the sand and splash in the surf at this quiet, local favorite.
Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center
If you’re looking for things to do in Sandwich on Cape Cod, you should check out the Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center (60 Ed Moffitt Dr), a free, family-friendly museum that explores the history of life around the Cape Cod Canal.
You can explore a retired Army Corps patrol boat, captain a virtual boat ride, and learn more about transport and trade through this area.
There are also rocking chairs on the front desk for you to rest and enjoy the amazing views.
Shipwreck Ice Cream
Shipwreck Ice Cream (2 Freezer Rd) is a classic ice cream shop, featuring a massive menu of flavors and tons of special items, like sundaes, toppings, and more.
Spread out on their big, grassy lawn with friends and family to enjoy creative and sweet flavors like Shipwreck Almond and Boardwalk Mudd.
McDermott Glass Studio
For fun things to do in Sandwich, try visiting McDermott Glass Studio (272 Cotuit Rd), a gallery and glassblowing operation.
This gallery is open to the public and is committed to showing multiple styles and traditions of the art form, from sculptural to functional, and using methods developed from across the globe.
Peters Pond at Oakcrest Cove
There are beaches in coastal Sandwich that aren’t on the ocean: check out Peters Pond at Oakcrest Cove (34 Quaker Meetinghouse Rd) for a freshwater beach experience.
This beach is a pond-side attraction perfect for anyone who is hesitant about the deeper waters and tides of the ocean; plus, there are lifeguards on duty in season!
Boyden Farm Conservation Lands
Boyden Farm Conservation Lands (Cotuit Rd and Quaker Meeting House Rd) are a 48-acre wildlife management area that features some of the best hiking and dog walking in the area.
You can walk along Peter’s Pond, explore a historic cemetery on the grounds, and spot lots of woodland bird species.
This is a sweet thing to do around Sandwich if you enjoy being outdoors.
The Sandwich Bazaar
The Sandwich Bazaar (34 Meeting House Rd), also commonly known as the Sandwich Flea Market, is a shopping experience for vintage lovers of all kinds.
You’ll find collectibles, decor, small furniture, and so many odds and ends that are fun to search through.
Admission and parking are always free.
Titcomb’s Bookshop
If you’re looking for the perfect beach read, you should check out Titcomb’s Bookshop (432 Route 6A), a family-fun shop with three floors of books, toys, and gifts.
Make sure to check the website for their frequent author events and story times for the little ones.
Among the things to do in East Sandwich, Titcomb’s is the best reader’s escape.
Scorton Creek
Scorton Creek (99 Talbots Rd) features a wonderful hiking area along a beautiful body of water.
The creek and all its walking paths are dog-friendly, though not wheelchair accessible.
Enjoy walking through forests, meadows, marshes, and gentle hills.
RideAway Adventures
RideAway Adventures (68 Tupper Rd) is a water sports lover’s paradise.
They offer kayaking and paddle board rentals and tours, and they also rent bikes for land lovers, as well.
You’ll love the state-of-the-art equipment, their eye for safe and memorable experiences, and their overall commitment to conservation.
RideAway is perfect for adventurers of all ages to get out on the water and explore Sandwich.
Final Thoughts
These are some of the best things to do in Sandwich, Massachusetts, which we hope has given you ideas for your next adventure.
Leave a comment below and let us know what you’re most excited to try!