Enjoying Second Summer on Cape Cod

It’s officially second summer on the Cape and Islands! While we love the hustle and bustle,

sun-soaked afternoons, and sweltering heat of summertime, there’s something special about the arrival of autumn and the winding down of the busy season. The cool breeze that wafts in from the water signifies it’s time to start wearing light layers. Night time drapes a cool blanket over the landscape and the stars shine bright. Bonfires on the beach flicker in the distance and the smoky smell lingers in the air until early morning. Second summer is all about embracing the beauty of the impending shoulder season all while enjoying the last bit of the sun's soft glow. Check out WeNeedaVacation's suggestions for how you can celebrate second summer like a local!

Enjoy the Ever-Changing Foliage

If there were a color palette for second summer on Cape Cod, it would consist of soft gold, burnt orange, and brick red, the colors of the leaves that decorate the Cape and Islands' trees. Feel the gentle crunch of fallen leaves beneath your feet while admiring the sunrise gradient of color on your favorite walking path.

Take a tour of Cape Cod's Lighthouses

Now we're not quite sure why, but for some reason, we associate second summer with

lighthouses. Maybe it's the way the strong structures stand out among the gradually changing landscape, or maybe it's simply because their red and white color scheme is complemented by the colors of autumn. Regardless, there's something both nostalgic and serene about visiting and admiring these landmarks after the peak summer season has ended.

Attend Shoulder Season Festivals

What many people may not know is that a majority of the festivals that take place on the Cape and Islands happen during second summer! Just a few of these highly anticipated events include Wellfleet Oyster Fest, Cape Cod Canal Day,, Yarmouth Seaside Festival, and Eastham Windmill Weekend.

Scour the Beach for Seaglass

Now that the swarm of crowds that populated the beaches during peak summer months have returned home, there's finally space to search for sea glass. You no longer have to tip-toe around large parties of beach-goers in search of the elements’ colorful creations. The wind has slightly intensified and the seas have grown rough, churning out perfectly smooth pieces of beach glass.

Enjoy a Serene Beach Day

If you spend a day at the beach during second summer, you'll find that the sound of excited

children splashing in the water has been replaced by the music of gentle waves and dancing dune grass. You'll also find that you no longer have to circle the parking lot six times before securing a spot. If you're looking to have a relaxing afternoon with little disturbance, head to the nearest beach and soak up the sunshine while you still can.

Have a Bonfire on the Beach

The stars in the sky seem to shine extra bright during second summer, so why not sit beneath

their glow and warm up by the fire? Grab a few friends, plenty of warm blankets, and keep your eyes peeled to the sky to see if you can spot a shooting star!