For years, stories set along the New England coast have captured our imagination. Today, that fascination is stronger than ever.
Whether it’s the elegant waterfront homes of The Perfect Couple, the nostalgic beach-house summers of The Summer I Turned Pretty, or the effortless entertaining found throughout Elin Hilderbrand’s bestselling novels, travelers are increasingly searching for the same relaxed coastal lifestyle they’ve fallen in love with on screen and on the page.
While many of these stories are set on nearby Nantucket, the feeling they evoke extends across Cape Cod, a place where sailing, seafood dinners, hydrangea-lined lanes, and waterfront sunsets have defined summers for generations.
At Wequassett, guests can experience that lifestyle for themselves.
Why We’re All Romanticizing the New England Coast
The appeal goes beyond beautiful scenery.
Across television, books, and social media, coastal New England has become synonymous with slower mornings, timeless design, fresh seafood, family traditions, and effortless luxury.
It’s the world of:
- White clapboard homes
- Weathered cedar shingles
- Hydrangeas in full bloom
- Linen shirts and wicker baskets
- Sailboats crossing the bay
- Seafood enjoyed overlooking the water
- Long evenings spent outdoors
Rather than feeling like a trend, it’s a way of traveling that encourages people to slow down and reconnect.
Cape Cod has been offering exactly that for decades.
Experience the Lifestyle for Yourself
The beauty of a Cape Cod getaway is that you don’t need to recreate a television series to experience the lifestyle that has captivated readers and viewers alike.
Many of the moments that define coastal New England are part of everyday life here.
Morning
Start your morning kayaking across the calm waters of Pleasant Bay, or embark on Wequassett’s signature Journey to the Outer Beach. This guided excursion takes guests by boat across Pleasant Bay to a secluded stretch of Atlantic shoreline, where pristine dunes, unspoiled beaches, and breathtaking ocean views create an experience that feels uniquely Cape Cod.
Head to Lighthouse Beach in Chatham, where sweeping Atlantic views and the iconic lighthouse provide one of Cape Cod’s most photographed settings.
Afternoon
If you’re looking for a slower-paced beach day, spend the afternoon at Harding’s Beach, known for its calm waters and relaxed atmosphere, or venture to Nauset Beach in nearby Orleans to experience dramatic dunes, rolling surf, and miles of Atlantic coastline.
After a day by the water, stroll through the charming streets of Chatham, browsing independent boutiques, local galleries, and cafés before watching fishing boats return to the harbour.
Continue your exploration in Orleans, where art galleries, welcoming restaurants, and easy access to both Cape Cod Bay and the Atlantic showcase another side of the peninsula’s coastal character.
Evening
As evening arrives, return to Wequassett to enjoy oysters, fresh local seafood, and handcrafted cocktails overlooking Pleasant Bay as the sun sets across the water.
These simple rituals, days spent by the beach, afternoons exploring seaside towns, and evenings gathered around exceptional food, are what continue to inspire writers, filmmakers, and travelers searching for the quintessential Cape Cod vacation.
A Cape Cod Vacation with Nantucket Within Reach
Many visitors inspired by stories set on Nantucket choose to stay on Cape Cod while planning a day trip to the island.
From nearby Hyannis, high-speed ferries make it easy to spend the day exploring Nantucket’s cobblestone streets, historic harbour, boutiques, and beautiful beaches before returning to the peaceful surroundings of Pleasant Bay.
It’s the perfect opportunity to experience two of New England’s most iconic coastal destinations during one unforgettable getaway.
The Coastal Grandmother Aesthetic Starts Here
The “coastal grandmother” movement may have become popular on social media, but its roots have always existed here.
Fresh flowers on the table.
Morning walks along the shoreline.
Books read on waterfront terraces.
Fresh seafood paired with crisp white wine.
Natural textures, timeless interiors, and unhurried afternoons.
At Wequassett, these aren’t curated moments for social media, they’re simply part of everyday life on Cape Cod.
Things to Do During Your Cape Cod Getaway
Beyond relaxing at the resort, guests can experience many of the activities that define coastal New England travel.
- Sail or cruise across Pleasant Bay
- Visit Chatham Lighthouse and Lighthouse Beach
- Explore the Cape Cod Rail Trail by bike
- Spend the afternoon at Nauset Beach
- Browse local art galleries and boutiques
- Enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants
- Play a round on Wequassett’s championship golf course
- Take a seal or whale watching excursion
- Visit local farms, vineyards, and cranberry bogs
Whether you’re staying for a long weekend or an extended escape, every day offers another opportunity to embrace the relaxed rhythm of Cape Cod.
Find Your Own Cape Cod Story
The stories that have inspired millions of readers and viewers weren’t created from imagination alone, they were inspired by a way of life that still exists along the New England coast.
From quiet mornings overlooking Pleasant Bay to afternoons exploring charming seaside towns and evenings spent dining by the water, Wequassett offers an authentic Cape Cod experience that feels both timeless and unforgettable.
Whether you’re planning your first Cape Cod vacation or returning to rediscover the coast, you’ll find the lifestyle you’ve admired on screen waiting here.
