Sandwich
Sandwich is The Capes' oldest town dating back to its incorporation in 1639. Sandwich borders the Eastern end of The Canal and stretches inland to Mashpee, Falmouth, and along the Northers coast of Cape Cod to Sandy Neck, Barnstable. It is known for its historic homes and quaint Mainstreet. The Forestdale area is to the right of the first few exits of Rt 6 and is known as one of The Capes' best years-round neighborhoods. The school systems and recent recreation facilities make Sandwich an attractive place to raise a family. The beaches and other attractions make Sandwich a great place to vacation. Here are some of my favorites.
WATERFRONT DINING
Fishermans View Restaurant at the Sandwich Marina is a sit-down restaurant with a view down The Canal and the fishing boats in the harbor. Fresh seafood, sushi as well as non-seafood options make up the menu. I would suggest starting with the buffalo cauliflower app to go along with the fresh cornbread. Seasonal outdoor seating and year-round dining room and bar seating as well as a fish market ( pictured here )
The Pilot House is A seasonal favorite. Outdoor gazebo bar, adirondack chair, and large picnic table seating. Live music at night. A large menu and indoor seating and bar are also available.
DINING Downtown Sandwich has and the surrounding area dining options for the entire family. Burgers at Backyard Burger bar, General Store Sandwiches, pizza, and patio seating at The Brown Jug, Deep Dish Detroit style square Pizza at the Edge Pizza, Burritos at Phattys, BBQ and outdoor patio lounge area at Off The Grid. Pub dining and a great draft list can be found at British Beer Company and Bobby Byrnes Pub. Daniel Webster Inn is a historic inn in the center of town that offers a casual pub and high-end sit-down menus. The Seal and the Belfrey inn offer up scale coastal dining in the center of town.
BEACHES ( See Link )
BIKE, KAYAK, AND PADDLEBOARD RENTALS RIDEAWAY ADVENTURES has a new Sandwich location in Merchant Square. Shop at their local gift shop, rent a bike, and head to the canal or book an adventure on the water.
COFFEE / CAFE My favorite Brewster cafe opened a new location in Sandwich in 2021. The location is a warm, inviting industrial garage with a roasting facility, bakery, and indoor-outdoor seating. The location is next to mini-golf just outside of Sandwich center.
CAFE CHEW has been a family favorite for years. A wide variety of salads, deli sandwiches, and bakery items make this destination a Sandwich favorite.
BETHS BAKERY is right in downtown Sandwich. They feature a menu of pastries, coffee and breakfast, and lunch sandwiches. A great sit-down area to meet a friend.
ICE CREAM You have a lot to choose from! Shipwrecked is right outside of Sandwich Marina. It has a great atmosphere and the ice cream draws a crowd. Twin Acres on Sandwich Rd is extremely clean with a ton of great flavors to choose from. Picnic tables to enjoy ice cream on a warm summer night.
GOLF Sandwich Hollows and Holly Ridge are two public courses in Sandwich. The Ridge Club is a private Course.
PIZZA One of my favorite and go-to pizza places on Cape Cod is Moto Pizza. ( Sandwich and Falmouth ) Charred but chewy crust and creative toppings like Hot Honey Goat.
HERITAGE GARDENS AND MESEUM
100 Acres of Magnificent Grounds and Trails
Flower Exhibits, Car Museum, Playground, Carousel
Within the peaceful confines, you’ll find walking trails, outdoor discovery opportunities, gardens that invite lingering, and exhibits to expand your understanding of art and history. Heritage offers up-close experiences that can’t be found anywhere else. It’s a place of joy and fun. It’s a place to make lasting memories. And it’s a place you’ll want to visit again and again.
If you’re planning to have a vacation in Massachusetts, make sure to stop by and visit the oldest town in the area – the small and historic town of Sandwich.
As the oldest town in Cape Cod, Sandwich is home to a myriad of historic buildings and antique shops you can visit and see the vintage items that represent the life of early residents of the town.
Sandwich also boasts its wonderful beaches, museums, breathtaking sceneries, one-of-a-kind shopping experience, top-rated restaurants, and the hidden gems waiting for you to discover.
This town is full of destinations worth visiting, and events and activities for you to try that will keep you busy all year round.
To give you a preview of what Sandwich has in store for you, here are the 15 best things to do in Sandwich, Massachusetts:
Roam around the Dexter’s Grist Mill
Originally constructed in 1854, Dexter’s Grist Mill was operated by a single family before becoming a museum in 1967.
In 1975, the Dexter’s Grist Mill was considered a historical destination when it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
You can visit Dexter’s Grist Mill for its interesting history and its picturesque scenery where you can take lots of photos.
Take a tour around the mill and learn about the history and the importance of Dexter’s Grist Mill in the seventeenth century.
Up to this day, the mills are still operating, and you can buy some bags of cornmeal from Dexter’s Grist Mill.
Visit the Heritage Museums and Gardens
Thousands of tourists visit the Heritage Museums and Gardens every year to see the exquisite scenery and unique exhibits.
The sprawling fields of Heritage Museums and Gardens feature well-maintained gardens, spacious lawns, and shaded pathways perfect for long scenic walks.
Heritage Museums and Gardens boasts its huge collection of hybrid rhododendrons, trees, flowers, bushes, and herbs that it grows and maintains.
You can see the beauty of the gardens in any season of the year and watch the different kinds of flowers blossom.
Aside from the gardens, you can also pay a visit to the museum that houses an exquisite collection of artworks and vintage items, like famous automobiles from around the world and a working carousel.
In Heritage Museums and Gardens, you can enjoy a nice walk in its gardens and gaze at some of the unique things that can be found only in the town of Sandwich.
Feed the Fishes in Sandwich Fish Hatchery
In the Sandwich Fish Hatchery, you can find different kinds of fish that you can feed.
You can have a self-guided tour around the hatchery and watch the fishes swim in the waters of Sandwich Fish Hatchery.
You can also learn about the species of the fishes that you can find in the hatchery.
Sandwich Fish Hatchery boasts a wide variety of fishes like Brook, Rainbow, and Tiger Trouts that they grow and hatch.
The best part of the Sandwich Fish Hatchery is when fishes swarm towards you when you feed them fish foods that you can purchase in the hatchery.
Take a Walk at the Historic Sandwich Boardwalk
The Sandwich Boardwalk was originally built in 1845, and since then, it has been a significant piece of the town’s history.
You can enjoy a peaceful afternoon walk in this 1,300-feet boardwalk that offers a great view of the sea and the skies.
Sandwich Boardwalk is a perfect destination for couples who want to experience romantic walks.
However, if you’re single as a pringle, you can still enjoy the scenery around the area and feel the cold breeze of the wind touching your skin.
When you reach the end of the boardwalk, you will arrive at a secluded beach that provides an overlooking view of the bay.
Stop by the Sandwich Antique Center
Whether you are a collector of anything antique or vintage or not, you will definitely find something that you will like in this store.
You can find a huge collection of vintage items in this 5,000-square-foot antique shop in Sandwich.
Sandwich Antique Center has a product from any period and any customer's taste; all you have to do is ask or roam around to see what you’re looking for.
Aside from antique items, the Sandwich Antique Center also offers contemporary pieces that include sculptures, contemporary arts, photography, and other modern items.
You can just stop by and see what Sandwich Antique Center has in store for you.
Relax in the Sandy Neck Beach
A trip to the beach is always a good idea to relax and have a fun day outside.
Sandwich has a number of wonderful beaches, and one of them is Sandy Neck Beach.
You can splash around, build sandcastles, go sunbathing, or just relax on the sandy shores of the beach while watching everyone have fun in the water.
Sandy Neck Beach is an ideal location for families and groups of friends that want to spend the day under the sun.
At the end of the day, you can watch the sun go down with your loved ones which is a perfect way to conclude a fun day at Sandy Neck Beach.
Check Out the Sandwich Glass Museum
The Sandwich Glass Museum is home to a wide variety of glass items that have been preserved and collected all throughout the years.
The town's history mainly consists of its glass production, and Sandwich Glass Museum serves as an avenue where people can revisit the past of Sandwich through presentations and exhibits.
You can feel the heat of the furnace in your skin as you can watch the workers perform their usual glassmaking activities.
You can also watch a glassblower demonstrate and make some ornaments and decorations made from glass.
Each room in the museum is dedicated to different parts of the glass history of the town, so make sure you check every corner of the Sandwich Glass Museum.
Go Shopping in the Sandwich Bazaar
If you like surprises, go to Sandwich Bazaar, also known as the Sandwich Flea Market, and see what treasures you can find in the market.
There are plenty of vendors in Sandwich Bazaar that sell a variety of items like collectibles, tools, decors, and anything under the sun.
You can either find trash or a treasure – it really depends on your lucky day.
Don’t miss out on the chance to grab some unique items in the Sandwich Bazaar because some interesting things might show up in your sight.
There’s always something for everyone in the Sandwich Bazaar, so you’ll never leave empty-handed.
Have a Great Dining Experience in the Pleasing Plate
For over fifteen years, The Pleasing Plate has been serving great-tasting home-cooked meals to the residents and tourists of Sandwich.
The Pleasing Plate aims to provide every person in Sandwich the option to have healthy and hearty meals.
You can order your food in The Pleasing Plate just the way you like it so you can appreciate every bite.
The Pleasing Plate also offers cooking classes for people who want to learn how to cook.
You can eat, learn, and have a great dining experience in The Pleasing Plate at any time of the day, so be sure to check it out when you visit the town of Sandwich.
Go On a Roadtrip in Old King’s Highway
If you like road trips and driving to see new places, then hop on your car and drive through one of the scenic byways in Massachusetts.
Along the way, you will pass through the oldest houses that reflect seventeenth to nineteenth-century architecture.
The Old King’s Highway is on the list of the National Register of Historic Places, which makes it one of the historical sites that you can find in Sandwich.
There are lots of attractions that you can check out on your road trip on Old King’s Highway.
Make sure to gas up your tanks and charge your camera phones because there are many photo opportunities on this historic highway.
Taste the Sweet Treats from Beth’s Bakery and Cafe
If you love sweet treats, then you will surely love this place in Sandwich!
Beth’s Bakery and Cafe is a locally owned business in Sandwich that has been providing delicious treats since 2007.
The building that houses Beth’s Bakery and Cafe also has some story to tell; it was once a Puritan Church built 175 years ago and was converted into a commercial building.
The bakery features an extensive menu that includes pastries, muffins, scones, sandwiches, bread, cakes, coffees, teas, and more.
You should come and visit Beth’s Bakery and Cafe and taste the local deliciousness they serve.
Explore the Canals in Cape Cod Canal Visitors Center
The Cape Cod Canal Visitors Center is the place to go when you want to learn about the rich history of Sandwich.
Inside the establishment, you will find a museum with entertaining and interactive exhibits for the curious little kids.
You can ride a 40-foot patrol boat and explore the canals of Cape Cod and discover the wildlife around the area.
You can also experience how to direct a virtual boat ride through the canal.
The Cape Cod Canal Visitors Center is a fun place for visitors and locals to visit because of the many activities it offers.
Spend a Day in the Outdoors at Shawme-Crowell State Forest
This 700-acre forest filled with pine and scrub oak trees is a place where you can do activities like camping, hiking, and horseback riding.
It features facilities around the area, like basketball courts, playgrounds, pavilion, picnic areas, restrooms, RV Parking, nature center, and more.
You can set up your tent in one of the 285 camping spots in Shawme-Crowell State Forest or hike the fifteen-mile trail in the area.
Shawme-Crowell State Forest is the ideal destination for an outdoor adventure in Sandwich.
Bring your friends and family and explore the wonders of Shawme-Crowell State Forest.
Have Some Fun in Green Briar Nature Center and Jam Kitchen
With its peaceful surroundings, you will find solitude here in Green Briar Nature Center and Jam Kitchen.
The Green Briar Nature Center was inspired by the Briar Patch of Thornton Burgess.
The nature center offers a learning experience for kids and adults where you can take classes, educational trips, guided tours, and workshops.
The Green Briar also features its Jam Kitchen, where you can take a look at the process of making mouthwatering jams from fresh fruits.
You can bring your kids and spend your time exploring the grounds of Green Briar Nature Center, and maybe you’ll catch a glimpse of some of the animals in the area.
Ride a Kayak in RideAway Adventures
Explore the marshes of Cape Cod in an exciting way with Rideaway Adventures!
You can have the opportunity to ride one of the kayaks of Rideaway Adventures and see the animals and plants that live around the area.
Rideaway adventures provide a thrilling and, at the same time, relaxing way to explore the wonderful marsh of Sandwich.
You don’t need to be an expert to ride the kayaks; there are knowledgeable guides that will help and make sure that you will enjoy the entire tour.
This is one of the activities that you should try when you visit the old town of Sandwich.
Final Thoughts
The small town of Sandwich might be the oldest town, but it still has its charm that can attract anyone.
From its historical destinations, natural attractions, and countless activities that you can try, there’s never a dull moment in the oldest town in Massachusetts.
The town lives to its motto: “After so many shipwrecks a haven” — and indeed, after so many years, Sandwich still offers a taste of heaven to its visitors.
There are lots of interesting sites in this historic town waiting for you to explore, so don’t keep the town waiting for you and pay it a visit when you get the chance!
