Cape Cod Old Kings Highway Self Guided Scenic Audio Driving Tour
2.5 / 5 · 2 traveler reviews
Explore the charm of Cape Cod on the Old Kings Highway, a scenic drive along Massachusetts Route 6A. This self-guided tour reveals centuries-old villages, picturesque landscapes, and historic landmarks from Sandwich to Provincetown. Discover the stories of early settlers and maritime legends as you meander through colonial homes, cranberry bogs, and art-filled towns. Perfect for history enthusiasts and leisurely travelers alike, this tour offers a unique perspective on Cape Cod’s heritage. Plan for a full day to soak in the sights, whether you’re drawn by summer sun or fall foliage. - Scenic self-guided drive through Cape Cod’s historic Route 6A - Visit charming towns including Sandwich, Barnstable, and Provincetown - Discover colonial homes, art galleries, and cranberry bogs along the way - Ideal for all travelers seeking history and beautiful landscapes
Your experience
Stop 1
Photograph the red-and-white Nauset Light, one of Cape Cod’s most recognizable landmarks, before walking to the nearby Three Sisters. The three small wooden towers were built to create a distinctive navigational pattern that sailors could recognize from the sea.
Stop 2
This free, family-friendly museum explains the history, engineering, and daily operation of the Cape Cod Canal. Visitors can explore exhibits and watch boats travel through the protected waterway that helped ships avoid the dangerous waters around the Cape.
Stop 3
Explore the oldest town on Cape Cod, settled in 1637 and filled with colonial homes, museums, locally owned shops, cafés, and historic landmarks. Downtown Sandwich is an ideal introduction to the villages and stories found along the Old King’s Highway.
Stop 4
This historic cemetery contains gravestones dating to the early 1700s, including the grave of legendary naval officer Captain John “Mad Jack” Percival. Look for classic New England gravestone carvings featuring winged skulls, cherubs, urns, and willow trees.
Stop 5
Operating since 1639, this historic farm is home to Scottish Highland cattle, goats, sheep, donkeys, and chickens. Visitors can also follow a boardwalk toward Black Flats Marsh for peaceful views of Cape Cod Bay.
Stop 6
Discover artwork inspired by Cape Cod’s villages, beaches, people, and distinctive coastal light. The museum features generations of regional artists, while the outdoor sculpture garden can be explored without entering the museum.
Stop 7
Climb this 30-foot cobblestone observation tower for one of the widest panoramic views on Cape Cod. Built in 1901, the tower overlooks Scargo Lake, Cape Cod Bay, and the surrounding villages and woodlands.
Stop 8
Explore exhibits about Cape Cod’s wildlife, marine environments, geology, and coastal ecosystems. Nature trails lead from the museum through woodlands, salt marshes, and tidal landscapes.
Stop 9
This nearly 2,000-acre park contains pine forests, campgrounds, bicycle trails, and eight clear, spring-fed kettle ponds. It is one of the best stops on the route for swimming, hiking, biking, picnicking, and family recreation.
Stop 10
Walk the one-mile Fort Hill Trail for sweeping views over Nauset Marsh, open fields, woodlands, and historic Indigenous sites. Nearby, the Captain Penniman House preserves the grand home of a successful 19th-century whaling captain.
Stop 11
Visit the oldest working windmill on Cape Cod, originally built in 1680 and carefully preserved as one of the region's most iconic historic landmarks. For centuries, the windmill ground corn into meal for local families, and today visitors can admire its traditional wooden construction, learn about early colonial life, and explore one of the Cape's most photographed pieces of living history. It's also located just minutes from First Encounter Beach, where the Pilgrims first encountered the Wampanoag people.
Stop 12
Frequently ranked among America’s most beautiful beaches, Coast Guard Beach features expansive sand, Atlantic surf, dunes, and dramatic ocean views. The area is also connected to Cape Cod’s courageous surfmen and shipwreck-rescue history.
What’s included
- Carplay or use on your phone, the tour plays automatically using GPS as you drive.
- Go at your own pace, anytime, the tour never expires
- Self-Guided Driving Tour of Cape Cod and Old Kings Highway on our Self-Guided Tour App
Not included
- No Admission to sites on Cape Cod this is only a driving tour and all outside
Meeting and pickup
Begin your Cape Cod adventure at this excellent visitor center overlooking the Cape Cod Canal. Interactive exhibits explain how this engineering marvel transformed New England shipping, while observation decks provide great views of passing vessels and one of America's busiest artificial waterways.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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