Many people coming to the Cape percieve the Cape Cod Canal as the thing that stands between them and their vacation destination. However, the canal means more than just traffic, and is an activity hub for the Cape. It is one of the Cape's largest attractions, with annual visitation exceeding 3 million. The Canal Bikeway offers great views of boat traffic and is ideal if you are looking for a scenic walk, run, or bike ride. The unique views that the Cape Cod Canal provides are spectacular, and I would highly recommend taking the time to stop at the Canal during your next visit.
The Pilgrim Monument is the first thing you see when you approach Provincetown, whether you arrive by land, sky, or sea. It is the tallest all-granite structure in the Unted States, and is 252 feet tall! The mounument was built by the Cape Cod Pilgrim Memorial Association, and its purpose is to commemorate the Mayflower Pilgrim's first landing in Provincetown in November of 1620. The Pilgrim Monument is a must-see for history-loving travelers, and anyone who may be visiting Cape Cod.
The Stony Brook Grist Mill is a beloved stopping place for both locals as well as those visiting Cape Cod. This delightful spot, featuring a sparkling brook, and a quaint mill is both historical and scenic. The Gristmill is the only thing remaining from the 19th Century industrial area, Brewster's Factory Village. The mill site is a Brewster treasure, and even has an upstairs museum which feautures artifacts from 19th Century Cape Cod life. If you visit the mill in the Spring, chances are you will get to see the herring run. This is the journey fish make from Cape Cod Bay to the fresh-water ponds of Brewster in order to spawn. The Stony Brook Grist Mill & Museum is a wonderful place, and I highly recommend that you take the time to visit during your stay on Cape Cod.