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Feathers and Stripes

Boston mom blogger | motherhood, baby + kids, family travel, + home

New England, style, USA Travel · June 18, 2018

A Complete Cape Cod Packing List

One of my favorite places to go in the summertime is Cape Cod, so today I’m sharing what I typically pack for Cape Cod. When I was younger we would head to the Cape for 2 weeks or more each summer, but these days it’s a weekend here and there or a week if we’re lucky. We’re really lucky to be just a couple hours’ drive from my favorite summer spot! (See all of my Cape Cod posts here!)

The Ultimate Cape Cod Packing List

You need to understand one thing about Cape Cod fashion: It is Relaxed with a capital R. Leave your heels at home, because you definitely do not need them here (unless you’re on the Cape for a wedding, in which case, bring them because that’s a little different).

Here’s what is normally in my bag when I’m Cape-bound:

Cape Cod packing list featured by top Boston travel blog, Feathers and Stripes

What to Wear for the Beach

For swimwear, whether you go with a one piece or two piece (like this gingham bikini), you’ll be fine – just leave the itty bitty suits at home 😉

Pack a floppy hat for the beach (or a baseball hat), a beach bag, sunglasses, and a really good book! Depending on what your vacation is for (family vaca, wedding, just getting away), you may spend the majority of your time on the beach. Don’t forget that this is New England, and the weather can change just like *that* so don’t only bring swimsuits!

What to Wear on Cape Cod during the Day

Casual is the name of the game. During the day you’ll want to dress down. Dresses, shorts and t-shirts, flip flops, and sneakers are the uniform you’ll see in pretty much every town on the Cape. This summer you’ll probably see a lot of my Nap Dress, because it’s one of the most comfortable pieces of clothing I own. Keep your jewelry minimal and you’ll fit right in! (It’s totally normal to wear your swimsuit with jean shorts and a t-shirt to get lunch, btw, in case you were wondering.)

What to Wear at Night

It gets really cool at night, so make sure you pack a jeans and a sweatshirt. I love Wildfox sweatshirts – and this is my favorite place to buy them 50% off! You may want to pack bug spray (this stuff is the best). The mosquitoes can be vicious in the summertime in the evening, even if you’re just going out for ice cream. If you’re going out to a fancier dinner, a cute dress with a pair of Jack Rogers is a perfect combo.

blue and white stripes and white pants | Cape Cod packing list featured by top Boston travel blog, Feathers and Stripes
original outfit post here

My Cape Cod Packing List for a long weekend:

– 4 t-shirts/tank tops
– 1 pair of jeans
– 2 casual dresses for daytime
– 1 pair of shorts
– 3 swimsuits (1 one-piece and 2 mix-and-match two piece suits)
– 2 beach cover ups
– 1 pair of flip flops
– 1 pair of sneakers
– beach bag
– floppy beach hat
– 1 sweatshirt
– workout clothes for taking a long walk or going for a run
– 1 fancier dress (like a Sail to Sable tunic dress or even a Nap Dress is perfect)
– 1 pair of fancier sandals (like my Jack Rogers)
Plus all the necessary underthings, pajamas, and toiletries!

monogrammed travel bag | Cape Cod packing list featured by top Boston travel blog, Feathers and Stripes

my travel bag for a long weekend

More Cape Cod posts:
Where to Go: Weekend on Cape Cod
Navy and White Stripes on the Cape
Cape Cod Sailboat

This Cape Cod packing list was originally published on June 6, 2016. It has been so popular that I decided to update and repost!

Posted In: New England, style, USA Travel · Tagged: Cape Cod, packing list

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Comments

  1. Rach Martin says

    June 6, 2016 at 10:12 am

    Love all of these items, they’re perfect for a week on the Cape! I live roughly 20 minutes from the bridges and going down there isn’t really a priority for me just because the traffic alone drives me up the wall (especially when I’m just trying to get errands done!).

    Rachel / http://www.seashellsandsparkles.com

    Reply
    • Alyssa Loring says

      June 6, 2016 at 10:18 am

      If you’re that close already, I can see it being really annoying to drive over the bridges! I grew up in Central MA, so we didn’t have a beach close enough to us. You’re lucky to live so close to the water!

      Reply
  2. Brittany from Boston says

    June 8, 2016 at 9:39 am

    Looks absolutely perfect for a trip down the Cape!

    Reply
  3. Shreya says

    July 6, 2023 at 8:17 am

    Thank you so much for sharing this! Planning a Cape Cod tour next month.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 13 Romantic Things to Do in Cape Cod, MA says:
    May 26, 2020 at 2:04 pm

    […] Use this packing list when planning your trip to Cape […]

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What Travel Means Now

About Alyssa


Hi, I’m Alyssa. Mom of three, wife, dog mom, blogger. Here I share tips and tricks on motherhood, focusing on baby gear reviews and the best stuff for kids, family travel, and home organization.

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