Orleans

Travel Guide
Orleans featuring a sandy beach
Orleans featuring a house
Orleans showing a marina
Orleans featuring a small town or village and signage
Orleans which includes a garden
One of central Cape Cod’s most charming resort towns is near beaches that are stunningly beautiful year-round.

Orleans, Massachusetts provides opportunities for memorable family vacations and many great photographs. Stroll down quaint colonial streets and see the heavy blades of the Jonathan Young Windmill. Enjoy warm waters at beaches with crystalline sand. Sample the rich flavors of local seafood, caught just a few miles from shore.

Originally settled by Plymouth colonists, Orleans was incorporated in 1797 and named after the French Duke of Orleans to commemorate French aid in the American Revolutionary War. Since then, it has become a prominent site for both mariners and tourists. Visit the Orleans Historical Society and Museum for the full story of how this town of white picket fences came into being.

Perhaps the biggest draws to Orleans are its beaches. See starfish through clear water and surf breaking waves at Nauset Beach. Try to spot the Nauset Lighthouse from the water. At nearby Skaket Beach, spend the day relaxing in gentle waves while you wait for the sun to set.

Beyond beach activities, Orleans has many ways to fill an active day. Cycle the leafy Cape Cod Rail Trail and have a picnic. Rent a kayak or canoe and travel downstream in perfect solitude. Cast a fly-fishing line and bring in your big catch.

Orleans is also a great place for a relaxing summer day away from the ocean. Watch the Orleans Firebirds play an exciting baseball game. Tour the stunning mosaics and ornate frescoes of the Church of Transfiguration Orleans on the town’s northwestern edge. Shop for gifts and handmade goods or see the customized model railroad sets of the Nauset Model Railroad Club.

These activities represent only a sample of what you can do during a trip to Orleans. Fly into Boston Logan International Airport, rent a car and drive 91 miles (146 kilometers) to Orleans. Arrive early and get the best spot on one of the popular beaches. Once you’re here, relax or even take a nap with the feeling of warm sand beneath your back.

Where to stay in Orleans

Nauset Beach showing a beach as well as a couple

East Orleans

East Orleans is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Nauset Beach and Cape Cod National Seashore.

East Orleans
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Nauset Heights

If you're spending some time in Nauset Heights, Nauset Beach and Cape Cod National Seashore are top sights worth seeing.

Nauset Heights
Lakefront retreat w/ deck, dock, sandy beach, 4 watercraft, <6 mins to 2 beaches
Lakefront retreat w/ deck, dock, sandy beach, 4 watercraft, <6 mins to 2 beaches
Orleans
Book a stay at this beach condo in Orleans. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Orleans Bowling Center and Jonathan Young Windmill ...
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
Amazing
"Perfect host, locatuin on a lake, very near to beach, great restaurants and grocery stores."

Reviewed on 23 Oct 2024

Lakefront retreat w/ deck, dock, sandy beach, 4 watercraft, <6 mins to 2 beaches
Nauset Beach Inn
Nauset Beach Inn
3 out of 5
237 Beach Road, Orleans, MA
The price is €160 per night from 6 Dec to 7 Dec
€160
includes taxes & fees
6 Dec - 7 Dec
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Orleans. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Nauset Inlet and Jonathan Young Windmill ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (161 reviews)
"Beautiful Ocean View..Rooms especially Bathroom Needs Updates/Renovations"

Reviewed on 10 Nov 2024

Nauset Beach Inn
Cape Sands Inn
Cape Sands Inn
2.5 out of 5
149 Main St - RT 28, West Yarmouth, MA
The price is €81 per night from 23 Nov to 24 Nov
€81
includes taxes & fees
23 Nov - 24 Nov
Book a stay at this family-friendly motel in West Yarmouth. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a sauna. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"The room is well kept. The parking area was good and accomodating."

Reviewed on 19 Nov 2024

Cape Sands Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lakefront retreat w/ deck, dock, sandy beach, 4 watercraft, <6 mins to 2 beaches
Lakefront retreat w/ deck, dock, sandy beach, 4 watercraft, <6 mins to 2 beaches
Orleans
Book a stay at this beach condo in Orleans. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Orleans Bowling Center and Jonathan Young Windmill ...
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
Amazing
"Perfect host, locatuin on a lake, very near to beach, great restaurants and grocery stores."

Reviewed on 23 Oct 2024

Lakefront retreat w/ deck, dock, sandy beach, 4 watercraft, <6 mins to 2 beaches
Edgewater Beach Resort, a VRI resort
Edgewater Beach Resort, a VRI resort
3.5 out of 5
95 Chase Avenue, Dennis Port, MA
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Dennis Port. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a private beach. Popular attractions Pleasant Road Beach and Cape Cod ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (254 reviews)
Great Place To Stay
"This was my second stay here and it was lovely. We visited in November for a mother/daughters trip and stayed in the two bedroom suite. Rooms were very clean, had plenty of extra towels and the fireplace was lovely. We used the pool as well and walked on the beach. At sunrise on the beach we had ..."

Reviewed on 15 Nov 2024

Edgewater Beach Resort, a VRI resort
The Cove At Yarmouth
The Cove At Yarmouth
3 out of 5
183 Main Street, West Yarmouth, MA
Book a stay at this spa aparthotel in West Yarmouth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Hyannis Harbor and Putter's Paradise ...
9/10 Wonderful! (216 reviews)
Resort Style
"Large suite with 2 bathrooms and full kitchen was very comfortable but actually more then I needed for a 2 night stay. Plenty of activities available with indoor pool and health club. Out of town, but convenient to many dining options. Restaurant on the property"

Reviewed on 3 Nov 2024

The Cove At Yarmouth
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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