A Quaint Seaside Town In Massachusetts — An Hour From Boston

Sandwich, Massachusetts

A travel expert’s socially distanced guide to Sandwich, Mass.

Summer travel looks a bit — or rather, completely — different this year. While some of us may typically hop on airplanes, or even hit up local beaches, we’ve instead been staying home for the safety of ourselves and others.

The CDC recommends staying home “because travel increases your chances of getting infected and spreading” Covid-19. And as cities reopen, the CDC recommends monitoring the virus’ spread. If transmission’s spiking in your community or the place you want to go, it’s probably best to keep staying home. Air travel right now is a mixed bag: Some flights are empty, but on crowded flights, it’s hard to socially distance. (Additionally, the CDC answers helpful questions about travel risk here.)

So if you’re feeling stir-crazy, have access to a car, and are able to take the necessary safety precautions, luxury travel expert Carla Thorson of Protravel has created road trip guides for towns and sites within a few hours of major cities. Very important: Be sure to keep a six-foot distance from others and wear a face mask in public, among other travel guidelines. Plus, check out the latest local guidance, and read on.

Up Next: Sandwich, Massachusetts

About the Destination

Sandwich is a quaint and quiet New England town with seaside charm. It’s Cape Cod’s oldest town and was named for the seaport of Sandwich, Kent, England by European settlers in 1637. Sandwich offers many beautiful beaches on Cape Cod Bay, with calm waters and tidal pools filled with marine life, and is only an hour’s drive from Boston!

Beaches to Visit

Get the classic Cape Cod experience at one of Sandwich’s serene and picturesque beaches.

  • Town Neck Beach: Wood Ave.
  • Sandy Neck Beach: Sandy Neck Rd.
  • Easy Sandwich Beach: North Shore Blvd.

Attractions to Visit

History and culture? You’ll find it all in Sandwich:

  • Heritage Museum and Gardens: Check out the exhibitions at three gallery buildings, and the grounds, which include a garden maze. The address is 67 Grove Street.
  • Historic Sandwich Village: Home to some of Cape Cod’s most historic accommodations, with historic inns like the Dan’l Webster dating back to Pilgrim times.
  • Sandwich Glass Museum: Sandwich Historical Society collects, preserves, and interprets the history of the Town of Sandwich, and a large part of its history is involved with American glass production. Address: 129 Main Street.

Nature to See

If you’re looking to explore beyond the beach…

  • Boardwalk: A platform across Mill Creek connecting to Town Neck Beach. Spectacular views, especially at sunset.
  • Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary features a green nature center, a wildflower garden, and five miles of trails. Address: 291 US-6, South Wellfleet.

Food to Grab

Make sure to pick up meals along the way. (Keep an eye on the CDC’s latest restaurant guidance.)

  • Lamberts Farm Market: Fresh food grocery and take out, perfect for a beach picnic. Address: 271 Cotuit Rd.
  • 6A Café: 30 years strong, Sandwich’s version of Cheers. “Best steak fries ever!” Address: 415 MA-6A.
  • Next Door Burger Bar: An array of burgers and American comfort food in a casual space, set in a renovated Victorian home. Address: 8 Jarves Street.
  • Café Chew: Breakfast and coffee. “A delightful surprise.” Address: 4 Merchants Rd.

This originally appeared on Medium