☀️ A Perfect Day Along Historic Route 6A: The Old Kings Highway
"From coffee roasters to coastal views: Your complete guide to Cape Cod's most scenic drive"
There's something magical about meandering along Route 6A, Cape Cod's historic Old Kings Highway, where every stop reveals a piece of New England's charm. After decades of exploring this scenic route with my family, I've crafted the perfect day trip that delights both kids and adults
🗺️ Make This Journey Your Own
This Route 6A adventure can begin and end wherever is most convenient for you! Whether you're staying in Sandwich, Dennis, Brewster, or Orleans, simply jump in at any point along this carefully curated route. Travel east to west, west to east, or create your own custom loop—the beauty of the Old Kings Highway is its flexibility. These are my Cape Cod-crafted suggestions based on years of local knowledge, but feel free to pick and choose the stops that speak to your family's interests. Click on this link for your personalized Google map to follow along!
☕ Morning: Fuel Up at Snowy Owl Coffee Roasters
Start your adventure with Cape Cod's finest coffee at Snowy Owl Coffee Roasters at 161 Rt 6A, Sandwich. Their signature Café Au Lait pairs perfectly with lemon-lavender scones (trust me on this one!). The cozy leather sofas and communal tables buzzing with conversation create the perfect atmosphere to plan your day ahead.
🐟 Sandwich Fish Hatchery - America's Oldest
Just a minute's drive away, the Sandwich Fish Hatchery has been operating since the 1800s. Drop a quarter in the gumball machine for fish pellets and watch your kids' faces light up as they feed massive breeding trout. Don't be surprised if some cheeky ducks try to steal the show!
🌿 Green Briar Nature Center - Where Stories Come Alive
Three minutes later, step into the storybook world of Peter Rabbit at Green Briar Nature Center. Located on the shores of Smiling Pool, this is where Thornton Burgess found inspiration for his beloved tales. Kids of all ages love searching for Spotty the Turtle while adults admire the wildflower garden. The historic Jam Kitchen, operating since 1903, fills the air with the aroma of fresh fruit cooking. 6 Discovery Hill Road.
📚 Titcomb's Bookshop - Three Floors of Wonder
Continue 1.5 miles to this iconic bookstore marked by a wooden town crier statue. Three creaky floors house an amazing collection of educational toys, games, and books that spark creativity and learning. Located at 432 Route 6A , East Sandwich.
🎨 Local Artisans Along the Way
Keep your eyes peeled for Grainger Pottery's life-sized ceramic horseshoe crabs, then visit The Glass Studio, at 470 Route 6A where Michael Magyar creates the famous "Sandwich Giants" that illuminate the town during holidays. His "Ocean Balls" filled with local sand and shells make perfect souvenirs.
🌊 Scorton Creek - Nature's Hidden Gem
The most scenic stop awaits at Scorton Creek, where salt marsh grasses dance in the breeze. Take the bumpy dirt road to this tidal river where families can float on tubes, sunbathe, or explore the easy one-mile trail through woods and wildflower fields.
🧂 Great Marsh Farm Sea Salt- Honor System Treasure
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At 960 Route 6A, discover a charming little roadside stand where Great Marsh Farm sells their locally harvested salt marsh salt. This quaint honor-system stand epitomizes Cape Cod's trust-based community spirit—simply leave your payment and take home authentic Cape Cod salt harvested from the very marshes you've been admiring.
☕ Nirvana Coffee Company - Midday Respite
At 3206 Main Street, settle into a cozy leather seat by the fireplace at Nirvana Coffee Company. A freshly brewed coffee or refreshing smoothie mixed with the relaxed vibe here gives you the perfect jump start or nice break in your day. The Adirondack chairs by the front are the perfect perch for people-watching as Cape Cod life unfolds before you
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🐟 Barnstable Village Art Walk - Hooked on Art
As you enter Barnstable Village, keep your eyes peeled for a colorful school of wooden tuna swimming throughout the village streets! These beautifully painted fish are part of the "Hooked on Art" event, where local artists have transformed wooden tuna into unique masterpieces. Each fish displays a QR code that allows you to bid in an online auction benefiting the Barnstable Village Association. It's a delightful treasure hunt for families—see how many artistic fish you can spot while exploring the village!
⚓ Coast Guard Heritage Museum - Living History
Visit the Coast Guard Heritage Museum, housed in the historic old Customs House at the corner of Main Street and Millway in Barnstable Village. This fascinating museum includes the original blacksmith shop and old jail, the oldest wooden jail in the United States. on the same location, offering a glimpse into Cape Cod's maritime heritage and law enforcement history
🏛️ Historic Landmark: Old Yarmouth Inn - A Glimpse of the Past
As you drive along Route 6A, don't miss the Old Yarmouth Inn at 223 Route 6A in Yarmouth Port. This circa 1696 establishment was once a wayside inn serving stagecoach passengers traveling the Old Kings Highway. While it doesn't open until 4 PM (making it perfect for dinner rather than lunch), it's worth slowing down to admire this historic building.
🏖️ Yarmouth Port Discoveries
Keep exploring as you continue through Yarmouth Port! Look for the charming Keep exploring as you continue through Yarmouth Port! Look for the charming Yarmouth sand sculptures along the trail - these artistic creations add whimsical touches to your drive. At the Edward Gorey House (8 Strawberry Lane, Yarmouth Port), a 200 year-old sea captain's home, this wonderfully macabre museum now celebrates the beloved illustrator's darkly whimsical world. The house is filled with Gorey's original artwork, first editions, and personal collections that reveal the man behind "The Gashlycrumb Tinies" and countless other deliciously morbid tales.
Other sand sculptures have been built in front of the Winslow Crocker House, a beautiful example of colonial architecture, and at The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod building. Don't miss Just Picked Gifts in Yarmouth Port for unique local treasures and souvenirs - all are adorned with sand sculptures to appreciate and photograph.
🎭 Dennis Cultural Campus - A Triple Treat
In Dennis, discover an incredible cultural campus that houses three remarkable attractions. The Cape Cod Museum of Art showcases regional artists and rotating exhibitions.
Next door, the Cape Playhouse holds the distinction of being America's oldest summer theater, where countless stars have graced the stage since 1927. The historic Cape Cinema, also on the campus, is where "The Wizard of Oz" had its debut—imagine the magic of that first screening! If you get a chance to peek inside, you’ll gasp at a stunning 6,400-square-foot mural hand-painted on the auditorium's ceiling, featuring a representation of the heavens and constellations. Complete your visit at Scout Vintage, our favorite chic shop filled with vintage finds from Paris flea markets. It's the perfect blend of culture, history, and unique shopping all in one convenient location.
🍽️ Dennis Dining Options
If hunger calls while in Dennis, you have two fantastic options. For a sit-down meal, head to Scargo Café, famous for their grape nut pudding—so renowned that Bon Appétit magazine requested their recipe! For a more casual bite, Captain Frosty's offers classic Cape Cod fare perfect for families on the go. Both provide delicious fuel for the rest of your Route 6A adventure.
🧚 Scargo Pottery - A Fairyland Discovery
Continue along the Old Kings Highway to Scargo Pottery, where revered artist Harry Holl and his daughters have created a magical wonderland of whimsical sculptures and birdhouses that feels like stepping into a fairyland. This enchanting stop delights visitors of all ages with its creative outdoor displays and artistic treasures—it's the kind of place that sparks imagination and creates lasting memories.
🗼 Scargo Tower - Panoramic View
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From Scargo Pottery, take a right onto Scargo Hill Road for a short detour to the iconic Scargo Tower. Climb to spectacular panoramic views of Cape Cod Bay and the surrounding landscape—one of the best vantage points along Route 6A and perfect for family photos. After taking in the breathtaking scenery, backtrack to Route 6A to continue your historic journey.
🪶 Windmill Village - Step Back in Time
Just around the corner at 51 Drummer Boy Road (next to Drummer Boy Park), discover the Brewster Historical Society's enchanting Windmill Village. This living history gem features the circa 1795 Higgins Farm Windmill with its original wooden workings, the historic Harris-Black House from the same era, and the Hopkins Blacksmith Shop from 1867 with its original wood forge. During operating hours (Friday-Sunday, 12:00-3:00 PM, you can enjoy guided tours and watch fascinating blacksmith demonstrations. Even when closed, the open-air grounds are perfect for strolling and imagining life in colonial Cape Cod.
🦋 Cape Cod Museum of Natural History - Educational Adventure
A must-stop destination awaits at 869 Main Street in Brewster at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History. Visit the butterfly house (they might land on your nose!) and meet the rare blue lobster!
This engaging museum offers families an immersive experience into Cape Cod's unique ecosystem and natural heritage. With interactive exhibits, nature trails,( check out the mud flats!) and educational programs, it's the perfect place for kids to learn about the local wildlife and environmental treasures that make Cape Cod so special.
📖 Brewster Break - Books & Coffee
After exploring the natural history museum, take a well-deserved break at two neighboring gems at 2648 Main Street in Brewster. The Brewster Book Store offers a wonderful selection of books, perfect for picking up some Cape Cod-themed reading material or gifts. Nearby, the Brewster location of Snowy Owl Coffee provides another opportunity to enjoy their excellent coffee and pastries. These side-by-side stops make for a perfect mid-journey pause to recharge before continuing your Route 6A adventure.
🦞 Cobie's - A Cape Cod Institution Since 1948
Just down the road at 3260 Main Street, Cobie's has been serving delicious Cape Cod fare from their iconic roadside stand since 1948—right after the war. While they're known for traditional clam shack favorites, Cobie's has evolved with the times, offering modern dishes like poke bowls, burritos, watermelon salad, and their famous lobster bao buns—a creative twist on the classic lobster roll. This beloved local institution perfectly blends Cape Cod tradition with contemporary flavors.
🏁 Final Stop: Artist Shanties, Chocolate Sparrow, and Land Ho! - Where the Old Kings Highway Ends
As your Route 6A journey nears its end at the Orleans Rotary, Orleans Center offers the perfect finale to your historic adventure. Stroll through the charming artist shanties where local artisans create and sell their work, explore Cape Cod fashion at owner-operated boutiques, and then treat yourself to exceptional coffee and sweets at The Chocolate Sparrow.
No journey along the Old Kings Highway is complete without experiencing Land Ho!, the iconic Cape Cod tavern that has been a genuine local hangout since 1971. This warm and inviting establishment serves as both an intimate gathering spot and a lively community hub. The atmosphere tells the story of Cape Cod itself—business signs from local Orleans establishments hang from every available ceiling space, creating a visual tapestry that reflects the Ho's deep connection to the local community.
What started as a simple neighborhood bar has evolved into a Cape Cod institution where locals, summer residents, and newcomers all find their place. It's the perfect place to raise a toast to your Old Kings Highway adventure and soak in the authentic Cape Cod spirit that has drawn visitors to this special peninsula for generations.
This historic route offers more than just destinations—it's a journey through time, where every stop creates lasting family memories along one of America's most scenic coastal highways.
📚 About This Guide: All of these carefully curated stops and many more Cape Cod family adventures are featured in my upcoming book, Cape Cod and the Islands Family Fun Guide: Creating Unforgettable Memories,"hitting bookshelves in May 2026. Stay tuned for pre-order information, and do your friends a favor—share this Route 6A adventure with them! There's nothing better than discovering Cape Cod's hidden gems with the people you love.