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Activities Near Wellfleet Town Pier

Living in Wellfleet, Massachusetts, has all kinds of advantages. These benefits include its proximity to the Cape Cod National Seashore and Cape Cod Bay, its scenic, walkable downtown area, and its abundance of swimming ponds.

One of the focal points in this town of about 2,700 people, however, is the Wellfleet Town Pier, which enjoys a downtown location in the heart of the action.

Much of local life occurs around the pier, as it has a calm, scenic beach, a few restaurants, and a great park, providing locals with all the amenities they need to enjoy the summer. Here's a look at some of the things you can do near Wellfleet Town Pier.

On the Pier

Photograph of Welfleet Pier in Welfleet, Massachusetts

The pier itself is a bit of an attraction, especially if you have a boat or are heading out on a charter. That's because the dock is also a marina, where you can use the boat launch or keep your boat in the water all summer long, space permitting. There's currently a waitlist for slips on the dock, but moorings are available in the bay.

Companies like Outer Cape Sailing, Captain Ramon Fishing Charters, and Billingsgate Charters all operate off the pier, as well, so if you don't have a boat and want to spend a day on the water, this is as good a place as any from which to depart.

The pier has a large parking lot, so if you're heading to downtown Wellfleet to wander around, this is one place where you can leave your car.

Downtown Wellfleet Restaurants

If you're heading to Wellfleet Town Pier for a bite to eat, you'll have four highly-rated restaurants from which to choose.

Mac's on the Pier is probably the best-known, as it's the original establishment of a local chain with locations in Provincetown, Chatham, Eastham, and Dennis. Mac's is the place to go for Wellfleet oysters. They also serve homemade clam chowder and lobster bisque, an outstanding lobster roll, clambakes, lobster dinners, fried classics, and pretty much any kind of seafood you can find locally. If you're not a seafood lover, sandwiches, hamburgers, salads, and tacos are also on the menu.

Next door to Mac's is Ceraldi, a modern restaurant serving Italian-style cuisine. This venue specializes in seven-course prix fixe dinners, and you'll need a reservation to attend. Ceraldi also has an outdoor lounge area in the summer where you can enjoy a bottle of wine while taking in the spectacular sunset over Wellfleet Harbor.

Pearl Restaurant and Bar is across the street from Mac's and Ceraldi, and it's another seafood restaurant, serving fresh, local fish from the area's markets. As always, Wellfleet oysters are on the menu, as are favorites like grilled swordfish, baked scallops, and fried whole belly clams. There's a kid's menu at Pearl Restaurant, too, and the venue has live music Thursday through Sunday all summer long.

Finally, there's the Bookstore & Restaurant, which first opened its doors in 1964. This venue has a raw bar with the famous Wellfleet oysters, in addition to a baked seafood medley, a fish pot, grilled swordfish, and shrimp scampi. There are kids' and non-seafood menus, as well, and some sandwiches, including a lobster roll, for lunch. You'll also find a used bookstore, hence the name, so you can pick up some reading material for your next day at the beach.

Mayo Beach

Directly southwest of the pier is Mayo Beach, a long stretch of sand overlooking Wellfleet Harbor. The public section of the beach doesn't have many amenities, but parking is free, and there are some outhouses available in the summer.

There's also a basketball court near the water and some picnic tables in the parking area overlooking the sand. The beach hosts events like Shakespeare plays and yoga classes in the summer, giving you even more reasons to check it out.

If you get hungry, Mac's on the Pier has a private dining area with covered tables in the sand, as well.

Baker's Field Recreation Area

You'll find numerous facilities at Baker's Field, directly across the street from Mayo Beach, many of which you'll have time to try once you buy a home in Wellfleet. This park has tennis and pickleball courts, a playground, a baseball diamond, soccer fields, a softball diamond, and a skatepark, giving you many different reasons to visit.

There's plenty of free parking at Baker's Field, with three separate lots, and the park hosts clinics, art shows, tennis and pickleball tournaments, and all kinds of other events throughout the year.

Baker's Field might not get the same attention as other facilities on the Cape, but it has everything that Wellfleet residents need, and much more.

Enjoy What Wellfleet Has to Offer

When you buy a home in Wellfleet, you'll never be short on outdoor activities because you're surrounded by water, forest, and everything else you could ever want to explore. The entire town is built for outdoor activities, which is why it's such a desirable location.

If you're thinking of buying a home in Wellfleet, MA, check out the Town Pier area in the summer for a small sample of what everyday life is like in this gem on the Outer Cape.


Published July 27, 2020 in Get to Know Cape Cod, Exploring Our Area