Orleans Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Orleans showing a sandy beach
Orleans featuring a house
Orleans showing a marina
Orleans which includes a small town or village and signage
Orleans featuring a park

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 holidays 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 flavours 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 kilometres) 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
Rodeway Inn Orleans - Cape Cod
Rodeway Inn Orleans - Cape Cod
2 out of 5
48 Cranberry Hwy, Orleans, MA
The price is ₹17,074 per night from 14 Jul to 15 Jul
₹17,074
₹19,541 total
14 Jul - 15 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly motel in Orleans. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (743 reviews)
"Central location - short drive to the beach. Clean pool. Basic. Clean. Centrally located."

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

Rodeway Inn Orleans - Cape Cod
Olde Tavern Motel And Inn
Olde Tavern Motel And Inn
2.5 out of 5
151 Cranberry Hwy, Orleans, MA
The price is ₹17,850 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹17,850
₹20,430 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Orleans. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (205 reviews)
"The manager, Peter, was extremely nice. The continental breakfast was very substantial. The rooms were immaculate. And they had all the amenities that you needed. Very much worth the money"

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2025

Olde Tavern Motel And Inn
Skaket Beach Motel
Skaket Beach Motel
2 out of 5
203 Cranberry Hwy, Orleans, MA
The price is ₹18,309 per night from 22 Jul to 23 Jul
₹18,309
₹20,955 total
22 Jul - 23 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly motel in Orleans. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (403 reviews)
Comfortable, clean motel for stay in Brewster, MA.
"We were very pleased with the clean, updated room, comfortable bed, nice bathroom, two areas with sinks for a couple to get ready. Only criticism would be that the office, breakfast area needs to be redone - musty odor."

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

Skaket Beach Motel
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.
Holly Tree Resort
Holly Tree Resort
3 out of 5
412 Main St, Route 28, West Yarmouth, MA
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in West Yarmouth. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Cape Cod Inflatable Park and Hyannis ...
9/10 Wonderful! (345 reviews)
"Love the pools and how close it is to everything , it’s literally in the center of the cape so even a ride to Provincetown is only a little over a hour, the room was big with two bathrooms, air conditioning worked great nice little barbecue area with basketball court and playground and the front ..."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Holly Tree Resort
Brewster Green Resort
Brewster Green Resort
3.5 out of 5
203 Lund Farm Way, Brewster, MA
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Brewster. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Ocean Edge Golf Club and Rail Trail Bike ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (102 reviews)
"Home away from home. We love it here!"

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2025

Brewster Green Resort
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a private beach. Popular attractions Cape Cod Inflatable Park and Pleasant ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (281 reviews)
"Beautiful property"

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

Edgewater Beach Resort, a VRI resort
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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