Orleans Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Orleans which includes a beach
Orleans featuring a house
Orleans which includes a marina
Orleans which includes a small town or village and signage
Orleans showing 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 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 customised 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 which includes a sandy 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 AU$185 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$185
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Orleans. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (778 reviews)
"Good clean quiet place to spend a night without paying a fortune."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Rodeway Inn Orleans - Cape Cod
Margaritaville Resort Cape Cod

Margaritaville Resort Cape Cod

4 out of 5
1225 Iyannough Rd, Hyannis, MA
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Hyannis. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (379 reviews)
"Rooms were recently renovated and very comfortable. We had requested adjoining rooms for my family of five. When we checked in we were told the rooms were adjoining, they were not and we were unable to move to another accommodation that would allow us all to stay together. That was a definite disappointment ..."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Margaritaville Resort Cape Cod
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Cape Cod Hyannis

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Cape Cod Hyannis

2.5 out of 5
867 Iyannough Road, Hyannis, MA
The price is AU$178 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$178
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Hyannis. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (620 reviews)
"Clean. Quick. Convenient"

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Cape Cod Hyannis
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.
Luxury 7 BR, 4 BA w/ Unique 60 ft Pool, .4 Miles to Beach

Luxury 7 BR, 4 BA w/ Unique 60 ft Pool, .4 Miles to Beach

Orleans
Stay at this vacation home in Orleans. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a sauna. Popular attractions Captain's Cove Golf Course and Captains Golf Course are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (57 reviews)
"We had a great time with friends in this beautiful home that was very spacious for all of us to move around! We spent much of our time in the pool and hot tub! Can't wait to go back!"

Reviewed on 18 Sept 2025

Luxury 7 BR, 4 BA w/ Unique 60 ft Pool, .4 Miles to Beach
Luxury 8 Bedroom Home with Heated Pool - 4 minutes to the beach!  Pet Friendly!

Luxury 8 Bedroom Home with Heated Pool - 4 minutes to the beach! Pet Friendly!

Orleans
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Orleans. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Nauset Beach and Nauset ...
10/10 Exceptional! (61 reviews)
"This house was great! Every room was well appointed, the kitchen had every type of utensil or item you would need, and the outdoor area was amazing! The host is incredibly responsive and provided a book with amazing details on local recommendations. This place is picture perfect!"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Luxury 8 Bedroom Home with Heated Pool - 4 minutes to the beach! Pet Friendly!
5 bedrooms ocean view estate overlooking cape cod bay

5 bedrooms ocean view estate overlooking cape cod bay

Orleans
Stay at this vacation home in Orleans. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Nauset Beach and Rock Harbor Beach are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (48 reviews)
"Very nice house to fit my 12 friends. Excellent accommodations and great location for us to get around the baseball fields of the Cape. Loved the views in the morning and evening sunset! Sat out at night and had a warm fire! Enjoyed the short ride to Hog Island brewery for good music, food and beer! ..."

Reviewed on 3 Sept 2025

5 bedrooms ocean view estate overlooking cape cod bay
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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