Cape Cod Autumn Essentials: Packing for a Cozy Getaway

Fall might not be the first thing that comes to mind for a beach trip, but my favorite time of year to visit Cape Cod is without a doubt in the fall. The crowds of tourists have thinned, and the weather is generally mild and sunny. With that said, weather on the Cape is always variable, so packing can be tricky. I’ve gathered some essential items you can pack to make sure you have a comfortable stay on the Cape or on your next New England beach getaway.

In my mind, there’s nothing quite so quintessentially New England in fall than an oversized cable knit sweater. Pair a classic camel or oatmeal sweater with skinny jeans and Hunter boots, and you’ve got my staple Cape Cod look. Style on the Cape tends toward preppy casual, so in the fall you’ll find this look everywhere. You’ll spot locals in sweaters or sweatshirts and shorts, but the southerner in me is too warm natured to pull off this transitional look.

I don’t know about you, but to me fall vacation means cozying up with a good book. For this reason, I spend much of my time in a comfortable pair of leggings and an oversized sweatshirt. I probably shouldn’t admit this, but this is probably the outfit I get the most wear out of when on the Cape during cooler months. There’s nothing quite like waking up with the sun, throwing on some warm, comfy clothes, and enjoying my morning coffee on the front deck.

On slightly warmer beach days, a lightweight cotton sweater and a sunhat are perfect. This nautical striped sweater and my favorite navy, wide-ribboned sunhat were my favorites for leisurely beach combing days. On the rare day, you might even get away with going barefoot, but even on the warmer days I usually opt for my Hunters so I can walk in the surf without freezing my feet.

For days when I want to do a longer beach excursion and the temperatures are cooler, adding a fleece vest over a long sleeved tee is a great way to gain some extra warmth without feeling too weighted down. On the last morning I was on the Cape, my dad and I took a long walk down the beach to take photographs of a unique beach shack that beach goers have been adding to for years now. I’m going to be honest, the weather conditions weren’t optimal – we were walking into twenty mile per hour nor’easterly winds on the way back to the house. And those of you familiar with New England weather patterns know those are the most bone-chilling kinds of winds! I was so thankful for my cozy fleece vest to keep me warm. It turned out to be quite the adventure, but it was well worth it, as I came away with fond memories of time well-spent with my dad.

If I can lend one takeaway for a fall beach trip I would say keep it cozy. Think comfy sweaters and boots for outings, but be sure to enjoy some lazy reading days in your favorite leggings and sweatshirt. And above all enjoy the peace and solitude of the Cape during one of the best seasons to visit!