Guide to Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and Provincetown

Girl enjoys sunset in the sea up to her knees

Party at night in lovely old wooden venue

Day party in the summer with lots of people

Cape crusade

Your guide to Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and Provincetown

The coastline of Massachusetts is one of the most popular holiday spots in the whole of America and it’s pretty easy to see why. Lapped by the waters of the wild Atlantic Ocean and synonymous with dune-backed beaches, sailing clubs, incredibly photogenic lighthouses, delicious lobster rolls and that all-American summer, it’s a charming place to visit and an even more charming one to bed down in for a period of time.

The hook-shaped peninsula of Cape Cod has been drawing people to its windswept shores for centuries now. It was even home to president JFK at one point in time. Easily accessible from the city of Boston, it’s famous now as a resort destination and has some of the best stretches of sands you’ll find anywhere on the East Coast.

Live and work by the beach

Weekend trips to Boston and NYC

Explore New England towns

Kayaking and whale watching

Lively J1 community

Generous tipping in service roles

Why Cape Cod and Provincetown

A favourite among East Coasters, Cape Cod and Provincetown boast excellent hiking and biking trails, antiques shops, world-class seafood, art galleries and the chance to spot whales, seals and even great white sharks (yikes).

But where to stay when you’re actually on the Cape? While Hyannis and... Read more

But where to stay when you’re actually on the Cape? While Hyannis and Chatham are pretty good bets, our pick of the bunch would be Provincetown, which is set at the northern tip where the Mayflower landed all the way back in 1620.

Affectionately known as ‘P-Town’, this lively spot has been a haven for artists, creatives and members of the LGBTQ+ community for years now, and they’ve got some of the best bars, restaurants and nightclubs you’ll find anywhere in, well, the country. Add in boutique galleries, shops, and a whole host of amazing beaches within easy reach and you can see why people fall in love with it here – and find it hard to leave.

Guy sitting on step outside a sailing club in Martha's Vineyard

Why Martha's Vineyard

A short ferry ride away from Cape Cod lies Martha’s Vineyard – a beautiful spot synonymous with rolling green hills, colourful wildflower fields and miles upon miles of pristine coastline. It’s also renowned for having some of the best seafood restaurants in the whole of New England, not to mention biking and hiking trails, golf courses, spas, water sports, art galleries – the list goes on and on to be honest! Edgartown in the east of the island is arguably the cultural hub and is probably the best place to base yourself while you’re here.

two young people with their arms in the air on a balcony in front of the marina

Why Nantucket?

Lying around 30 miles or so of the Cape lies tiny Nantucket, which is famed for its dune-backed beaches, classy boutiques, bougie restaurants and three different lighthouses. Measuring just 14 miles long and three three-and-a-half miles at its widest point, it’s easy to navigate – but trust us, don’t write it off because of its relatively small stature. The beaches here are some of the best you’ll find along the eastern seaboard, and if it’s getting ‘off-the-map’ you’re wanting in this neck of the woods, then ‘The Faraway Land’ as it’s known by the native Wampanoag tribe is where it’s at.

young person walking along a street lined with weatherboard houses

Where to live

If you’re looking for somewhere with a fair amount going on, then we’d recommend looking to stay in P-Town. For something a bit more low-key, Chatham, Eastham or Hyannis could be solid options.

When it comes to Martha’s Vineyard, Edgartown or Oak Bluffs are probably the best options for shops... Read more

If you’re looking for somewhere with a fair amount going on, then we’d recommend looking to stay in P-Town. For something a bit more low-key, Chatham, Eastham or Hyannis could be solid options.

When it comes to Martha’s Vineyard, Edgartown or Oak Bluffs are probably the best options for shops, restaurants and bars. In Nantucket, the namesake town is where most of the amenities are and the only major settlement on the island.

Group of five young women smiling together in their work uniform outside

Where to work

Tourism is this region’s main breadwinner during the summer months, covering everything from working in hotels and bars, to retail, oyster farms, as a tour guide and more. The area is also world-renowned for its sailing and surfing, so if water sports are your thing, then you’re in luck here! ... Read more

The average wage here is give or take USD $15.50, and there’s often perks such as complimentary housing, tips, staff meals and end of bonus contracts up to $500 here too.

Each year, we have 1,000+ J1 jobs with our tried-and-trusted US employers across America. Book onto J1 early and select ‘USIT Job’ for access to our online Job Hub where you can search, apply and get hired.

What about climate?

This area of Massachusetts is very much a summer destination, and temperatures during the months of June to September reach highs of up to 28 degrees Celsius and lows of around 14 degrees with plenty of sunshine throughout.

Winters are cold, snowy and windy, with highs of just 4 degrees in... Read more

Winters are cold, snowy and windy, with highs of just 4 degrees in January and February. Rainfall on average is pretty consistent here, ranging from anywhere from five days (in July) to nine days (in December) per month.

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Work life

Typical jobs our J1-ers did last summer

Typical role

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Server

May-Sep

USD $15/hour

Subsidised housing + half price meals

You'll be happy as a clam on your summer J1 working for this legendary seafood restaurant in the stunning playground of Cape Cod.

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Best things to do in Cape Cod

Cape Cod National Seashore

a group of friends sat around a campfire on the beach

Cape Cod National Seashore

Encompassing a gargantuan 43,607 acres stretching from Chatham to Provincetown, this protected section of coastline has 40 miles’ worth of pristine coastline, along with saltmarshes, ponds, sand dunes and more. It’s a beautiful spot with six swimming beaches and plenty of hiking and cycling paths – ideal if you’re looking to get into the great outdoors.

Cape Cod National Seashore

Commercial Street

a pretty shopping street with olde worldy boutique frontages

Commercial Street

Arguably Provincetown’s main cultural hub, this lively street is packed full of boutique stores, delicious eateries and bars and clubs that pump out music until the wee hours. Seeing as this is an LGBTQ+ hub, expect some pretty raucous drag and cabaret shows here too.

Commercial Street

Aquinnah Cliffs Overlook

rocky cliffs that lead onto a bay and the ocean

Aquinnah Cliffs Overlook

Located right at the western edge of Martha’s Vineyard, this scenic spot offers sweeping views of the Atlantic and the Gay Head Lighthouse – perfect for sunset. After you’ve soaked up the panoramas, make sure you pop in for a drink at the nearby Outermost Inn.

Aquinnah Cliffs Overlook

Nantucket Whaling Museum

A wooden museum room filled with old artefacts from whaling

Nantucket Whaling Museum

Thankfully whaling no longer takes place here, but if you’re looking for an insight into the history and culture of this tiny little island, then you really should pay a visit to the Whaling Museum. Restored in 2005, it features eleven different galleries and exhibits featuring artefacts and art related to life on Nantucket throughout the years.

Nantucket Whaling Museum

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Your guide to Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and Provincetown

Why Cape Cod and Provincetown

Why Martha's Vineyard

Why Nantucket?

Where to live

Where to work

What about climate?

Resident know-it-alls

Work life

Server

Best things to do in Cape Cod

Cape Cod National Seashore

Cape Cod National Seashore

Cape Cod National Seashore

Commercial Street

Commercial Street

Commercial Street

Aquinnah Cliffs Overlook

Aquinnah Cliffs Overlook

Aquinnah Cliffs Overlook

Nantucket Whaling Museum

Nantucket Whaling Museum

Nantucket Whaling Museum

The USIT blog

Why you should go to Cape Cod for your J1

10 reasons why every Irish student should do a J1

Advice for budgeting on your J1 in America

Everything you need to know about J1 travel safety

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