RoadAtlas
Cape Cod, Old King's Highway — United States — Historical
North America

Cape Cod, Old King's Highway

United States

In short: Cape Cod, Old King's Highway is a 180 km historical road trip in United States, typically driven over 2–3 days, best in May–Oct. Highlights: Sagamore Bridge, Sandwich, Barnstable.

Distance
180 km
Duration
2–3 days
Best Season
May–Oct
IconicEasyHistoricalEV-friendly

Route 6A, the Old King's Highway, traces the Bay side of Cape Cod through 300 years of sea-captain architecture, cranberry bogs, saltmarsh, and shingled villages. The Cape narrows to a sandy hook at Provincetown, where the Pilgrims first landed in 1620.

Practical notes
Route 6A is paved and easy for any vehicle, but summer traffic can be slow through village centers and beach access points. Parking near ponds, beaches, and historic sites is often limited, and some coastal areas have seasonal restrictions or timed lots, so arrive early. Coastal fog, wind, and winter closures can affect ferry links and exposed stretches.
Explore on the interactive map →

Plan this trip

Self-guided audio toursExplore local stories near city stops Hotels for this tripCompare stays before you go Flights for this tripCompare flight options before you go Car rental for this tripCompare rental options before you drive

Third-party planning links may be affiliate links. RoadAtlas stays independent, and you should verify details with the provider.

Stops along the route

Sandwich — City — Cape Cod, Old King's Highway — United States
City
Sandwich
The oldest town on the Cape, founded 1637. A working grist mill, Heritage Museums and Gardens, and a boardwalk over a glassy saltmarsh.
Hotels
Barnstable — City — Cape Cod, Old King's Highway — United States
City
Barnstable
The county seat, home to the oldest functioning courthouse in the US (1772). Route 6A here is lined with antique dealers and sea-captain mansions.
Hotels
Dennis — City — Cape Cod, Old King's Highway — United States
City
Dennis
Scenic 6A passes Cape Cod's oldest cranberry bogs and the Cape Playhouse, America's oldest professional summer theatre founded in 1927.
Hotels
Wellfleet — City — Cape Cod, Old King's Highway — United States
City
Wellfleet
New England's oyster capital. Wellfleet oysters, briny and mineral-cold, are eaten raw at harbour shacks. The Cape's last drive-in cinema is here too.
Hotels
Provincetown — Arrival — Cape Cod, Old King's Highway — United States
Arrival
Provincetown
Land's end. The Pilgrims signed the Mayflower Compact here in 1620. The Pilgrim Monument, Portuguese fishing heritage, and vast dune wilderness await.
Hotels

Things to Do

Sagamore Bridge — Landmark — Cape Cod, Old King's Highway — United States
Landmark
Sagamore Bridge
Cross the Cape Cod Canal and the salt air changes immediately. The Cape begins here; turn onto 6A and leave the modern world behind.
Brewster — Nature — Cape Cod, Old King's Highway — United States
Nature
Brewster
At low tide, Breakwater Beach exposes a kilometre of tidal flats. Cape Cod Bay retreats to reveal sandbars, horseshoe crabs, and perfect solitude.
Cape Cod National Seashore — Nature — Cape Cod, Old King's Highway — United States
Nature
Cape Cod National Seashore
Forty miles of protected Atlantic-facing ocean beach and high dune cliffs. The light here is what drew generations of artists to the Outer Cape.
Pilgrim Monument — Historic Site — Cape Cod, Old King's Highway — United States
Historic Site
Pilgrim Monument
A towering monument in Provincetown commemorating the Mayflower Pilgrims' first landing in 1620.
Heritage Museums & Gardens — Museum — Cape Cod, Old King's Highway — United States
Museum
Heritage Museums & Gardens
A 100-acre garden in Sandwich featuring diverse plant collections, art exhibits, and a vintage carousel.
Nauset Light — Landmark — Cape Cod, Old King's Highway — United States
Landmark
Nauset Light
A historic lighthouse in Eastham offering guided tours and picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Where to Eat

The Lobster Pot — Seafood — Cape Cod, Old King's Highway — United States
Seafood
The Lobster Pot
A waterfront restaurant in Provincetown known for its fresh lobster dishes and panoramic harbor views.
Arnold's Lobster & Clam Bar — Seafood — Cape Cod, Old King's Highway — United States
Seafood
Arnold's Lobster & Clam Bar
A popular spot in Eastham offering classic New England seafood, including fried clams and lobster rolls.
The Red Inn — American — Cape Cod, Old King's Highway — United States
American
The Red Inn
An upscale dining experience in Provincetown featuring locally sourced dishes and stunning ocean vistas.

Explore related routes

United States road trips Iconic Scenic Coastal DrivesDesert RoadsHistoric Road TripsEV Road TripsWeekend Drives North America routes

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Cape Cod, Old King's Highway drive?

The Cape Cod, Old King's Highway covers 180 km from start to finish.

How long does the Cape Cod, Old King's Highway take to drive?

Most travellers spend 2–3 days on the Cape Cod, Old King's Highway, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Cape Cod, Old King's Highway?

The recommended season for the Cape Cod, Old King's Highway is May–Oct.

Where does the Cape Cod, Old King's Highway start and end?

The Cape Cod, Old King's Highway runs from Sagamore Bridge to Provincetown.

What are the main stops on the Cape Cod, Old King's Highway?

The Cape Cod, Old King's Highway passes through Sagamore Bridge, Sandwich, Barnstable.

Can I drive the Cape Cod, Old King's Highway in a regular car?

Yes — the Cape Cod, Old King's Highway is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Is the Cape Cod, Old King's Highway EV friendly?

Yes — the Cape Cod, Old King's Highway has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Cape Cod, Old King's Highway safe to drive?

Route 6A is paved and easy for any vehicle, but summer traffic can be slow through village centers and beach access points. Parking near ponds, beaches, and historic sites is often limited, and some coastal areas have seasonal restrictions or timed lots, so arrive early. Coastal fog, wind, and winter closures can affect ferry links and exposed stretches.

What scenic tier is the Cape Cod, Old King's Highway?

The Cape Cod, Old King's Highway is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.