Orleans Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Orleans, located in the picturesque Cape Cod region of Massachusetts, is a charming town known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history. With its idyllic beaches, quaint downtown area, and array of outdoor activities, Orleans offers a perfect getaway for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a relaxing vacation by the sea.

One of the highlights of Orleans is its beautiful coastline, which stretches for miles and is dotted with pristine sandy beaches. Nauset Beach, one of the most popular beaches in the area, is known for its rolling sand dunes and stunning ocean views. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking on the beach, or take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline to soak in the breathtaking scenery.

For those interested in exploring the town's history, Orleans has several historic sites that offer a glimpse into its past. The French Cable Station Museum, located in a restored cable station building, showcases the town's connection to the transatlantic telegraph cables that were laid in the late 19th century. Visitors can learn about the history of telegraphy and see artifacts from the era.

Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in Orleans. The town is home to several conservation areas and nature trails, including the Cape Cod Rail Trail, a popular bike path that spans across 22 miles and offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape. Nickerson State Park, located just outside of Orleans, is a haven for hikers, campers, and birdwatchers, with its extensive trail network and diverse wildlife.

In addition to its natural beauty, Orleans also boasts a vibrant downtown area filled with charming shops, galleries, and restaurants. Visitors can stroll along Main Street, browsing through unique boutiques and art galleries, or indulge in fresh seafood at one of the town's many seafood restaurants.

Alternative names: Settled: 1693Population: 1.6 thous.Area: 22.66 mi²Elevation: 49 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 41°47'23"N, 69°59'15"W

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MassachusettsUnited States

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Orleans Top Attractions

Orleans Attractions - What to See and Explore

Orleans offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Universalist Society Meetinghouse, French Cable Station Museum, Addison Art Gallery, Orleans Historical Society. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Church • Greek Revival architecture
Universalist Society Meetinghouse
The Universalist Society Meetinghouse is an historic Greek Revival meetinghouse at 3 River Road in Orleans, Massachusetts. Built in 1834, it was the only Universalist church built in Orleans, and is architecturally a well-preserved local example of Greek Revival architecture.
History museum • Museum
French Cable Station Museum
The French Cable Station is a historic telegraph station on the southeast corner of Cove Road and MA 28 in Orleans, Massachusetts. It was built in 1891 by the French Cable Company, which was installing numerous cables in Cape Cod throughout the late 19th century.
41°47'15"N • 69°59'15"W
Addison Art Gallery
Museum • Shopping • Art gallery

41°46'59"N • 69°58'39"W
Orleans Historical Society
Historical place • Museum • History museum
Harbor
Rock Harbor
Rock Harbor is a man-made harbor on Cape Cod Bay located on the border between Orleans, Massachusetts and Eastham, Massachusetts. Rock Harbor was the site of a skirmish during the War of 1812 between British soldiers and local militia December 19, 1814. A small commercial and charter fishing fleet docks in the harbor.
41°47'2"N • 69°58'50"W
Academy of Performing Arts
Theater • Universities and schools
41°47'57"N • 70°0'25"W
Church Of The Transfiguration
Church
41°47'31"N • 69°59'14"W
Tree's Place
Museum • Shopping • Art gallery
41°46'54"N • 69°59'39"W
Orleans Community Playground
Playground • Park
Neighbourhood • East Orleans
Sea Call Farm
Sea Call Farm is a historic farm in Orleans, Massachusetts, United States. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in June 2008.

Things to See and Do in Orleans by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Orleans.

Culture

Addison Art Gallery
Lower Cape, Orleans
MuseumShoppingArt galleryOrleans Center
Academy of Performing Arts
Lower Cape, Orleans
TheaterUniversities and schoolsEast Orleans
Tree's Place
Lower Cape, Orleans
MuseumShoppingArt gallery

Other categories

Museum

Day trips

Orleans – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Orleans, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Plimoth Plantation (Plymouth), Flying Horses Carousel (Oak Bluffs), Mashpee Commons (Mashpee).

34 milesW
Re-creation of a 1627 Pilgrim village
Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth
Plimoth Plantation, nestled in the scenic coastal town of Plymouth, Massachusetts, is a living history museum that offers a unique window into the lives of the English colonists and Native Wampanoag people of the 17th century.
37 milesSW
Amusement, Theme park, Amusement ride
Flying Horses Carousel, Oak Bluffs
Step back in time with a visit to the Flying Horses Carousel, a cherished amusement park ride nestled in the heart of Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts. This vintage carousel, the oldest operating platform carousel in the United States, has been spinning with joy since 1876...
29 milesSW
Neighbourhood, Shopping centre, Shopping
Mashpee Commons, Mashpee
Nestled in the charming town of Mashpee, Massachusetts, Mashpee Commons presents a delightful fusion of shopping, dining, and entertainment. This open-air shopping center is a modern-day interpretation of a classic New England village, offering visitors a unique...
49 milesW
Park, Historical place, National park
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, New Bedford
Nestled in the historic heart of New Bedford, Massachusetts, the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's storied past as the world's preeminent whaling port during the 19th century.
49 milesW
Museum, Specialty museum, Art museum
New Bedford Whaling Museum, New Bedford
The New Bedford Whaling Museum stands as a testament to the historical significance of the whaling industry in New Bedford, Massachusetts, once heralded as the "Whaling Capital of the World." This museum is an essential visit for anyone interested in maritime history...

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Best Time To Visit Orleans

Learn when is the best time to travel to Orleans weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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July, August and September are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in June.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in June, July and August. Most of it rains in November and December.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Orleans?

The top attractions to visit in Orleans are:

What is the best time to visit Orleans?

July, August and September are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in June. The highest air temperature is in July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.