No Name Restaurant
The décor is worn; the waiters, crusty. The low-priced seafood, on the other hand, couldn't be fresher, and the kitchen knows what to do with it, displaying considerable finesse with battered fried clams, seared scallops, and buttery chowder made with leftovers from the catches of the day. While some people may be put off by the No Name's unfussy shtick—the restaurant famously serves water by the pitcher in tiny paper cups—regulars know it's part of what amounts to one of the tastiest bargains in Boston. 15 1/2 Fish Pier, Boston, MA nonamerestaurant.com.
The Dog Bar/65 Main
Folks who come to this beloved local watering hole enjoy its outdoor patio and live music on weekends, and get an added bonus: They can walk into the adjoining restaurant, 65 Main, and pair the town's best burger with, say, a pint from Cape Ann Brewing Company. 65 Main St., Gloucester, MA dogbarcapeann.com.
Earth + Water
This small-but-mighty spa is a hidden oasis in downtown Wakefield offering all manner of facial and body treatments from co-owners Tegan Phillion and Leanne Caliri (both of whom are dual-certified aestheticians and massage therapists) and their team. We opted for the “Crystal Visions” facial with crystal-tipped microdermabrasion, exfoliation, and a hydrating mask, plus a head and neck massage and foot paraffin treatment, and left feeling rejuvenated, relaxed, and glowing from the inside out. 29 Albion St., Ste. 3, Wakefield, MA 01880, earthwaterspa.com.
WaterSpot
By the time you're ready to pick a vanity, medicine cabinet, and towel warmer for your new washroom, it can feel like you're drowning in options. This expansive Natick outpost, however, makes choosing easy, thanks to knowledgeable consultants who take the time—up to two hours a day, if needed—to discuss all of the options that fit your budget and aesthetic. (Call in advance to book an appointment.) (Multiple locations.) 575 Worcester St., Natick, MA 01760, water-spot.com.
Tavern On the Water
The spectacular views and lengthy menu—casual staples like chicken fingers, grownup entrees like ahi tuna—at this dockside cafe easily trump any pretentious, cheek-by-jowl patios elsewhere in the city. One Eighth St., Pier 6, Charlestown, MA tavernonthewater.com.
Everything But Water
In a region with four distinct seasons, it can be near impossible to find a retailer that stocks bathing suits year round. Rather than resign yourself to hit-or-miss online shopping for that midwinter trip to warmer climes, head west to Everything but Water. Looking for a retro-inspired one-piece? A specific shade of orange to match your new lipstick? This Natick store has it all, from designers like Nanette Lepore and Trina Turk, gorgeously displayed in January, July, and every month in between. Just add water, indeed. Natick Mall, 1245 Worcester St. #1126, Natick, MA 01760, everythingbutwater.com.
The Cape Codder Resort & Spa
The resort itself may feel a bit stuck in the '70s, but the Cape Codder's spa has surely caught up with the times. Such treatments as cranberry-enzyme facial peels and detoxifying seaweed-clay masques and massages are always perfectly performed. And after you're done being pampered, your kids can frolic in the hotel's oceanlike indoor pool, which boasts two big water slides and two-and-a-half-foot waves. 1225 Iyannough Rd. (Rte. 132), Hyannis, MA capecodderresort.com.
Sundae School
Sundae School started as a mom-and-pop operation—and a reason for founders Paul and Andrea Endres, then living in Milton, to spend their summers on the Cape. Three decades and three stores later, it's a full-time family affair (at some point, each of the Endreses' five kids has worked behind the counter). The shop's celebrated ice cream is made fresh, and in limited amounts; among the most heavenly flavors are sweet cream, ginger, créme de menthe chip, and any of the berry blends. 606 Main St., Route 28, Harwich Port, MA 2646, sundaeschoolicecream.com.
Wequassett Resort and Golf Club
Based solely on the coolness of its bayside pool, Wequassett would swim away with this prize. But it also excels in every other way: The cozy cottage accommodations feel like the Cape of yore (albeit with Molton Brown toiletries and nightly turndown service); prime Signature rooms have fireplaces and unmatched water views. And then there's the exquisite golf course. The outdoor bar. The laid-back yet attentive staff. Need we go on? 2171 Head of the Bay Rd., Harwich, MA 2645, wequassett.com.
Dennis Pines Golf Course
Seven thousand yards of championship golfing, nestled in 170 acres of sweet-smelling pine forest: The 72-par Dennis Pines is a course to be reckoned with. With water at four of the holes, enough trees to test anyone's accuracy, and the notorious par-5 twelfth, the course is arguably the toughest—and certainly one of the most beautiful—on Cape Cod. Amenities are plentiful, including an expansive driving range and practice green, a nice little lounge, and a well-stocked pro shop. Rte. 134, East Dennis, MA dennisgolf.com.
Water Street
Why choose among made-to-order omelets, eggs Benedict, and malted Belgian waffles when you can have it all? The superlative Sunday brunch at Water Street, the Harbor View Hotel's on-site restaurant, features a veritable smorgasbord of everyone's favorites: savory carving-station roasts, a raw bar stocked with oysters and fresh seafood salads, and a dessert table showcasing profiteroles that proliferate beyond your wildest fantasies. 131 North Water St., Edgartown, MA 2539, harbor-view.com.
Nantasket Water Slide
Two slides, unlimited ride tickets, great fun. Rte. 228, Hull, MA .
Carter Dayton Home
The interior designer Michael Carter teamed up with the retail visionary Lynn Dayton to create a Wellesley showroom that doubles as a valuable resource for professionals. Think of Carter Dayton Home as the answer to all your decorating prayers—it even offers a fabulous array of fabrics, wallpapers, and lighting usually available to the trade only. 276 Washington St., Wellesley, MA carterdaytonhome.com.
Shore Leave
Bostonians are only the Bourne Bridge away from a summertime escape to the Cape. But when you want to feel transported to more-tropical climes, travel to the tiki-bar-style setup at Shore Leave in the South End. It's the perfect place for cooling off with fruity yet finessed rum-soaked drinks and Pacific Rim–inspired snacks such as okonomiyaki tater tots swimming in jalapeño cheese with katsu sauce and bonito. 11 William E Mullins Way, Boston, MA 02118, shoreleaveboston.com.
Flyer's Boat Rental
There are plenty of great day trips available on Cape Cod, from whale watches to dune tours, but no other excursion company offers them as comprehensively as Flyer's, master of everything on or in the water. The company has built a sturdy reputation for its well-kept vessels (from Sunfish to pontoons), reasonable prices, and professional instructors and staff who will bend over backwards to get you what you need—whether it's a seasoned captain for a 13-person cruise to Long Point, a simple kayak to rent, a mid-range power boat, a temporary mooring for the weekend, or a season's worth of sailing lessons. 131A Commercial St., Provincetown, MA flyersboats.com.