Cape Cod is a peninsula located on the east coast of the state of Massachusetts, United States. With an approximate population of 230,000 it is part of Barnstable County. It is a well known tourist destination with its abundance of great recreation and beautiful landscape. Cape Cod has a unique geographic shape and is said to look like an arm. The waterfront creates great opportunity for outdoor activities. Popular recreation includes fishing, boating, wind surfing, water skiing and swimming. Cape Cod’s islands include Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard and the Elizabeth Island Chain. Cape Cods well known industries include cranberries, shellfish and lobster. It was connected to the mainland until 1914 when the Cape Cod Canal opened. Three bridges give access to the mainland; Sagamore Bridge, Bourne Bridge and the Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge.

Various higher education opportunities can be found in and around the Cape Cod area. Massachusetts Maritime Academy is located in Buzzards Bay on 101 Academy Dr. It is a public institution with a student enrollment of 1,045. This institute offers areas of study including marine engineering, marine transportation, science, mathematics, international maritime business, marine safety & environmental protection, humanities and social science. Cape Cod Community College is located in West Barnstable on 2240 Lyannough Rd. This is a public institution with a student body of 4,212. The Cape Cod Community College offers associate in arts, associate in science degrees as well as a variety of certificate programs. Suffolk University courses are offered on the Cape Cod Community College campus as well. The Sea Education Association Inc. is a private school which offers certificate programs which can be completed in less than one year. Only 25 miles north of Cape Cod is Bridgewater State College. This is a public 4 year institute with a student enrollment of 9,655. The college offers study in 30 degree areas. Cape Cod high, middle and elementary school students are served by a number of different school districts depending on their location. Districts include the Barnstable Public School district, Bourne Public Schools Chatham Public Schools, Falmouth Public Schools, Harwich Pubic Schools, Provincetown School District and Nauset Regional District. Cape Cods largest high school, Barnstable High School, is located in Hyannis.

Cape Cod is a huge hot spot for tourists with its abundance of recreational opportunities. Experience the thrill of whale watching at the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary in Provincetown. Provincetown has the only federally certified operation qualified to rescue whales. Keep an eye out for humpback, Minke and fin whales. The Cape Cod National Seashore is a great place to spend the day. Visit the museum or bookstore at the Salt Pond Visitor Center, enjoy one of the eleven scenic nature trails or relax on one of the six swimming beaches. A few of the popular trails include the Nauset Marsh Trail and Buttonbush Trail. Nickerosn State Park is another great place to enjoy the great outdoors. The park is a great place to camp. It spans over 1,900 acres and offers numerous activities; catch and release fishing (Higgins Pond), swim, canoe, hike or bike on one of the various trails. A huge event drawing in people from around the world is the Falmouth road race. It is a 7.2 mile long race that takes place on the third sunday of August each year. Other annual events include Hands on the Arts, a free children's art festival (June 14, 15) and the Cape Cod Scottish Festival featuring celtic music and entertainment, sheep herding and scottish food (September 13). Cape Cod is also known for it many lighthouses. Although over a century old many of them are still working today. A few include Highland Light, Nauset Light, Chatham Light, Race Point Light and Nobska Light.