21 Best Things To Do In Bourne Right Now (Local Secrets Revealed)

Surrounded by water bodies, interesting destinations, bike trails, and sandy beaches, Bourne is one of the most interesting towns in Cape Cod. 

It is made up of various villages — Sagamore, Sagamore Beach, Buzzards Bay, Monument Beach, Pocasset, Cataumet, and Bourne Village.

These villages have the perfect destinations for anyone who loves swimming, camping, hiking, fishing, and shopping. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg; Bourne also has sanctuaries and beautiful landmarks that will be worth your time.

Here are some of the most interesting things you can do in Bourne… right now!

1. Wear Out the Kiddos at Ryan Family Amusements

If you have a bunch of kids to keep amused, and looking for a fun-filled experience, Ryan Family Amusements is the place to be! With a rich history spanning over 60 years, this entertainment center offers a wide range of activities that cater to visitors of all ages.

Activities Offered:

1. Arcade Games: Dive into a world of classic and modern arcade games that promise hours of entertainment.
2. Bowling: Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, the bowling alleys are perfect for some friendly competition.
3. Laser Tag: Engage in a thrilling game of laser tag, navigating through obstacles and challenging your friends.
4. Axe Throwing: Test your precision and strength with the exhilarating sport of axe throwing.
5. Virtual Reality: Immerse yourself in a virtual world, experiencing games and simulations like never before.
6. Golf Simulator: Practice your swing and play on some of the world’s most famous golf courses, all from the comfort of the center.
7. Special Events: From corporate events to birthday parties, Ryan Family Amusements offers dedicated spaces and packages to make your event memorable.

Additionally, Ryan Family Amusements frequently offers special deals and promotions, ensuring that visitors get the best value for their money. They also run fundraising events, where a portion of the proceeds goes back to the community, making it not just a place of entertainment but also one that gives back.

Ryan Family Amusements in Bourne is a one-stop destination for endless fun and entertainment. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

2. Tour the Cape Cod Canal with the Canal Creative Charters

As the name hints, the Canal Creative Charters takes you through the Cape Cod Canal and other interesting destinations that are along the canal. 

During the canal tour, the team also serves some drinks and food as you’re cruising through the water. Not to mention, the tour includes lunch stops at any of these locations — Elizabeth Island, Cape Cod Bay, and Cutty Hunk.

You’ll also get a chance to choose the time slot that suits you most. For those who love sunsets, evening cruises might be suitable for you. The team will take you to spots, which have spectacular sunset views. Remember to take some sunset pictures!

3. Go Deep Sea Fishing 

Surrounded by marshes, waterways, and waterbodies, Bourne has various fishing spots, where you can find different types of fish.

Some of the most popular fishing spots in Bourne include Cape Cod Canal, Cook Pond, and Sawdy Pond. 

If you want to make the most out of this experience, opt for a fishing charter that’ll take you to the right fishing spots. 

The Cape Cod Charter Guys is a great example of a tour company that immerses you into a whole new experience. For starters, it has a wide variety of fishing packages, designed to satisfy different needs. 

We are talking about trips that are centered around blue tuna fishing, tautog fishing, and scup fishing. 

So whether you are planning to catch a black bass or a huge tuna, this charter offers you everything you need to get those big boys — bait wells, fishing gear, and bait.

While fishing gear goes a long way in attracting and handling fish, there’s a lot more to this than what meets the eye. 

And that’s the reason why this charter takes you to the right fishing spots, depending on migration activities and seasons. 

Captains and guides usually steer fishing vessels through Cape Cod Canal, Cuttyhunk, and Elizabeth Island, giving you a tour of different places. 

Clearly, a fishing trip can be a fun way of exploring waterways and water bodies — hitting two birds with one stone.

Also, if you catch a big fish that’s almost your size, don’t forget to take a picture!

4. Go Kayaking 

Explore hidden landscapes, marshes, and water bodies, as you paddle from one location to the next.

Seek guidance from a kayaking charter like the Cape Cod Kayak if you want to hire gear or take kayaking lessons. 

While paddling through the Cape Cod Canal is prohibited, Bourne has multiple waterways and destinations that are ideal for kayaking activities.

But, such waterways and water bodies are a little bit dispersed from one another — some stretch out into the ocean and others are found in conservations. 

Most kayaking expeditions usually start at Gray Gables Beach, Carter Beal Conservation, Hen Cove Landing, and Barlows Landing. Each destination has a unique environment that makes your trip more interesting.

For instance, the Gray Gables Beach gives you clear views of water vessels — boats and ships — which are headed to Buzzards Bay. Not to mention, certain sections of this beach have interesting marine life such as crabs, striped bass, and seals. As you are paddling your kayak, you might also spot some beautiful birds, such as ospreys and gulls, flying above you. 

If you want to explore the Carter Beal Conservation Area on a kayaking expedition, launch your kayak on the Snaking Herring River Mill Pond. 

The waterway is located in a conservation area, so bird sightings are quite common here. The most dominant birds are herons, otters, and ospreys. 

5. Get a Relaxing Massage at the Eucalyptus Wellness Sanctuary

Wind down by giving your body the treatment it deserves through aromatherapy, reflexology, and massages.

Well, the Eucalyptus Wellness Sanctuary offers you everything you might need if you want to rejuvenate your spirits. 

You’ll be given a wide array of essential oils to choose from. Not to mention, this sanctuary relies on natural oils only — so you don’t have to worry about inhaling unhealthy chemicals. 

Besides that, the Eucalyptus Wellness Sanctuary also offers reiki and reflexology, which is a unique form of therapy that improves your mental and physical health. 

Some specialists will help in releasing any built-up tension you might have in your body by treating your ears, face, feet, and hands. After going through this wellness treatment, your body’s blood flow will improve. Plus, your central nervous system will easily process information and sensory pulses, after getting a reflexology treatment.

6. Take a Stroll along The Cape Cod Canal and Check Out the Railway Bridge

Take a walk on the trails that are close to the Cape Cod Canal Railway bridge as you enjoy the beautiful sightings. The picturesque bridge, scenic canal, and sounds of nature will calm your nerves and help you get some peace of mind. 

Well, the Cape Cod Canal Railway Bridge is one of the most intriguing engineering structures in Bourne. So, it’s quite mind-blowing to watch it as it rises and lowers to different heights — this happens a few minutes before the train passes through the bridge.  

Since the train has different schedules, visit Cape Flyers’ official website to get a rough idea of when the train passes through the bridge.   

To get the best out of this visit, you should be quite close to the canal, just a few minutes before the bridge starts moving. 

If you don’t have enough time to spare, board the train that passes through the Cape Cod Canal Railway Bridge, and sit next to a window. 

As the train approaches the bridge, take a moment to study how the bridge moves on a vertical plane. 

7. Visit the Local Beaches

Packed with so many beaches, Bourne is a suitable town for anyone who loves sunny weather, salty waters, and sandy landscapes.

And one of the most popular beaches in Bourne is Monument beach, which is also known as Mo beach. 

The good thing about this beach is that it has enough space to accommodate multiple visitors. In short, it’s not the type of beach that gets crowded during peak hours.

The beach also gives you clear views of the Cape Cod Canal. 

Not to mention, Mo Beach is in close proximity to the Monument Beach Marina, so you might get a few sightings of boats and other vessels sailing to and fro the harbor.

Featuring public amenities like playgrounds, Monument Beach is a perfect spot for outdoor beach activities such as volleyball and soccer. 

So you can easily swim in the ocean, sunbathe on the beach, and then play volleyball. 

However, the sand is filled with coarse pebbles, so it’s always advisable to wear some footwear when you visit this beach.

8. Try Out the Local Food

You need to save your appetite, before you visit this town, or else you’ll miss out. 

When it comes to lobster dishes, The Lobster Trap Restaurant has a competitive edge over other restaurants. As the name hints, this restaurant specializes in lobster dishes. You can have a wide variation of lobster dishes. Some of the most delicious dishes include lobster thermidor and lobster bisque. 

In terms of Italian cuisine, the Mezza Luna Restaurant is your best bet! Actually, the restaurant is quite popular since it serves delicious pizzas. 

Other restaurants that are worth the visit include Bog Tavern, Bridge View Grill, and Sagamore Inn.  

9. Play Golf at Brookside Golf Club

The Brookside Golf Club might just be the perfect thing for you to do today for you. Located amidst the picturesque landscapes of Bourne, this golf club offers a blend of challenging play for golf enthusiasts and a serene environment for those looking to relax.

The meticulously maintained greens, strategic bunkers, and winding fairways promise an engaging game for both seasoned golfers and beginners. If you’re new to the sport, consider signing up for a lesson with one of the club’s professional instructors.

After a round of golf, unwind at the Bog Tavern, the club’s restaurant and bar, where you can savor delicious meals and refreshing drinks while overlooking the lush course. The pro shop is stocked with the latest golf gear and apparel, ensuring you’re well-equipped for your game.

Whether you’re aiming to improve your swing, spend quality time with friends and family, or simply enjoy the outdoors, Brookside Golf Club in Bourne offers an experience worth adding to your itinerary.

10. Go Camping

Camping is an effective way of getting closer to nature while exploring the world.  

For an amazing camping experience, make a reservation at the Bourne Scenic Park. It stretches out on a large parcel of land, made up of woodlands and open terrains.

With more than 400 different camping sites, the Bourne Scenic Park will give you a superb camping experience, creating long-lasting memories.  

It also offers you different accommodation options, making it easier to choose the type of accommodation that suits you most. If you are looking for something that is kinda comfortable, cabins might be suitable for you.

For those who’d like to take luxury to the next level, lodges may be your best bet. Obviously, if you’d be super thrilled to sleep in an open field, look for a suitable spot to pitch your tent, and enjoy the experience.  

With that said, it’s worthwhile to note that the park is segmented into multiple sections to suit the needs of different campers. For example, there’s a certain section that’s reserved for non-electric tents. 

Unlike other camping sites, the management team at Bourne Scenic Park comes up with programs, which are quite effective in beating boredom. 

During your stay, you might be invited to different group activities such as hiking, rollerblading, and fishing.

Apart from that, the management team also organizes other kinds of activities for teenagers and kids, too. For example, the main hall doubles as a gaming hub.

Most video game consoles are found inside the main hall. The park also features other recreational areas, where you can find swimming pools.

11. Learn the Town’s History at Aptucxet Trading Post Museum

Spread out on a 12-acre parcel of land, the Aptucxet Trading Post Museum preserves the history of this town. For starters, the main museum resembles a structure that was constructed by pilgrims in the 17th century, giving you an insight into vintage architecture.

Another interesting structure that preserves the history of this town is the Gray Gables Railroad station. It’s one of the few railway stations that was used by president Grover Clevland during his holiday seasons.

Designed to blend history and art, the Aptucxet Trading Post Museum has an art gallery, with antiques and interesting painting pieces. 

The art gallery is found inside an old structure, which is popularly known as The Joseph Jeferson Windmill.

And once you visit the museum, don’t forget to walk into the gift shop and check out some of the gifts that are offered there. Buy a souvenir that’ll remind you of Bourne. 

Here’s the thing: the museum opens on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, from 10 AM to 4 PM. 

So, if you are planning to visit the place, go there during the normal operational hours.

12. Interact with Seals and Other Sea Nnimals at the National Marine Life Center

Explore marine life by visiting the National Marine Life Center. 

It’s a center that takes in lost marine animals and nurtures them by providing shelter and food. Once the animals are strong enough to survive in their natural habitat, the center puts them back in the ocean, where they can thrive and reproduce.

Some of the marine life that you’ll find in this rehabilitation center include seals and turtles. Speaking of which, the team has installed a live camera that broadcasts the movement of these animals. When you visit the place, you can see a live broadcast of marine life.

Apart from that, there’s also an educational room, which has informative details that’ll give you more insight into the marine center. The staff might start the tour in this room, and then lead you to the fish tanks that are installed in this center. Once you get close to the fish tanks, you’ll spot turtles and other marine life swimming in the water. 

13. Watching Butterflies at Butterflies of Cape Cod

If you want to see lots of butterflies in one place, the Butterflies of Cape Cod is your best bet! 

You’ll be immersed in an amazing experience.  

As the name hints, this place is a butterfly habitat, with butterflies that are in different growth stages. You’ll get a chance to view butterfly cocoons, caterpillars, you name it. And if you get lucky, you’ll catch a few butterflies laying eggs. 

The most popular types of butterflies in this habitat are Painted Ladies, Monarchs, Pipevine Swallowtails, Zebra Swallowtails, and Eastern Black Swallowtails. 

Since butterflies are usually involved in flower-pollination, the surrounding environment is filled with so many flowers. Examples of such flowers include Purple Cornflower and Orange Butterfly Weed. 

So once you visit this place, you’ll be given more insight into the pollination process and the role played by butterflies in the whole process.

It’s also advisable to visit the habitat on sunny days. Butterflies are more active on sunny days. Not to mention, they look more glamorous and beautiful when the sun is shining — you can easily notice the butterflies that have conspicuous wings.

14. Ride a Bike Along the Cape Cod Canal Bikeway

There’s nothing more satisfying than riding a bike on a trail that’s surrounded by scenic landscapes. 

Well, the Cape Cod Canal Bikeway is the perfect bikeway for those who love winding down in scenic places.

Found on both sides of the canal, the Cape Cod Canal Bikeway is 14-miles long and cuts through different sections of town. 

Along the way, you’ll find interesting spots that are suitable for picnics and other recreational activities.

For instance, if you want to watch fish diving into the Cape Cod Canal, you should stop at the Herring Run Recreational Area.

As the Herring River joins the canal, strong water currents pull some fish into the canal, so most fish are found on this point.  

Apart from that, the Herring Run Recreational Area is located close to a fish ladder. And during the spring season, lots of fish usually swim upstream.      

Other popular recreational spots include Herring Run, Buzzards Bay, Tidal Flats, and Bourne Recreational Area.

It’s also worthwhile to note that you might come across multiple types of birds in different seasons. 

For example, during the Winter season, you may spot Common Eiders and Brant Gees, swimming in the canal.

15. Visit the Lyman Reserve and Enjoy the Sounds of Nature

Spread out on a 210-acre parcel of land, the Lyman Reserve in Bourne, Plymouth and Wareham has everything a naturalist could ever dream of! We are talking about woodlands, waterways, and some wildlife.

And the most popular attraction in this reserve is the Red Brook Stream. 

Flowing all the way to Buttermilk Bay, the Red Brook stream is the natural habitat of trouts and other types of fish. 

So don’t forget to carry a fishing rod and some bait if you want to have a good time. 

It gets better. 

The place has multiple fishing spots, which are evenly spread out on the parcel of land. 

For example, a certain stretch of the Red Brook stream, which flows close to some marshlands, has multiple fishing spots.

16. Grab Something Beautiful at the Buzzards Bay Antiques

Get yourself something nice by visiting the Buzzards Bay Antiques shop!

The shop specializes in vintage art, customized jewellery, antiques, and other collectibles. 

For starters, the Buzzards Bay Antique shop has multiple sections, making it easier for you to go through a wide array of items, as you are looking for something that suits your personal preferences.

The store manager guides you through the whole process, offering you support and insight, so you can find the items that suit you most.

17. Learn More about Bourne’s History at Briggs McDermott House

The Briggs McDermott House, a vintage structure that dates back to the 1800s, was recently restored to give you an insight into the town’s history. 

After the restoration, the house was furnished with some old accessories and furniture to depict the past way of life. 

From time to time, the management organizes exhibitions that take you back to the 19th century and the 20th century. 

During these exhibitions, most guides usually wear costumes, which are quite similar to the kind of clothes that were worn in the 18th and 19th centuries.

If you are intrigued by collectibles and old accessories, you’ll definitely fall in love with the Alonzo Booth Blacksmith shop. It is located close to the Briggs McDermott House and features various collectables such as carriages and sleighs.

18. Read Books and Attend Events at Jonathan Bourne Library

You can keep yourself busy by reading books and other types of educational media, which are found in the Jonathan Bourne Library.

If you don’t have enough time to read books, attend some of the events that are organized by this library. 

Book authors are always invited to such events. By attending events that are organized by the Jonathan Bourne Library, you’ll get the opportunity to pick the brains of different book authors.

19. Discover the Carter Beal Conservation Area

Nestled near the iconic Cape Cod Canal, the Carter Beal Conservation Area is a hidden gem owned by the town of Bourne, waiting to be explored. Dive deep into history as you walk along the Herring River, where the remnants of a 1695 grist mill and the town’s first dam whisper tales of yesteryears.

Come spring, the area transforms into a natural theater. Stand on the quaint footbridge and watch in awe as river herring embark on their annual migration upstream, dancing their way up the fish ladder. This spectacle draws outdoor enthusiasts from all corners, offering a unique chance to witness nature in action.

But the allure of Carter Beal doesn’t end there. Adventure seekers can tread the 1.5-mile loop trail, starting from Bournedale Road. Choose the path that meanders along the serene Herring River or challenge yourself with a hike up the steep glacial ridges. Those who brave the latter are rewarded with breathtaking views of Buzzards Bay from atop the ridge.

For a tranquil escape, paddle through the winding Herring River mill pond, or immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity of the area. With ospreys soaring overhead, herons stalking the shores, and the occasional gleam of an otter or mink in the water, nature enthusiasts are in for a treat.

Whether you’re a history buff, an avid hiker, or simply someone looking to connect with nature, the Carter Beal Conservation Area promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of Bourne, Massachusetts. Come, uncover its secrets.

20. Get Closer to Nature at the Bogside Farm

The Bogside farm is quite popular for its high-quality farm produce. You can visit the farm and eat fresh fruits while you’re at it. 

It’s also worthwhile to note that the farm deals with all types of produce — from vegetables, cut flowers to tomatoes. 

Not only does this farm deal with vegetables, it also has a few farm animals. And such sightings can be quite satisfying and intriguing. While it’s a simple farm that deals with fresh produce, it’s also a peaceful sanctuary, filled with beautiful flowers and plants.

21. Visit the Town of Bourne Civil War Memorial

Visiting the Bourne Civil War Monument helps you understand the history of this town. You’ll see the names of the soldiers who fought in the civil war. 

The monument is a tall and well-designed column, which sits right next to Bourne’s town hall. It has some inscriptions that give you more insight into the civil war. While these inscriptions might not be so detailed, they might spark an interest that’ll make you do more research. 

Apart from that, it’s an interesting way to explore different sections of the town.

What Will You Decide To Do in Bourne?

Whether you are looking for outdoor destinations to explore or popular establishments, Bourne has everything you could ever dream of! 

For instance, if you want to immerse yourself in an amazing camping experience, you should visit the Bourne Scenic Park, and pitch a tent there. 

Don’t forget to wind down by visiting the Eucalyptus Wellness Sanctuary. The establishment offers different treatments that will help you relax.