Explore Bookstores in Cape Cod

Cape Cod is one of Massachusetts’s most sought-after vacation destinations year-round. While visiting the Cape and it’s outer lying areas, there are several sights and activities for ages of all ranges to enjoy.

One of the many offerings of the area is its extensive selection of independent bookstores in Cape Cod. Whether visitors are looking to collect rare antique readings, pick up gifts for fellow book lovers, or just slow down with a good book while sipping coffee, you will find many unique bookstores in Cape Cod which fill the desires of bookworms of all kinds.

Some Great Bookstores in Cape Cod

Where the Sidewalk Ends Bookstore – East Chatham, MA

Located in East Chatham and just minutes from the beach, Where the Sidewalk Ends is an independent bookstore offering a cozy, family- friendly atmosphere. With a comfortable fireside setting, Where the Sidewalk ends is located in a two-story antique barn with natural light from all angles.

Where the Sidewalk Ends Bookstore also hosts a large children’s annex for young readers to explore as well as local book signings and similar events.Here, visitors of Cape Cod may pick up a copy of, “The Finest Hours” written by Casey Sherman, a true story of a heroic rescue by the United States Coast Guard which happened locally in Chatham.

Brewster Book Store – Brewster, MA

In the center of town in Brewster on Cape Cod’s northern shore lies Brewster Book Store. With another extensive children’s selection, as well as topics for all tastes, Brewster Book Store has a very wide selection of books and a friendly staff to assist in the navigation of this selection. This store also offers many book readings, signings, and events throughout the year.

Be sure to pick up a copy of “The Paper Palace” by Miranda Cowley Heller with a storyline based locally on the Cape for a real feel read. Just a quick walk around the corner is the Kitchen Cafe, a great spot to pick up some lunch before heading to Ellis Landing beach to enjoy a new book.

Sea Howl Bookshop – Orleans, MA

Just off route 6A in Orleans, visitors will find the Sea Howl Bookshop in the heart of Main Street. This quaint, community-minded bookshop offers new books across topics of all kinds. Sea Howl also hosts a community book drive in which books of all kinds are collected to be donated to local school systems.

Just a few minutes from many popular Cape Cod beaches, Sea Howl Bookshop is a perfect stop to pick up a good read to get lost in while reading on the sandy beaches of Orleans. This shop also offers outdoor seating for those looking to pick up a book and stay a while. While in town, also be sure to swing by the very popular Hot Chocolate Sparrow for a highly rated cup of coffee or hot chocolate to enjoy with a new book.

Eight Cousins Books – Falmouth, MA

On Falmouth’s main strip located on Main Street window-shoppers are easily drawn in to whimsical Eight Cousins Books shop. This shop is pet- friendly making it easy to browse for books without having to worry about leaving a well-behaved pup outside.

Eight Cousins also offers a toy section for children to play while parents search for the titles of their liking. Local writings such as “Good Night Cape Cod” Adam Gabmble and illustrator John Andert make for wonderful gifts and unique reads for little ones.

Eight Cousins is also heavily involved in their local Cape Cod community. A book drive is held every year for 300-500 local children and teens in which donations are accepted to support a child’s name as given by the local school systems. This shop is also located in walking distance to many clothing shops, restaurants, and especially popular bakery Masion Villatte. Swing by Masion Villatte for a wide variety of beautiful French pastries and a great cup of coffee to enjoy with a new book relaxing in their outdoor seating.

Titcomb’s Bookshop – East Sandwich, MA

One of the more popular bookstores on Cape Cod is Titcomb’s bookshop, located on route 6A in East Sandwich. This store offers three floors of books, toys, and gifts of all kinds. They also host a selection of rare books for the common collector, as well as books written by independent authors.

The toy shop is tucked away in the downstairs level of the store, making it an exciting visit even for young ones. If visitors are searching for a bookstore on Cape Cod, Titcomb’s is certainly one to put on the list to stop.

Isaiah Thomas Books and Prints – Barnstable, MA

In a historic pink Victorian house located on route 28 in Barnstable, Isaiah Thomas Books and Prints is a very well-known antique bookstore on Cape Cod. Offering over 70,000 books across all genres, this bookstore is one that can suck visitors in for hours.

With specialty books such as those on photography, architecture, and even miniature books, there is something for readers of all kinds to be found in this bookstore.

The owners of Isaiah Thomas also offer appraisals on books of all sorts, making it a drawing point for book collectors of all kinds. While visiting Isaiah Thomas Bookstore, Cape Cod visitors may be inclined to walk next door to the Cahoon Museum of American Art – a unique art exhibit housed in a 1775 Georgian Colonial home.

Parnassus Book Service – Yarmouth Port, MA

Parnassus Book Service is a whimsical bookstore located in Yarmouth Port off Cranberry Highway. This shop has an old turn of the century feel, with rare books and antique finds for collectors looking to add a new book to their shelves. With books on topics such as geographical and maritime history, Parnassus Book Service is an interesting stop for bookstore hoppers browsing shops across Cape Cod.

Tim’s Used Books – Provincetown, MA

Blink and it is easy to miss this quirky and eclectic bookshop located off Commercial Street in Provincetown at the very end of Cape Cod. The small wooden walkway leads visitors to this unusual used and discounted bookstore.

The owner of the store hand picks each book, making the selection of books in such a small space much larger than one may initially perceive. Walk across the street for a beautiful waterfront lunch or dinner at WayDownTown after picking up a new book find at Tim’s.

Book Stores in the Greater Cape Cod Region

Books and Sundry – Plymouth, MA

Located in the beautiful waterfront Town Wharf district of Plymouth, MA Books and Sundry is a stop well worth mentioning for those in the Plymouth area. Within walking distance to Plymouth Rock and beautiful views of Plymouth Harbor, Books and Sundry offers precisely what their name suggests.

Inside visitors will find a variety of books both fiction and non-fiction as well as sundries for the casual gift-buyer or window-shopper. Keep an eye on their events schedule, Books and Sundry offers readings and signings on a regular basis.

Bunch of Grapes Bookstore – Martha’s Vineyard, MA

Just down the road from the Martha’s Vineyard ferry, visitors can hop off the ferry and right into Bunch of Grapes Bookstore for a new vacation read. From New York Times Bestsellers to local independent authors, Bunch of Grapes boasts a broad selection of titles and topics.

Bunch of Grapes bookstore is a well-known store on the Vineyard, holding book signings and readings on a frequent basis.

While perusing the shelves of Bunch of Grapes, one may find a copy of “Someone Else’s Secret”, a book written by local author Julia Spiro. This book paired up with a cup of coffee from Mocha Mott’s next door while sitting outside watching the ferry boats come and go makes for the perfect spring day.

Mitchell’s Book Corner – Nantucket, MA

On the seaside island of Nantucket, Mitchell’s Book Corner is tucked right in the middle of Downtown Nantucket. Just a minute from Brant Point Lighthouse, Mitchell’s Book Corner is a must for visitors of Nantucket.

This bookstore features a wide variety of genres, including those written by local authors. Mitchell’s hosts many book signings throughout the year, including signings by one of the most well-known local writers Nathaniel Philibrick, author of the New York Times Best Seller “In the Heart of the Sea.”

Supporting Local Bookstores in Cape Cod

Supporting local bookstores in Cape Cod is a wonderful way to contribute to the community and maintain the unique character of the region. By actively choosing to support local bookstores in Cape Cod, you contribute to the cultural vibrancy of the region and help ensure that these community hubs continue to thrive

Some bookstores offer merchandise like tote bags, mugs, or T-shirts featuring local authors or book-related designs. Purchasing these items can be another way to support the bookstore.

Check the event calendars of local bookstores for author readings, book signings, and other literary events. Attending these events also shows your support and engage with the local literary community.