While Cape Cod’s known for its beautiful beaches and waterfront possibilities, some of its inland sites may prove just as enticing. Locals know that some of the best swimming, kayaking and fishing is possible on one of the many kettle ponds that dot the area.

Made up of a total of three interconnected ponds, Indian Ponds in Marstons Mills is an especially popular location for boating, fishing and swimming all year long. A joining of Mystic Lake, Middle Pond and Hamblin Pond, the freshwater kettle ponds have been a part of the local community for generations.

Located in the west Barnstable village of Marstons Mills, each pond measures more than 100-acres in size. You’ll also find a nice selection of unique, waterfront homes surrounding the

Coast Guard Beach is once again ranked as one of the best. The beach recently took the number six spot when it comes to the annual list of the best beaches in the country, compliments of Dr. Beach. Last year Coast Guard Beach sat in the number five spot.

Not only is the beach special for its unique attributes, but it’s also the only New England beach to grab a spot on the list this year. Beaches are ranked in terms of everything from water temperature and cleanliness to safety and the softness of the sand.

In fact, 50 different criteria are taken into consideration. The professor behind the ranking system has been coming out with the list for decades, with his selections based on personal visits and federal data collected by the EPA.

As for

Known by some as the flower cottages, the Days’ Cottages in Truro are truly part of an iconic Cape community. A staple in the area since the early 1930s, the cottages offer perhaps some of the best and most immediate access to the sand and water.

Identical from the outside, the 22 cottages are right on the beach between North Truro and Provincetown. Standing all in a row, the cottages have no doubt been the subjects of countless photographs over the years, and they have quite a story to tell.

The Days’ Cottages are all painted white with green shutters, but they’re individually recognized by their names. The original owners named each after its own flower, giving some individualized identity to the Truro beach cottages.

After all, it’s hard