Cape Cod is distinctly a summer locale. The beaches, the outdoor dining, the events and that fresh salt air is the reason millions head there every warm week of the year.

But here’s something that many don’t know: Cape Cod is downright cozy in the winter months.

With inns and hotels that pivot to winter fun, restaurants that embrace local sourcing, to cool experiences that are made for crisp days and/or nights, the Cape is ready for your chilly winter visit.

And here’s a bonus; You almost never hit crazy traffic at the bridge this time of year.

For an overnight, many of the famed resorts shift to winter mode. This year, the Wequassett Resort (https://wequassett.com/) in Harwich opens in winter months for the first time.

Tucked into the shores of Pleasant Bay, you’ll take in winter views from their cozy yet spacious rooms, enjoy seasonal fare and special events – all part of their “Enchanted Winter” calendar.

Should you need help in the “dressing for coastal winter” aesthetic, the Wequassett has a partnership with the Barbour Brand (https://www.barbour.com/us/) all winter. By booking their Field Guide Experience, you’ll be treated to a special Barbour welcome gift, a complimentary “The Explorer” cocktail at the resort restaurant Thoreau’s, a guided Macallan Whisky tasting for two and 10% off Barbour retail items in the Resort Shop.

You’ll also have access to their Barbour borrowing closet full of Barbour items to keep you warm, dry and feeling like royalty while there.

The Pelham House Resort (pelhamhouseresort.com/)  in Dennis Port takes space used in the summer and transforms it into something special just for the colder months. Last winter, it was curling. This year, their large dining space with amazing ocean views has been repurposed as a roller skating rink.

They’ve got the skates and the setting, available for overnight guests and those who just want to get some seaside skating in. Look for special themes like their Holiday Rink and Retro Rink events.

For a damp or colder day – or any winter day – head to the Cape Cinema (https://capecinema.org/) in Dennis, a classic movie theater that features first-run films, repertory films, screenings of The Metropolitan Opera, National Theatre, Great Art on Screen, Exhibition on Screen, ballets, Splatterday (cult and horror films every other Saturday), live concerts, and community events. In summer months, it’s packed. Come winter? There’s almost always a seat for you. And you’ll be helping a great cause: this non-profit is supported by community donations and guests who attend shows.

Don’t think the outdoors aren’t majestic in the winter. You’ll find wide, open beaches with almost no one on them (try any of the National Seashore beaches. Marconi Beach offers windswept dunes, usually dramatic surf and a view that goes on forever. Bundled up, you’ll see the beaches in a new light, and probably find some seaglass.

For another great view, head to the Jenny Lind Tower in Truro, named after the19th century opera singer who is said to have climbed it and performed for a crowd in Boston before it was moved to the Cape.

The hike in and step up will warm you, and the view will light a fire in your heart.

You can walk the historic boardwalk in Sandwich – just over the bridge but which feels like a world away – and then warm up with afternoon tea at The Dunbar House Tea Room nearby.

There’s plenty of shopping too. There are outdoor settings like Mashpee Commons, where you can keep warm with a doughnut and hot drinks from Duke’s Donut Worx (https://www.dukesdonutworx.com/), check out a variety of local and national stores and tuck into a winter meal at spots like the classic Bobby Byrne’s Pub.

You’ll also find classic general stores like The Brewster Store (https://www.brewsterstore.com/) and Murphy’s General Store (https://murphysgeneralstore.com/) in Harwich Port.

For a day – or more – with less crowding, lovely scenery and a warm blanket of winter wow, try the Cape for your cozy escape.

The Rink at Pelham House Resort. (Photo Courtney Jago)

Murphy’s General store in Harwich Port. (Photo Moira McCarthy)

The Cape’s famed beaches are perfect for uncrowded enjoyment in the winter. Here, Skaket Beach in Orleans. (Photo Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism)