From the Upper Cape to the Outer Cape, from Martha’s Vineyard to Nantucket—our Annual Best of Cape Cod & the Islands Readers’ Choice Awards amplifies the shining stars of our community. A tradition that has taken place for over 30 years, our team at Cape Cod Life Publications carefully combs through the droves of write-in votes in what is now over 60 categories across our six regions.

And if you didn’t know—Cape Cod Life’s “Best of” Awards is the longest running in the region, with our winners handpicked by you. Whether you are a local who finds solace in the off season at their favorite independent bookstore, a summer resident who can’t wait to get a scoop at their go-to ice cream shop, or a frequent visitor who has insight on a scenic walking or biking path—this year we heard from over tens of thousands of you! The result: 827 gold and silver award-winners.

From “Best Restaurant Reachable by Boat” to “Best Bed & Breakfast Inn”—there is a category for anything one might be looking for when exploring the Cape & Islands. And if you’re out and about without the June issue? Check out our “Best of” Digital Guide on capecodlife.com—which recieves over 75,000 views annually—where people go to find our readers’ favorite spots for dining, food & drink, lodging, shopping, and things to do across the Cape & Islands. 

Plus, our Annual Photo Contest winners are presented! From our Grand Prize winner to our 20 winners and honorable mentions in our five categories. For over three decades, community members have been submitting their images in hopes of making the cover or inside pages of our most anticipated issue of the year. Our 2025 Grand Prize winner, Marie Feehan, shares, “Just a few months before that picture was taken, Andi [her daughter pictured on the cover] was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. She had so many doctors’ appointments and multiple injections every day—so many ‘why me’ moments. One of the reasons, I think, this photo oozes joy is because for the first time in a while she was not thinking about her diabetes; she was a kid going for a swim on a beautiful summer day. A true testament to the healing power of sunshine and the sea.” 

Together, these community contests celebrate what makes our region special—YOU! We are grateful beyond words to everyone who continues to fill out our “Best of” survey and enter our Annual Photo Contest—without you, there would be no Cape Cod LIFE.

Cheers to 34 years of celebrating the best! 

Christina Galt

Digital Editor, Editor of Cape Cod DOG

Cape Cod Life Publications

P.S. don’t forget to check out our annual Readers’ Choice Photo award-winner, online now!

Thank you to our 2025 “Best of” Presenting Sponsor, The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod, and our 2025 Photo Contest Prize Sponsor Cape Cod Photo, Art & Framing.