First-Timer’s Guide to Cape Cod, Massachusetts | Plan a Perfect Trip!
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This guide to Cape Cod is full of absolutely everything I know about Cape Cod and what you should know before you visit to plan the perfect trip.
I’ve lived on Cape Cod for most of my life. Born and raised in the town of Barnstable, I’ve called four other towns home and explored them all thoroughly. I’ve always known that Cape Cod was a special place to live and grow up, and I love sharing this place with everyone.
Absolutely anyone planning a trip to the Cape will benefit from this guide, but my recommendations are particularly suited to travelers who prefer affordable, quieter, slower-paced Cape Cod trips.
This post was last updated in July 2026.
Cape Cod Trip Planning Basics
Cape Cod is an arm-shaped island-like peninsula that extends 65 miles into the Atlantic Ocean from Massachusetts. It’s a unique and recognizable shape that is on many clothing and decorations in the homes of those who live and visit here.
It’s known for clambakes and bonfires on the beach. Saltwater taffy, nightly ice cream outings, and bread bowls overflowing with creamy clam chowder. You may also think of the Kennedy family and lobster rolls, sailing, and multi-million dollar oceanfront homes when you think of Cape Cod. It’s all of those things and more!
Basic Facts About Cape Cod
- Geographic size: 339 square miles
- Population: 233,539 (as of 2025 census)
- Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time or Eastern Daylight Time
The 15 Towns of Cape Cod
Many people believe that Cape Cod is a single town, when really it’s an area comprised of 15 different towns grouped into four regions. Each region and town is unique and offers visitors something different and special.
The towns and regions that make up Cape Cod.
- Upper Cape: Bourne, Sandwich, Falmouth, Mashpee
- Mid-Cape: Barnstable, Yarmouth, Dennis
- Lower Cape: Harwich, Brewster, Chatham, Orleans
- Outer Cape: Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro, Provincetown
Then, of course, there are the islands – Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and the lesser known Elizabeth Islands.
At first, the region names can seem counterintuitive. Why isn’t the Upper Cape the northernmost part? When you hear locals say things like “down Cape,” remember they’re referring to traveling away from the bridges and toward Provincetown.
Most towns are also divided into villages, a nod to the Cape’s colonial beginnings. Hyannis, for instance, feels like its own town based on its size and development, but it’s actually one of seven villages within the town of Barnstable.
You won’t realistically explore all 15 towns during a weekend trip, so choosing the right area as your home base is one of the first decisions you’ll want to make.
Which Part of Cape Cod Should You Visit?
Each part of Cape Cod has a different feel. Think about the type of trip you want before deciding where to stay – it will have a big impact on the type of trip you have.
| Region | Best For | Overall Feel | Good First-Time Bases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Cape | Shorter trips, easy access, history, and quieter getaways | Relaxed and convenient, with historic villages and easy access from the mainland | Sandwich or Falmouth |
| Mid-Cape | Visitors who want a central location | Busier and more developed, with lots of restaurants, shops, and easy access to other parts of the Cape | Hyannis or Dennis |
| Lower Cape | Beaches, charming towns, and a classic Cape Cod experience | Scenic, laid-back, and quieter than the Mid-Cape | Chatham, Brewster, or Orleans |
| Outer Cape | Nature, beaches, artsy towns, and a more remote getaway | Wild, peaceful, and dramatic, with some of the Cape’s most beautiful coastal scenery | Eastham, Wellfleet, or Provincetown |
How to Plan Your First Trip to Cape Cod
Planning your first trip to Cape Cod can be a little overwhelming. The Cape is bigger than it looks on a map, and each town has its own personality. Trying to see everything in one trip will probably leave you spending more time in the car than actually enjoying yourself.
My best advice is to slow down and choose one area as your home base. You can always take a day trip or two from there.
If you prefer quiet mornings, uncrowded beaches, cozy inns, and plenty of time to wander without a packed itinerary, you don’t have to visit during the busiest weeks of summer to experience the best of Cape Cod. In fact, I personally think the Cape is even better during the quieter shoulder seasons.
How Many Days Do You Need on Cape Cod?
I recommend spending at least three or four days on Cape Cod for your first trip. That gives you enough time to explore your home base, spend a day at the beach, and take a scenic drive or day trip without rushing around.
A week is even better if you want a slower trip with plenty of downtime built in.
For a long weekend, stick mostly to one area of the Cape. You won’t see everything, and that’s perfectly fine. Cape Cod is a place that rewards slowing down.
Do You Need a Car on Cape Cod?
For most first-time visitors, I recommend having a car. It gives you much more freedom to explore beaches, small towns, hiking trails, and scenic spots that aren’t always easy to reach by riding the buses on the Cape.
That doesn’t mean you need to spend your entire vacation driving around. I actually recommend the opposite.
If you’re traveling solo and would rather avoid driving as much as possible, consider staying somewhere with restaurants, shops, and attractions within walking distance. Provincetown is one of the easiest places on the Cape to enjoy without relying heavily on a car.
When Should You Book Your Cape Cod Trip?
If you’re visiting during July or August, start looking at accommodations as early as possible. The most affordable places can disappear quickly, especially for weekends.
Traveling during the shoulder season gives you a little more flexibility and can also make a Cape Cod trip easier on your budget. Autumn is pleasant on the Cape, with relatively warmer temps and many seasonal businesses still open. You might even The crowds are considerably thinner, so there are no long waits at restaurants.
Where Should a First-Time Visitor Stay?
This will depend on what your travel vibe is.
- Sandwich, Brewster, Eastham, or Wellfleet are my pick for a quieter Cape Cod trip.
- Hyannis or Falmouth for more restaurants, nightlife, and convenient proximity to the ferries for island day trips.
- A good base for a first solo trip is Provincetown. It is lively and walkable (or bikeable), with restaurants and shops close together, so you will not need to spend much time driving.
Solo travelers should also consider what will make the trip feel easiest and most comfortable. Personally, I would rather stay at an accommodation where I can walk to dinner or a coffee shop than save a few dollars on a place that requires driving every time I need to eat.
Weather on Cape Cod
Since the Cape is surrounded by water, the weather is usually mild compared to the rest of Massachusetts. It’s relatively cooler in the summer months and warmer in the winter. Come prepared, though, because you can experience all four seasons in a single day here, just like in the rest of New England!
| Season | Typical High/Low | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | 60Β°F / 30Β°F | Spring is short and slow to arrive. Winter-like weather can linger until mid-May, then warmer temperatures and humidity appear quickly. |
| Summer | 76Β°F / 57Β°F | Summer can be hot and humid, especially during heat waves. Sea breezes offer some relief, but evenings may still feel cool near the water. |
| Fall | 70Β°F / 40Β°F | Summer weather often continues through September. Beach days are still possible, while fall foliage usually peaks in late October or November. |
| Winter | 42Β°F / 24Β°F | Snow does fall on Cape Cod, but it often melts quickly. When the rest of New England gets snow, the Cape may get rain instead. |
Best Time to Visit Cape Cod
Deciding when to plan your trip to the Cape will depend on a number of things. Budget, weather, activities you want to do, sights you want to see, the size of crowds you want to endure, and maybe even the type of food you want to eat.
My personal favorite times to visit are late spring and the fall. You’ll usually find fewer crowds, less traffic, and a more relaxed atmosphere while still having plenty to see and do.
Skip over July and August altogether. Those are the months that everyone – and I mean e v e r y o n e – visits Cape Cod. I know it’s the ideal time for beach days and everything, but it’s just too crowded for my taste!
Keep reading to learn what it’s like to visit Cape Cod at different times of the year.
Early Shoulder Season: May + June
Many seasonal restaurants and shops that close for the winter begin to open again by early May. Most are open as early as mid-April, but the weather can still be quite cold and unpredictable at this time of year. Historically, it has snowed in April and even as late as May!
Memorial Day weekend (the last weekend of May) is a summer teaser for the Cape. Visitor numbers surge over the three-day weekend, especially if the weather is excellent. However, that buzz dies down until the kids are out of school at the end of June.
Visitors who come to the Cape in May and June are usually owners of second homes who come to open them up for the summer. Or they live within a 3-4 hour drive of the Cape and come for a weekend getaway.
Peak Season: July, August + Labor Day Weekend
Cape Cod will be the most crowded from the Fourth of July through the Labor Day weekend (the first weekend of September). However, now that school starts the day after Labor Day, or sometimes even before the holiday, in many regions of the country, that holiday weekend is not as busy as it used to be.
This is the time of year that parking fees at beaches will be $20-$30 per day, and traffic will be a headache – especially over the bridges on Fridays and Sundays and around town on Saturdays. I’ll be honest: as a year-rounder, it’s not my favorite.
However, there’s a palpable energy in the air provided by all the people on the island in the summertime. For the most part, people are enjoying their time away from home and are high in spirits, and you can feel that positive energy coursing through you.
Most visitors in the summer months are families, sometimes intergenerational, usually with young children. The Cape in the summer is also a popular destination for girls’ or guys’ trips or bachelorette and bachelor parties. Plus, many international travelers like to see the Cape in the summer months.
Late Shoulder Season: September + October
In my opinion, the fall shoulder season is the best time to visit Cape Cod. From Labor Day to the second weekend in October (Columbus Day weekend), things around the Cape slow down.
Weekends are still busy but not crowded. Warm, dry weather typically keeps up through the first few weeks of October, although it can be cooler at night. Most importantly, summer restaurants and businesses remain open until mid-October, if not slightly longer.
You can expect a different crowd of tourists in the fall. This is the time when tour buses make their way through New England with groups here to see the fall foliage, and many of them stop for a day or two on the Cape and Islands.
Off-Season: November through April
It’s relatively quiet on Cape Cod in the winter, but still worth visiting for special events or a secluded getaway.
Even though many seaside businesses and restaurants close down, there are still lots to choose from – and not just chain restaurants either! Plenty of businesses cater to the year-round population, which is much larger than most people assume.
Plus, the weather on Cape Cod stays pretty mild compared to the rest of the state, so outdoor activities are still doable. And when the weather is too cold to bear, there are lots of museums, coffee shops, gift shops, and restaurants that are open year-round to explore.
Cape Cod Transportation
Getting to Cape Cod
By Air | The closest airports are Boston Logan International Airport and T. F. Green International Airport in Warwick, Rhode Island (near Providence), which both service all major airlines. To fly from Boston to Cape Cod, choose CapeAir, which flies to Hyannis, Provincetown, Nantucket, or Martha’s Vineyard.
By Bus | Bus lines servicing Cape Cod are Plymouth & Brockton or Peter Pan Bus Lines.
By Car | Arriving by car or getting a rental when you arrive will give you the most flexibility for traveling around Cape Cod. For reference, Hyannis is about 73 miles from the airport in Boston and about 82 miles from the airport in Warwick. It would take about 1.5 hours of driving time on a good traffic day from either airport. Also, from the Sagamore Bridge in Sandwich to Provincetown (the whole length of Cape Cod) is about 62 miles and takes over an hour to drive (again, with no traffic).
By Train | The Cape Flyer is a seasonal commuter train that services Cape Cod on weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Hop aboard in Boston and ride the train all the way to Hyannis.
By Ferry | Get from Boston to Provincetown in 1.5 hours on a Bay State Cruise Company or City Experiences ferry in the summer.
Getting Around Cape Cod
If you don’t drive yourself, here are your options.
Car Rental | As I mentioned above, having a car during your time on Cape Cod will give you the most flexibility during your stay. If you don’t drive here, plan to pick up a rental at the airport you fly into or any rental company across the Cape.
Ridesharing | Both Lyft and Uber are available during the summer months across the Cape. They may stop altogether or just have fewer drivers during the shoulder and winter seasons.
Taxis | Most taxi companies are pretty reliable. There are many to choose from depending on where you are on the Cape. Do a quick Google search for the nearest company. Just don’t read the reviews.
Public Transportation | The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA) is the bus line on Cape Cod. To be honest, it’s possible to get around the Cape this way, but it’s not the most reliable. For instance, it would take nearly three hours to get from Hyannis to Wellfleet, which is usually less than an hour to drive.
Where to Stay On Cape Cod
Thankfully, there are many places to stay on Cape Cod. There is a place for every budget, ranging from campgrounds and hostels to oceanfront resorts.
It’s worth noting again that, Cape Cod accommodation prices spike in July and August. Compare rates before Memorial Day and after Labor Day for lower prices and more choices, and book early if you have your heart set on a particular place.
Where to Stay on Cape Cod on a Budget
For travelers without a huge budget, there are plenty of options if you are comfortable roughing it in the great outdoors or shared common spaces.
When planning your trip, remember that many hostels and campgrounds on the Cape operate seasonally. Check the the dates for the specific place you want to book, but the season is typically from about May to Labor Day. The Truro hostel season is even shorter than that.
Campgrounds and Hostels
Best Upper Cape campground: Shawme-Crowell State Forest in Sandwich. This campground offers a quieter place to camp while keeping the beaches, historic sites, and villages of the Upper and Mid-Cape within easier reach.
Best Lower Cape campground: Nickerson State Park in Brewster. Nickerson is an affordable base for exploring the Lower and Outer Cape, with plenty of campsites and easy access to ponds, trails, and the Cape Cod Rail Trail.
A car-free hostel: HI Hyannis Hostel in Hyannis. is perfect for travelers without a car who want to explore Hyannis on foot. It’s across from the ferry terminal and one block away from over 100 restaurants and shops on Main Street.
A peaceful hostel stay: HI Truro Hostel in Truro. This hostel offers a quiet and relaxing stay in the National Seashore. It’s right on the beach and near the Pamet Area Trail System, one of my favorite nature walks on the Cape, although you will need a car to get there and explore the surrounding area.
Budget-Friendly Hotels and Motels
A great solo splurge: Uncommoner Hotel in Yarmouth. This new property offers themed rooms, cozy gathering spaces, indoor and outdoor pools, and on-site dining.
A practical central location: Hyannis Travel Inn in Hyannis. You cannot beat the reasonable rates and the walkable location near Main Street, Hyannis Harbor, and the island ferry terminal.
A perfect Upper Cape base: Sandwich Inn & Suites in Sandwich. Excellent value in a quiet Route 6A setting, with breakfast, useful in-room amenities, and easy access to Sandwich attractions.
A quiet Lower Cape stay: The Chatham Motel in Chatham. Here you’ll find a peaceful, garden-filled setting just minutes from downtown Chatham, Hardingβs Beach, and the Cape Cod Rail Trail.
A boutique Outer Cape option: Endless Coast Hotel in Wellfleet. Relax in their renovated boutique-style rooms and indoor pool. Plus, they are conveniently located near National Seashore beaches, restaurants, and Outer Cape attractions.
Where to Splurge on Cape Cod
For travelers who think the right accommodation is worth the splurge, Cape Cod has several memorable hotels and resorts where the stay becomes part of the experience. Many of these properties operate year-round, so they are suited to special trips during the shoulder-season and off-season.
A quiet splurge: Breakwater Hotel in Provincetown. You’ll get waterfront views and private outdoor seating in the quieter East End of town, less than a mile from the busy town center.
A waterfront stay: Wequassett Resort and Golf Club in Harwich. Here you can slow down and make the stay at this resort a part of the whole Cape Cod experience.
A wellness getaway: Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa in Sandwich. A historic inn with on-site dining, romantic rooms, and a full-service spa that is open year-round.
A full-service resort: Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club in Brewster. Settle in here with plenty of reasons to never leave the property – private beach access, pools, dining, golf, wellness experiences, and several styles of rooms and villas.
Find Your Perfect Cape Cod Accommodation
Don’t like my recommendations? Don’t worry, I’m not offended. There are so many other places to choose from. Use the search tool below to compare accommodations by location, price, and travel dates.
Things to Do on Cape Cod
Of all the things you can choose from, here is a sampling of my favorite things to do on Cape Cod.
Quiet Outdoor Activities
- Walk the all of the best Cape Cod boardwalks
- Go hiking at Massachusetts State Parks or town conservation lands
- Watch the sunset over Cape Cod Bay
- Bike or walk along the bike paths
Classic Cape Cod Experiences
- Catch a double feature at the Wellfleet Drive-in
- Visit all the breweries on Cape Cod
- Spend a whole day at the beach
- Visit the Cape Cod Natural History Museum
Low-cost Things to Do
- Drive along scenic Rt 6A
- Learn about the local shark population at the Chatham Shark Center
- Walk along Main Street in Hyannis and pop in all the adorable gift shops
Local Cape Cod Facts
How Cape Cod Got Its Shape
I think this is important to include because what draws most visitors to the Cape is its unique shape and ecosystem.
The shape of Cape Cod was masterfully created over thousands of years by debris (boulders, rocks, sand, etc) that was pushed, mangled, and left behind after the 2-mile thick ice sheets from the last Ice Age began to recede. It was further refined by ocean currents and changing tides sweeping sand along the coastline. In fact, the shape of Cape Cod changes every passing day as a result of the surrounding water.
A great place to learn more about this is the Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham. They’ve shown a film called “The Sands of Time” since I was a little kid. This short film actually had a significant influence on my decision to study geography in college!
Locals Will Love You if You Say ON Cape Cod Instead of IN Cape Cod
As a geographer, this is a personal pet peeve of mine, so bear with me.
The Cape Cod peninsula is separated from the rest of Massachusetts by the Cape Cod Canal, which makes it like an island. Many locals even view the Cape as an island at this point.
It is proper to use the preposition “on” in most cases when referring to the geography of a peninsula or island. That changes, though, if you are looking at it as a governmental entity with borders, like a state or country.
I’ve given lots of examples in the comments below, and if you can think of any others, please comment. I love stretching my geography muscles every so often.
And remember – you can be IN a town, ON Cape Cod.
Ready to Plan Your Trip to Cape Cod?
Cape Cod is bigger and more varied than many first-time visitors realize, so choose a home base that matches the type of trip you want and give yourself time to slow down.
Whether you stay at a campground, cozy motel, or waterfront resort, you can fill your days with beaches, nature walks, scenic drives, local attractions, and plenty of quiet time.
If you have questions about planning your trip that I haven’t answered here, ask me in the comments below. I love sharing what I know about the Cape!
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I get your pet peeve. Iβm ON Long Island and hate when you hear it said IN Long Island. Thatβs when you know those that say it dont live there. My husband and I are visiting for the first in a couple of weeks and weβre staying in an Airbnb in Mashpee. Looking forward to it. Itβs our anniversary weekend also.
Right!? You get it lol. I hope you have a wonderful anniversary ON the Cape!
Hi Brittany
My husband and I are planning to go this summer. We will fly into Boston for 2 nights.
Then Sunday take the train to the cape. Stay at the Waquesett. Here is the question,
do I stay at the Waquesett the whole time and take day trips to MV and Nantuckett or do I stay in each of those places? Also, would it be better for me to rent car on cape or pick it up in boston?
Hi Allison! I’ll dive right in with options. So, the train from Boston will only take you as far as Hyannis and it only runs on weekends. I would skip the train and grab a rental car in Boston. I’d suggest staying for a night or two on Martha’s Vineyard because there is just more to do and see on that island. Walk on the Island Queen ferry in Woods Hole and use the island bus to get around. I think a day trip is more than enough time to see Nantucket. You can either take the Freedom Cruise Line ferry from Harwich Port, or do a day trip from MV using the Hy-Line inter-island ferry. I hope you enjoy your trip to the Cape no matter what you end up doing!
Hi! My son has his heart set on a career in maritime business. What is the reputation, among the locals, for the Mass Maritime Academy?
That’s a good question! I went on a date with an MMA student way back in high school, but other than that, I don’t know much about it or know anyone who lives near it who might know more.
Hello Brittany!
Thank you for putting together such great information. Very helpful! Planning on taking the hubs out to the cape (our first time) for his birthday mid Oct (18-20). Driving from CT. Just us, no kids. What would be your pick(s) for an area to stay? We like nice hotels, nice restaurants, cute shops, things to see/do. No exciting nightlife required! Thanks!
Hi Jan! I suggest anywhere in the mid-Cape (Barnstable, Yarmouth, or Dennis) for easy access to either side of the Cape. Or stay in Eastham if you want to experience the Outer Cape. You might also like to stay in Chatham, which checks all your boxes! I have a guide to Chatham you should check out.
Can I get a hard copy of this information? There will be 3 of us visiting Caoe Cod for the first time. Oct1-Oct 7
Can
You’re welcome to print out the information you need or visit the site as often as you need.
Have you ever been to Cape Cod and found it to be overrated, or do you believe it lives up to the hype as a must-visit destination? What unique experiences or hidden gems did you discover during your trip that made it memorable?”,
“refusal
No, I don’t believe Cape Cod is overrated, and if you do, you didn’t do the right things while you were here. Over 5 million people visit the Cape annually, and since I was born and raised here, and have decades of experience vs just visiting once or twice, I started this blog to help them feel like a local when they visit, not just a tourist.
Looking to go to Cape Cod for 25 th wedding anniversary 1st week of September as we have never been there!
Whatβs the best town/ area to stay in to be walking distance to some bars/ restaurants / great sea food / coffee shops / water (if possible)? Or any other information thatβs helpful!! Thanks
Provincetown checks all those boxes, Roger. It’s a fantastic little town.
Thank you for this! I find the map of the 4 regions helpful as we plan our first trip to the Cape. It is a bit counter-intuitive for the southern end be considered the Upper Cape, so I’m sure that will help us avoid some confusion down the line!
As for in vs. on… Either works. “In” refers to being within the boundary of an area (which could be an island). For instance, “we vacationed in Maui” would be accurate for the region. “On” refers to contact with the surface of something (which also could be an island). For example, “we were on the island of Maui” is also accurate.
It is good to know that Cape Cod is an island, but whether people say I’m staying *in* that area or *on* that land mass is certainly not a hill I would die*on* βΊοΈ
Glad you found the post useful, Tiffany! Maui is just like the Nantucket example I gave someone else where the name of the island and county are the same, so, what you’re saying is correct for that reason. You’re IN the County of Maui – the region or boundary of an area as you called it, which also includes LanaΚ»i, MolokaΚ»i, and a couple of other islands. It’s still only ON Maui the island. My geography degree appreciates the workout!
Can you give me the name of a great beach front place to stay for adults without children?
I think there may be one in Provincetown, but I honestly can’t think of a single hotel at the moment that meets those requirements. I will update the post and highlight it if I find one, though.
Enjoyed your article, it’ll be useful for our first trip to Cape Cod.
As to On vs In, I think it’s normal to say “in” for an island: “How was your vacation in the Bahamas?” “… in Hawaii?” “… in Martha’s Vineyard?” Though I agree that maybe it sounds strange to say “How was your vacation in Block Island” rather than “… on Block Island”
Glad you found the post useful and I hope you have a great time ON the Cape.
This is a silly little semantic hill that I will die on, but I appreciate being challenged. So, I’ll counter your argument. We use IN when referring to Hawaii the state and the Bahamas the country, both made up of several islands. Ireland, Great Britain, Iceland, Japan – even more examples. I would also personally never say IN Martha’s Vineyard because it’s the name of the island and there are several towns on that island that you can be IN. However, Nantucket is a unique case because the name of the island, the town, and the county are all Nantucket, so saying both ON and IN are correct. I’d still just say ON Nantucket, though.
I am staying in Dennis. What restaurant is the best to get clam cakes and chowder?
Believe it or not, I have a shellfish allergy. But, I know that Spanky’s in Hyannis or Captain Parker’s and The Skipper Restaurant in Yarmouth are popular.
This was great! Have reservations for June 2024. Can you tell me where to hear live music n go dancing?
Check out the schedule at the Melody Tent and the Music Room. Head up to the Beachcomber in Wellfleet, Sundancers in West Dennis, or Jake Rooney’s in Harwichport. There are lots of options!
Hi. We are planning a family vacation (with young adult children) in late July / early August. We plan to rent a house for the week. My plan is to sight-see while on the cape and not lay on the beach every day. Can you please recommend an area of the cape to stay in? Thanks so much.
Hi Shonna. It will depend on where you plan to sightsee and how far you’re willing to drive, but somewhere in the towns Barnstable, Yarmouth, or Dennis (aka, the Mid-Cape), are centrally located on the Cape. Each of those towns also have plenty of activities for kids.
So I have always wanted to come to Nantucket and started a trip last year and just got so confused about things I just said skip it ! Well Iβm back on it and trying to go through but Iβm lost with places to go etc!
My husband and I want to go june for 6 nights . We would fly to Boston but we really do not want to drive !
Can you please help me with places to stay and how to get there ?
Hi Nelda. So sorry that I missed this comment. I hope you were able to plan your trip to Nantucket. It really is incredibly easy to get there. If you don’t want to drive from Boston, there are buses from the airport to Hyannis, then you take a taxi or Uber to Hyannis Harbor to catch the ferry to Nantucket – they are fairly close together. There are lots of accommodation options, you just have to choose the one at your price point with the amenities you want.
This Cape Cod, Massachusetts guide is incredibly helpful. Youβve really thought through everything you need to know before planning a trip. Thank you for this helpful resource. Saving this guide for later!
Just started exploring the idea of visiting Cape Cod, possibly in late November of next year so that we can do the Polar Express that way. Do you know anything about this attraction?
Hello!
We will arrive in Hyannis on Sat. Oct.9 in afternoon from Boston. We only have all day Sunday to explore. We leave Boston on Monday. We are staying the night in South YArmouth at Ocean Mist for two nights. I love small quant towns and cute cafes and restaurants. Not sure how to best spend our full day on Sunday. Originally had a whale cruise booked from Hyannis. Now wondering if we should take ferry to either Nantucket or MArth’s Vinyard for the day? Noticed most restaurants are open after 5:00 pm on Sundays. Also considering staying on Cape and visiting Chatham and other CApe towns. Trying to find an itenerary for Sunday. ???
Hi, so happy I found your sight. My husband, myself and our best friends(couple) are planning a trip the first 9-10 nights of Oct. We are thinking of flying into Providence and getting a rental car. We are hoping we have enough time to stay on Cape Cod and Marthaβs Vineyard and take a day trip over to Nantucket. Do you have a suggestion as to our itineraries and if this is doable in that amount of time?
We will take our car to travel on MV by ferry. Any suggestions, itinerary ideas for how long on each island and best home base to explore would be amazingly helpful if you have the time. None of us have ever been to any of these places and after going online and looking at so many thingsβ¦I am a confused as to the best route of where we should start and end. Thank you advance for any help you could give to us.
Hi Jody! I don’t know how I missed your comment, but I apologize! I’ll try to give you the best advice possible, and I hope it helps! So, if I understand correctly, you’ll have 9-10 days on Cape Cod, MV, and Nantucket? I think that is PLENTY of time! Luckily, a lot of businesses are still open (with abbreviated schedules or hours) through mid-October. Having a car is essential to get around the Cape and Islands quickly and efficiently. I’d suggest splitting your time up with more days on Cape Cod, then MV, and Nantucket with the shortest amount of time because it’s the smallest. Hyline has an inter-island ferry between MV and Nantucket, but check the schedule! Try to spend some time in each town on Martha’s Vineyard, but Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, and Aquinnah are my favorites. Stay somewhere in the mid-Cape area like Barnstable, Yarmouth, or Dennis, and you’ll be within an hour’s drive from Falmouth or Provincetown. Feel free to email me with any other questions!
I think I would avoid going here in the summertime simply because I’m not a fan of overcrowded places. It sounds ideal to visit during the spring though!
Yes – it’s very crowded in the summer! The spring is wonderful – or the early fall paired with a New England fall foliage road trip!
Never been but it sounds lovely! Such a great guide too!
Thanks! You should plan a trip – it’s totally worth it. =)
Cape Cod is so beautiful! I visited for the first time last summer and loved it. So much charm. I also spent a few days in Martha’s Vineyard and plan to visit Nantucket this upcoming summer. π
I hope you have a great time on Nantucket! Thanks for reading =)
This guide is awesome! I’ve never been to Cape Cod but have always been interested in going so I will be pocketing these tips! Love how in-depth you’ve explained everything. I also never knew that there was a debate on “on vs. in!” I’ll keep that in mind π
I’ll be adding more info to this post, as well as so many more posts, so definitely come back for updates!
What a thorough and well-written guide to Cape Cod! I absolutely love it here and want to return, so I’ll keep your recommendations handy. I especially love those gorgeous blooms on Wellfleet!
Wellfleet is one of my favorite towns! A dedicated guide to Wellfleet is in the works =)