Where to Stay On Cape Cod: All Budgets Covered!
Choosing where to stay on Cape Cod will depend on a number of factors such as your budget, planned activities, how much driving you want to do, and what time of year you visit. From rustic camping to luxury resorts, there is a place for everyone looking for the best place to stay on Cape Cod in the summer.
This post outlines all the different options available for where to stay on Cape Cod in the summer.
Tips For Choosing Where to Stay On Cape Cod
I always suggest visitors choose a place central to their planned activities and sites they want to see. Many are surprised at just how large Cape Cod is and how long it can take to drive from point A to B.
For instance, on a traffic-free day, it can take an hour and fifteen minutes to drive from the Sagamore Bridge to Provincetown at the end of the Cape. If you want to explore the Cape Cod National Seashore during your vacation (located in the Outer Cape), staying at a hotel in Woods Hole isn’t a great idea.
I made this map for you to reference.
The Upper Cape (above in red) | Bourne, Sandwich, Mashpee, Falmouth. This area is a great base to explore Woods Hole, Buzzards Bay, historic Sandwich. Easily get to Martha’s Vineyard by ferry or the Elizabeth Islands by charter or personal boat. It’s also a great place to be for day trips off-Cape like Plymouth or Boston.
Mid Cape (above in orange) | Barnstable, Yarmouth, Dennis. This area is a great location if you want to see a little bit of everything across the Cape. Hyannis, a village in the town of Barnstable, is the most densely populated and developed area on the Cape making it the “city” of Cape Cod. Catch a ferry from Hyannis to both Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.
Lower Cape (above in yellow) | Harwich, Brewster, Chatham, Orleans. Access to the Cape Cod Rail Trail, a 22-mile paved bike path, begins here. Plus, plenty of family-friendly beaches facing both Cape Cod Bay and Nantucket Sound.
Outer Cape (above in green) | Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro, Provincetown. This area is best for exploring the Cape Cod National Seashore, the 43,000+ acre park that has enabled these towns to remain relatively untouched from development. It’s the perfect place to be to watch the sunrise and set over the water every day.
Read More: Things to Do on Cape Cod in the Summer
A Few More Planning Tips
- You can visit Cape Cod on a budget. There are plenty of places to camp or drive up an RV. Plus, there are hostels!
- Book your accommodations in advance if visiting during the summer.
- No matter where you stay, bring or rent a car if you want to cover some distance. Buses are unreliable and the cost of Uber or Lyft from one end of the Cape to the other will be expensive.
Top Rated Places to Stay On Cape Cod
This is by no means an exhaustive list of the highest-rated places to stay on Cape Cod. There are plenty more to choose from, I just included places I have stayed or would choose to stay at.
If none of these suit your needs and tastes, search Tripadvisor or Booking.com for more.
All rates are based on stays during peak summer months on Cape Cod – July and August. For lower rates, plan to visit Cape Cod during the shoulder season.
Budget Accommodations
Accommodations for under $100 per night in the summer. You might think that’s impossible, but it’s not if you’re willing to rough it!
Upper Cape
Scusset Beach State Reservation, Sandwich | Offers 98 RV and 5 tent-only camping spots on 1.5 miles of beach at the Cape Cod Canal. Swim, sunbathe, hike, bike, fish, and more, for just $22 a night for Massachusetts residents, and $70 for Non-MA residents.
Shawme-Crowell State Forest, Sandwich | 700-acre pitch pine and scrub oak forest with 15+ miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding. Has a playground, pavilion, and grills for guests to use. Campsites are $17, small yurts are $45, and large yurts are $55 per night for Massachusetts residents. For non-MA residents prices are $55, $120, and $140 per night.
Mid Cape
HI Hostel, Hyannis | Within walking distance of beaches, the Hyannis Harbor, the ferry to Nantucket, and Hyannis Main Street. Seasonal, typically open from mid-May to the end of September. Offers private rooms and dorms.
Lower Cape
Shady Knoll Campground, Brewster | Conveniently located right off scenic Route 6A, close to beaches, bike path, and more. Has campsites for tents and RVs starting at $45 per night during peak season. Not a bad deal!
Nickerson State Park, Brewster | 1900 acre park in Brewster with 400+ campsites, a playground, pond boat ramp, trails for biking and hiking, and more. For Massachusetts residents, tent-only campsites start at $22 per night, small yurts are $45 per night, and large yurts are $55 per night. Non-MA resident prices are $70, $120, and $140 per night.
Outer Cape
HI Hostel, Truro | Within the Cape Cod National Seashore in Truro, minutes from Ballston Beach. The unique building is a former U.S. Coast Guard station. Seasonal, typically open from the end of June to the end of August. Includes breakfast and parking.
Mid-Range Lodging
Cape Cod lodging for between $100-$225.
Upper Cape
Sandy Neck Motel, Sandwich | One mile from Sandy Neck Beach – the closest accommodations to one of the best beaches on Cape Cod. Convenient 6A location to easily explore down Cape, as well.
Sandwich Inn & Suites, Sandwich | Includes seven buildings spread out over 4 acres of land on scenic Route 6A. Complimentary continental breakfast. Regular rooms come with a mini-fridge and microwave, while the studio suites have a full kitchenette.
Mid Cape
Hyannis Travel Inn, Hyannis | Conveniently located in downtown Hyannis one block from Main Street. Has indoor and outdoor pools and a whirlpool. Complimentary continental breakfast and all-day coffee station.
Starlight Lodge Cape Cod, Dennis | Very reasonably priced boutique hotel considering the location on scenic Route 6A, modern decor, and amenities. Select dog breeds welcomed!
Lower Cape
Rodeway Inn, Orleans | Within walking distance of the Cape Cod Rail Trail, ice cream at the Local Scoop and other restaurants, shops, and museums of downtown Orleans. Reach Skaket Beach, Rock Harbor, First Encounter Beach, and Nauset Beach within minutes by car.
The Chatham Motel, Chatham | Conveniently located on Route 28 close to Chatham’s best restaurants and shops. Offers standard and deluxe rooms, plus one efficiency that includes a kitchenette. Ideal location to explore the Lower and Outer Cape.
Read More: Best Things to Do in Chatham
Outer Cape
Viking Shores Motor Inn, Eastham | Complimentary continental breakfast. Within walking distance to mini-golf and ice cream, right on the Cape Cod Rail Trail, and within 2 miles from Nauset Light Beach and Coast Guard Beach.
Even’tide Resort Motel & Cottages, Wellfleet | The cottages at Even’tide are adorable and offer privacy and self-efficiency in one of the best towns on Cape Cod. Steps from the Cape Cod Rail Trail and beaches and trails in the Cape Cod National Seashore. Perfect base to explore the Outer Cape.
High-End Accommodations
Here’s just a handful of superb hotels and resorts from $225 and up for those looking to splurge and treat themselves.
Upper Cape
Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa, Sandwich | A boutique inn, spa, and restaurant located in the historic center of the oldest town on the Cape. Offers 48 guest rooms and suites in a historic building that has been in operation as lodging for 300 years.
AutoCamp Cape Cod, Falmouth |New to the Cape, AutoCamp is a luxury glamping facility with large canvas tents, Airstream suites, and modern private suites (like tiny homes). Plus, community areas like the central clubhouse and fire pits. Prices are the highest during peak summer months, starting at $339 a night.
Mid Cape
Lamb and Lion Inn, Barnstable Village | Nestled in historic Barnstable Village, the Lamb and Lion Inn has been declared the Best Mid-Cape Inn/B&B 12 times since 2008 by Cape Cod Life Magazine. On scenic Route 6A near beaches on Cape Cod Bay and quaint Barnstable Village Main Street.
Lighthouse Inn, Dennis | This establishment has been in operation for over 80 years, offering oceanfront rooms, cottages, and suites. Plus, a waterfront restaurant on their private beach. Close to Bass River for boating or kayaking, and lots of restaurants and shops along Route 28.
Lower Cape
Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, Harwich | Tucked into a small cove on Pleasant Bay, this 5-star luxury beach resort has 22 historic buildings on the property that house guest rooms, cottages, villas, and a private residence (vacation home rental). Guests have access to five critically acclaimed restaurants, the Cape Cod National Golf Club, tennis courts, boat charters and rentals, swimming and lap pools, and more.
Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club, Brewster | The Mansion, once home to the wealthy Nickerson family, is now the centerpiece of the resort. There are several restaurants on-site to choose from and activities including spa services, a private golf course, tennis courts, bike rentals, and more. One notable activity available at Ocean Edge is oyster farm tours in the Brewster Flats nearby to learn about the local shellfish industry.
Outer Cape
Breakwater Hotel, Provincetown | On Commercial Street and less than one mile from the center of town with views of Cape Cod Bay. Complimentary continental breakfast, dedicated outdoor seating for each room, and pet-friendly. Close to everything in Provincetown – shopping, dining, nightlife, nature, and recreation.
Four Points by Sheraton, Eastham | Centrally located between Provincetown and Hyannis, which makes exploring more of the Cape easy to do. Has an indoor and outdoor pool, but is just a short drive to beaches on Cape Cod Bay and in the Cape Cod National Seashore.
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