We’re blasting “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa” by Vampire Weekend and headed to Cape Cod this summer. You could fill an entire book with all the reasons to escape to the Cape. If the seaside cottages, picturesque lighthouses, and fresh seafood aren’t enough to entice you, this guide will convince you to book a trip to Cape Cod in the summertime.
On the Cape, you get the best of both worlds. You can relax on the beach and dose off to the sea breeze. Or, you can pack your itinerary with plenty of things to do from whale watching to railroad trail biking. The sweet spot is somewhere in between with relaxing beach days and adventures to discover lighthouses and seafood shacks.
Cape Cod is synonymous with old money, coastal grandmothers, and the Kennedys, making it feel out of reach. But, unlike the Hamptons and other upscale hotspots, the Cape welcomes any budget. Yes, the summer is more expensive than other months but the beach breeze and sunny days make spending a little extra worth it.
In this guide, we’ll cover the basics you need to know for planning your trip to Cape Cod.
The Cape
The map of Cape Cod looks like someone flexing their bicep to show off their muscles to you. If you drive far enough east, on the Cape you’ll eventually start heading north due to how the Cape is shaped. Cape Cod is divided into four sections: Upper, Mid, Lower, and Outer.
Upper Cape
- Sandwich
- Falmouth
- Mashpee
- Bourne
The Upper Cape is the gateway to Cape Cod. If you aren’t looking at a map, you might assume the “Upper” Cape is the furthest “up” the Cape. But, the Upper Cape is actually the first section you drive through when arriving on Cape Cod.
The Upper Cape has a more country-like feel to it with woodlands, marshes, and grasslands. It still has some beautiful beaches in Falmouth and Mashpee and you can find vacation rentals on lakes here. Woods Hole and Falmouth have ferry stops to Martha’s Vineyard, a popular island seven miles off the coast.
The Upper Cape is good for longer stays where you won’t be exploring as much since it’s further from many points of interest.
Mid Cape
- Barnstable
- Dennis
- Yarmouth
Mid Cape is where the action happens. The Kennedys famously own a compound by Keyes Memorial Beach in Hyannis, the most popular Mid Cape town.
Hyannis is bustling because it’s home to the Cape’s only airport. Hyannis is technically a part of Barnstable but the town of Barnstable encompasses a large area, making Hyannis the main attraction. Downtown Hyannis has plenty to explore with shops, restaurants, and even a small nightlife scene. In Hyannis Port, you can take a ferry to Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard or go on a whale watching tour.
Mid Cape is the best place to stay as a first-timer on Cape Cod. It’s a great launching point to drive anywhere on the Cape. It’s only about an hour drive from Provincetown on the tip of the Outer Cape.
Lower Cape
- Brewster
- Harwich
- Chatham
- Orleans
The Lower Cape is classy. It’s home to two charming towns: Chatham and Harwich Port. Both towns have picturesque main streets with plenty of restaurants, bars, and boutiques. They’re located in the southern part of the Lower Cape.
To the north are Brewster and Orleans, which are more quiet and laid back compared to their Lower Cape counterparts.
If you’re looking to splurge on your vacation, the Lower Cape is the place to do it. It has high-end accommodations with accessibility to Mid Cape and Outer Cape. If you find a deal on an Airbnb here, book it before it’s gone.
Outer Cape
- Eastham
- Wellfleet
- Provincetown
- Truro
The Outer Cape is the part of the Cape that turns northward. The allure of the Outer Cape is access to the Cape Cod National Seashore, which features 40 miles of protected beaches for you to explore. On the National Seashore, you’ll find the famous Nauset Light and popular beaches like Macaroni Beach and Race Point Beach. Because it belongs to the National Park Service. During the summer months, there is a fee to visit Cape Cod National Seashore beaches, but if you visit after 5 p.m. for the sunset, you might be able to avoid the fee.
In the Outer Cape, you’ll find plenty of seafood shacks and breathtaking beaches. The waves swell against the sandy cliffs making you want to just dive in. But, you need to be extra cautious on Outer Cape beaches because of the presence of great white sharks. If you see a seal in the water, do not go in because there will likely be a shark waiting nearby.
At the very tip of the Cape lies Provincetown, a party town popular among the LGBTQ+ community for its carefree attitude. Provincetown has historical significance for being the first place the pilgrims arrived in the new world but it’s a bit of a tourist trap. If you’re not coming to Provincetown to party, you’re better off exploring cafes and shops in less touristy towns in the Lower and Mid Cape.
The Outer Cape has a rustic, outdoorsy feel to it. It’s rough around the edges in a charming way from being battered by the salty air. Stay here for a pure Cape Cod experience to enjoy its natural beauty and laid-back attitude.
Martha’s Vineyard + Nantucket
You’ve probably heard of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. They are two exclusive islands off the coast of Cape Cod. Traveling to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket can quickly turn into a mission because you need to take a ferry to both destinations. Both islands can feel exclusive because of the high ferry prices and expensive accommodation. You can take a day trip to either island, but I don’t think visiting an island is an essential part of your Cape Cod vacation. There is plenty to explore on the “mainland” of the Cape.
Where To Stay
The best place to stay is Mid Cape, specifically Hyannis, because of its access to swimmable beaches, restaurants, and exciting excursions. Some people say Hyannis is too commercialized but its location gives you the perfect launching pad to explore the rest of the Cape. Plus, its prices are reasonable compared to the Lower Cape or Outer Cape.
Find a seaside cottage on Airbnb or VRBO to rent for the best prices by the beach. You want to be within walking distance from the beach to avoid paying parking fees at county beaches, which are typically $20 per car. Some vacation rentals offer beach passes with your stay, which would give you a free pass to the beach.
On the Cape, there are surprisingly a lot of listings on VRBO compared to other destinations so don’t limit your search to just Airbnb. There are also a bunch of old-school bed-and-breakfast type places that will rent an entire cottage to you. I got a last-minute Labor Day rental at the Sea Breeze Inn for a reasonable price right across from Keyes Memorial Beach.
Dennis and Yarmouth are quieter Mid Cape cities you can stay at if you’re looking for something more peaceful.
When To Go
High season in Cape Cod is Memorial Day to Labor Day. I typically recommend visiting destinations outside of high season but you can’t beat summer on the Cape. The weather is just right and you can enjoy the beach and more attractions.
If you don’t care for the beach, fall is also a good time to visit the Cape because of its mild weather. Be mindful that many businesses close their doors after high season, but excursions like whale watching and visiting lighthouses are available year-round.
How Long To Stay
So, how many days do you need for Cape Cod? The ideal time frame is an extra long weekend with three nights and four full days. If you’re pressed for time, you can get away with seeing the Cape in two nights. The longer you stay, the more you can relax, enjoy good food, and lie on the beach.
I do not recommend visiting Cape Cod as a day trip from Boston. It isn’t enough time to see anything and you’ll be stuck in the car most of the time. (Can you tell I’ve made that mistake before?)
Getting Around
You need a car to explore the Cape. You should approach your Cape Cod vacation like a mini road trip going from town to town.
Cape Cod is only about a 1.5-hour drive from Boston and a 4- to 5-hour drive from New York City. If you’re arriving to the northeast via plane, fly into Boston Logan International Airport and rent a car.
Traffic on the Cape can feel inevitable because there’s only one main road but you can avoid it by driving to and from the Cape early in the morning or late at night. Arrive in the Cape before 10 a.m. or late at night and leave after 6 p.m. on Sundays (or Mondays if it’s a long weekend).
Some locals get around their seaside towns on bikes. There’s a rail trail for bikes that goes from Yarmouth in Mid Cape to Eastham in Outer Cape spanning 25 miles. Some Airbnbs provide bikes as a bonus, so if you’re in between two Airbnbs, pick the one with the bikes.
There you have it. Now you have all the helpful info you need to start planning your summer vacation on Cape Cod. If you have any questions, comment below and I’ll do my best to answer them.
Happy planning!
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