Cape Cod is approx. a 90 minute drive from Boston (possibly a little shorter in the Spring or Fall, and possibly longer in the Summer – due to traffic.) When doing a visual – take out the traffic and it’s like going back in time to a simpler time of days at the beach, drive in movies, ice cream and mini golf.
Where to stay?
Good question – this totally depends on what type of vacation that you are looking for. If you’re looking for entertainment, good access to the ferries and a bit of small town charm – Hyannis and/or West Yarmouth are good choices (but this is also where you will find the Cape Cod mall, the large hotel chains and even a Chic-Fil-A). If you’re looking for fabulous beaches and more of a quiet and relaxed vibe, there are several different options like Chatham, Eastham or Harwich.
Transportation
If you are looking to explore the Cape, you will definitely need a car, and actually unless you are planning to park yourself in one spot for your entire stay – you will need a car, it is very spread out. Hyannis is where you will find the island ferries to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. It is also very close to Barnstable airport if you are flying directly in, as well as where you will find the Hyannis Transportation Centre (the bus station and train station).
If you really want to avoid renting a car, or you’re thinking of making the Cape a side trip to your Boston vacation, there are ways to do it. There is a train called the Cape Flyer that runs from South Station, Memorial Day to Labour Day on the weekends for a approx. $40 roundtrip. There is also the option of taking the bus.
Hyannis
If Cape Cod had a capital, this would be it. Hyannis is the most urban area of the Cape and is also the main hub for transportation. This area is also well known as the location of the Kennedy Compound ( a group of 3 of the Kennedy’s homes on 6 acres of waterfront property). President Kennedy and family spent many summers here, and some of the family lives here year round.
But more than the mall and hotel and restaurant chains, there also lies charming downtown and harbour front areas with cute little shops and restaurants.
The John F Kennedy Hyannis Museum offers a look at the former president’s connection with & love of Cape Cod
We just couldn’t resist a short tour of the factory that makes one of our favourite snacks, plus it was free!
Provincetown (aka “P” Town)
What a place! The best way to describe this New England beach town located right at the very tip of the Cape is fun and colourful. Definitely something for everyone here, and when I say everyone… I mean everyone. This is a very popular destination for the LGBT community. It’s very “artsy” and just a lot of fun to visit, and walk around.
So many great restaurants to choose from, but one of my all time faves is the Lobster Pot.
One unique little shop, restaurant or gallery after another. There’s just a great vibe/energy in the street, and lots of fabulous street performers too. Baby Bug didn’t want to leave.
Provincetown also has gorgeous beaches and is a great place to catch a boat to go whale watching.
P.S. it is also in “P Town” that you will find the “dunes of the Cape” – if you like Pina Coladas…
