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Cape Cod, Massachusetts

City Guide

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Features of this Destination

Although Cape Cod is known as a summer paradise, increasingly people are visiting during the "off" season to enjoy its peace and tranquility. The sea is an integral part of everything Cape Codders do, and celebrations take place throughout the year. There are only two bridges to access the Cape, which sets the tone for a holiday on the Cape. Vacationers, from the outset, have the opportunity to slow down and go with the local pace. The fresh salty air, quaint villages, picturesque harbors, unspoiled woods and marshes make it easy to unwind.

The Cape is divided into three regions: Upper Cape (Bourne, Sandwich, Falmouth, Mashpee), Mid-Cape (Barnstable, Yarmouth, Dennis) and Lower Cape (Brewster, Harwich, Chatham, Orleans, Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro and Provincetown). All of the 15 Cape towns are part of the County of Barnstable, established in 1685, making it one of the nation's oldest counties. It contains more lighthouses than any other county in America.

In the past, generations relied on whaling, fishing, shipbuilding, salt-making and cranberry cultivation. Today, tourism is the top industry. During the summer tourist season, the Cape's population of 200,000 more than triples in size. For example, the Town of Dennis, with a year-round population of 14,000, swells to 60,000 in the summer.

The climate is interesting and varied on Cape Cod. One side of the Cape may be enjoying a gorgeous sunny day, while only a half-hour away the clouds have rolled in over the beach. Overall, the temperature on the Cape is moderate in all seasons.

You can choose to arrive in Cape Cod by car, bus, boat or plane. Each method offers the visitor a wonderful first impression. Once you've arrived, the most convenient way to get around is by car but be prepared for bridge crossing delays and weekend traffic during the summer. Take the moment to enjoy the sights!

There are plenty of activities on the Cape for the entire family to enjoy. This beautiful setting for sailing, hiking, golfing, biking and, of course, beach activities, will provide endless hours of recreation for everyone. The strong maritime heritage and historical charm of the Cape create an ambiance of delight and relaxation that will bring you back year after year.
Area Attractions

Upper Cape:

Cape Cod Glass Works 845 Sandwich Rd, Sagamore, MA 508-888-9262 Watching the artisans creating glass is sure to entertain the entire family. Open daily 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Yesteryear's Doll Museum Main and River, Sandwich, MA 508-888-1711 The museum has a collection of dolls, doll houses and toys from around the world. Open from mid-May to mid-October

Nobska Light Nobska Rd, Woods Hole, MA This lighthouse was erected in 1876 and provides spectacular view of Vineyard Sound.

Dexter Grist Mill and Hoxie House Town Hall Square, Sandwich, MA 508-888-4910 Authentic mid-17th century mill built to grind corn. Take the tour of the mill and then see how the pilgrims really lived - no electricity, plumbing and heat. Ah, the simple life. Open daily the summer

Heritage Plantation Grove and Pine Streets, Sandwich, MA (508) 888-3300 76 acres of beautifully maintained grounds feature an antique car collection, a military museum, a folk art museum and a 1912 restored carousel. Open May through mid-October

Mid Cape:

Water Safari Waterfront Park Rt. 28, West Dennis 508-362-555 Take a river cruise down the Bass River, Grand Cove and Weir Creek on a custom built flat bottom boat. You'll see all types of wildlife, beautiful waterfront estates, lighthouses and windmills. Group rates available. Call for more information.

Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises Barnstable Harbor 800-287-0374 The 110-foot vessel seats about 300 people and cruises at 35 mph. Travel across Cape Cod Bay to the Stellwagen Bank area. Naturalists provide the commentary. Whales usually spotted within an hour upon departure.

Eventide 165 Ocean St Dock, Hyannis, MA 508-775-0222 This Cape Cod catboat travels daily out of the Hyannis Harbor. Choose either the harbor cruise, starlight cruise or nature cruise. View the Kennedy compound and local lighthouses.

Cape Cod Scenic Railroad 252 Main Street, Hyannis, MA 508-771-3788 For those who love trains and wish to see the less frequented areas of the Cape, come aboard. Narrated tour.

John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum 397 Main Street, Hyannis, MA 508-790-3077 Children free This museum focuses on the years JFK spend on Cape Cod. Photos and a narrated video are some of the features.

Lower Cape:

Cape Cod Museum of Natural History Rt 6A, Brewster, MA 800-479-3867 The museum offers four-hour bird-watching trips to North Monomoy Island. The museum also offers overnight cruises to the island. Guest sleep in the Keeper's Cottage attached to an 1820 lighthouse. Other excursions available so call for more information.

Outermost Harbor Marine 83 Seagull Rd, Chatham 508-945-2030 Seal cruises and shuttles to South Beach.

Schooner Hindu MacMillan Wharf, Provincetown, MA 508-487-0659 A replica of the seaworthy schooners that sailed during the 19th and 20th century, the Hindu offers four two-hour sails a day during the summer.

Cape Cod Flying Circus Chatham Municipal Airport 204 George Ryder Rd, Chatham 508-945-2363 Take a 20-minute flight that includes loops, rolls and acrobatics. Or take a more sedate trip sightseeing along the coastline.

Rambling Rose Carriage Company Commercial Street at Town Hall, Provincetown, MA 508-487-6584 Enjoy a horse and buggy ride through the quaint town of Provincetown.