Cape Cod suggestions?

Question

My bf and I are going to Cape Cod 2 weeks from now (if it doesn't rain that day). Our bus will drop us off in Hyannis. We have from 9am-8pm to explore and then our bus will take us home that night. We will have no transportation once in Hyannis, only walking... any suggestions?

Answer 1

Well red letter day here...I agree with Hank! There is an easy commuter rail train to Rockport and it is a more condensed and charming New England town than Hyannis IMHO. Another lovely less popular choice would be to take the train to Manchester by the Sea. Although much smaller, it has a charming center of town, and it's a 1/4 mile walk to one of the best beaches around. It's one of only a couple in the world that make a "singing" noise when you shuffle on the sands. Very clean, charming...and lovely to walk even if it's not warm enough to lie out.

If you really want to go to the Cape, have you consided taking the boat from Boston to Provincetown? I just suggested this yesterday. It makes for such a fun day. You leave at 9 am from Rowe's Wharf (I think) in Boston, It's a 3 hour trip down, which is lovely. You can go up to the top deck and lay in the sun (bring a towel!), grab a seat or go below where there is a dixieland band. Then you have 3 hours in PTown which is much more condensed than Hyannis. You can easily walk the waterfront, go in town, have a lovely lunch and peoplewatch at an outdoor cafe, or/or just poke around that amusing town. Then 3 hours back on the boat to Boston. And it is pretty cheap too.

So if you are able to, you might want to consider one of those 2 options. I am not going to make any Hyannis recommendations because I haven't been to that part of the Cape in years, so it wouldn't be current. But it is more widespread and aside from the Kennedy compound (which is a bunch of houses with a flagpole lol), it is mostly touristy shops and restaurants.

Hope you have a great day whatever you do....and hope it's a nice warm spring day! They say it's going to be warming up--hope "they" are right!

Answer 2

Downtown Hyannis is a little more than a mile from the beach.
Check out the net and try to find a place where you can reserve bikes. You can see the shops in Hyannis (those that are not still closed for the season) in a couple of hours.

The area around Hyannis is heavily developed. Don't expect to see much of the charming, rustic Cape of the lyrics of the Olde Cape Cod song.

As an alternative, have you thought about taking the train to Rockport on Cape Ann instead of the bus to Hyannis on Cape Cod? Much more attractive in my judgement.

Answer 3

You should take a bus out to the Outer Cape. It is more beautiful out there than in Hyannis. You have the beach literally RIGHT there. The CC Bay and the CC National Seashore. There is so much to see and do, especially in places like Wellfleet and Provincetown.

I only go to Hyannis for the mall..lol.

Answer 4

Downtown Hyannis has some shops, and restaurants worth checking out. Keep in mind, in only two weeks time many will still be closed for the season. You can explore the shore line, which is a short walk from the downtown area where the bus should leave you, but it would obviously be too cold for any actual time of the beach.

Answer 5

There is that much to see in Hyannis.

You can go to the seashore, which is the most beautiful part of the city, especially in the Hyannisport area or Craigville Beach.
But I'd recommend to take a bus either to Chatham, P'town or Falmouth because Hyannis is the less beautiful city on the Cape.

Answer 6

The downtown area in Hyannis does have a number of shops and boutiques. Once you wander that area, you can head down to the beach. It isn't too far a walk from downtown Hyannis. There's some local transportation once you're down there - check out their site:
http://www.capecodtransit.org/

You could get to Woods Hole in Falmouth or Yarmouth.

There are some fun places for lunch and dinner in Hyannis - check out the Roadhouse Cafe or the Roo Bar.

Answer 7

Right there in Hyannis are several shops of antiquity and sights to see such as the Kennedy Perpetual Flame Memorial and Garden. That is open and costs nothing. New England is noted for its "pubs" and I am sure you and your boyfriend would enjoy a pub atmosphere above that of an average restaurant. If you are under age you can still dine in a pub.

For a major event, you may want to take the ferry across to Martha's Vineyard. BE SURE TO CHECK FERRY SCHEDULES for returning in time to catch your bus. At the bus terminal you will find needed information for a bus or taxi to the ferry ramp as well as information regarding tourism interests.

As an alternative to the ferry you will find dinner boat tours but they can be very costly for a two or four hour trip.

If you and your boyfriend enjoy fishing you will find bait houses on the wharfs that rent poles by the hour and ocean fishing requires no license to buy. You can fish off the wharfs or from the shores. However, the wharfs are best. If not wanting to rent a pole then bring along a ball of string of a hundred feet length and just tie it to a stick found on the shore or wherever. You will have to buy a large hook and bait tho. Be sure the string is at least 40 pound strength.

Most shops have souveniers but so much comes from China, it sort of takes from the nostlagia of momments shared. Look for something of origin. Starving artist sales are common in that area and you might find a very small carryon painting for practically nothing, as one suggestion.

It will still be chilly during the day there but wearing a sweater with a light jacket will be fine

Be sure to bring extra film, or batteries if using a digital camera.

I do hope this is helpful and your memory is lifelong with romance.

Answer 8

Cape Cod is beautiful, just a tad cold this time of year. I have been to the Hyannis twice when I was visiting. Provincetown is a nice place to check out, but requires additional transportation. U can always just head to the coast and explore up and down the coastline. I find its better to explore on your own than to stick to a trip syllabus.

Answer 9

I love Provincetown, if you're looking to go out and party a bit. The crowd is always awesome and there is always stuff going on. For a more relaxed getaway, I'd stay in Dennis Port. I was there about a month ago and stayed at the Pelham House Resort (I think). It was very nice and it is very convenient to other spots on the Cape you may want to hit. Very good dining (Clancy's, Kreme n Kone), as well.

Answer 10

See 10best:
http://www.10best.com/Hyannis/index.html

Have a great day together wherever you decide to go!