where is the best area to stay in cape cod?

Where is the best area to stay in Cape Cod?

By Brittany Collens. January 19, 2024

Cape Cod has long been known for its soft sandy beaches and lobster rolls. This popular tourist destination is a part of the beautiful state of Massachusetts. Travelers from all over the world come to this destination, but it is locals who insist their backyard is where they will be in the summer.

That’s because of the charming nature of Provincetown, which brings cobblestone streets lined with local shops and cafes. Or strolling through the breathtaking and world-renowned Chatham Bars inn to catch a glimpse of the many weddings they host year-round. Let’s not forget how easy it is to take a charter from Hyannis or Falmouth to the famous Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.

But, exploring the cape, there are so many more areas to stay and visit. South and West Yarmouth are quaint towns where you will find the locals. These are great options if you want to be close to Hyannis but not right in the middle. But if you want to be central to everything, then Eastham is where you’ll stay in a standard traditional chain. But the corporate hotel isn’t for everything, so you’ll find a nice Bed and Breakfast in the town of Orleans. Let’s exploreIf you are interested in where to stay in Cape Cod, you may also be interested in where to stay in Boston.

Best places to stay in Cape Cod

Provincetown

Provincetown, commonly referred to as P’Town, sits at the absolute end of the Cape. The trip to the end is worth it thanks to its beautiful beaches, the Truro Vineyards, and the Pilgrim Monument.

The White Porch Inn Art Hotel is the quintessential New England stay. If you are looking for panoramic views of the shoreline, this hotel has them. You’ll also enjoy walking The Breakers, which offers a stone pathway walk out to the popular Race Point Beach.

Head downtown for a cup of joe when you’re not making sandcastles. Kohi Coffee Company is a great choice from Commercial Street, where all the best shops and restaurants are. Don’t forget the amazing art galleries.

Accommodation in Provincetown

Hyannis

Hyannis is about as industrial as the Cape gets. This is where you can find the only mall on the Cape and a few national retailers. This is due to it being the entry point to the Cape. It’s worth checking out the Hyannis Harbor Hotel if you stay there.

Located right in the harbor, its convenience to restaurants is ideal. It also offers a generously sized pool for days where the beach seems like a lot of work to get to. Don’t forget to visit Tap City Grille or 19th Hole Tavern if you’re in need of a good New England pub.

If you are considering heading to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket, Hyannis is one of the perfect places to stay. It offers an affordable rate and allows guests to hop on the ferry. Hyannis also offers many beaches, including Ocean Avenue Beach, for those who don’t want to travel too far down the cape.

Accommodation in Hyannis

Falmouth

Falmouth is often confused with Hyannis due to its proximity to the entry point of the Cape. It’s also one of the other locations to catch a ferry to the sister islands. But Falmouth offers a unique stay that opened recently.

Autocamp is the new luxury glamping option that offers much more than a good night’s sleep. From unique rooms in converted buses to the beautiful main clubhouse, there is no shortage of architectural design. When you aren’t doing one of their activities, head straight to Gylly Beach for an afternoon of fun in the sun. It’s best known for its crystal clear turquoise waters.

One of the best activities in Falmouth is taking a beach cruiser bicycle along the national seashore pathway for a few miles. This offers beautiful views of both the ocean and greenery. After a long day of exercise, you can join the crew for smores under the stars.

Accommodation in Falmouth

Chatham

Chatham has always been the most well-known town in the Cape, thanks to starring in countless novels and movies. Chattam has a downtown filled with some of the best boutique shopping in Massachusetts. But the day can be spent happily wandering The Chatham Bars Inn.

This luxury resort has it all. From beachfront cabanas to beautiful tennis courts to get your exercise in. They have four onsite restaurants and bars that all offer waterfront dining. You’ll find upscale food at STARS and a more laid-back atmosphere at The Beach House.

One of the best parts is that there are several options for accommodations. Family cottages for rent are available or single rooms in the main lodge. Because of the notoriety this resort brings, booking well in advance is highly recommended, as summer months tend to go fast. Having said that, there is something majestic about visiting in the off-season. A cozy tea and spa day is never regretted.

Accommodation in Chatham

South Yarmouth

South Yarmouth is home to the locals and some of the more affordable and family-friendly stays. With the Cape Cod National Shoreline running through this local community, there are a few good stays with beach access that exist to consider.

One of these stays is The Ocean Club Smugglers Beach. This kid-friendly stay offers a spot right on the Atlantic Ocean. But golfers will rejoice knowing that the Black Rock Golf Course is less than just four miles away. It also features an indoor pool for those who aren’t feeling sandy. Aside from Bass River Beach, South Yarmouth is home to the Cape Cod Cultural Center, where you can learn about the history and art of the cape. This is a great family-friendly activity for rainy days when the beach is impossible.

Let’s not forget the Wicked Waves Water Park. This is a blast for kids and families. It’s part of the larger Inflatable Park, where kids can get their energy out in bouncy houses and other obstacle courses.

Accommodation in South Yarmouth

West Yarmouth

West Yarmouth is another great section of Yarmouth. Because of how big the area is relative to the cape and all the hotels, motels, and restaurants it offers, breaking it into sections makes sense. Don’t miss the Whydah Pirate Museum, which features all things 18th-century piracy. Kids particularly love this museum.

The Cove At Yarmouth offers a well-maintained, beautifully landscaped resort for your getaway. Part of the appeal that differs from some of the other stays is the two large tennis courts on the property for those who play. This is part of the larger recreation center to keep everyone busy with activities and even some arcade games to play. The hotel also has kitchenettes in all rooms, which is great for families that want to cook.

Colonial Acres Beach is a particular fan favorite for this area because of the free parking and plenty of space to spread out. Afterward head to Giardino’s Family Restaurant for a laid back evening bite.

Accommodation in West Yarmouth

Eastham

Eastham often feels like a town that is the connector to all things Cape. Aside from a few restaurants, nothing stands out about Eastham. But don’t sleep in this town because it is one of the most affordable and convenient places to stay.

The Four Points by Sheraton is a well-kept hotel that, from the outside, may be unassuming. But from the inside, you’ll see this is a unique landscape, with all of the hotel rooms having indoor balconies facing the center of the hotel and an indoor pool! When going out to eat, don’t sleep on the Lobster Shanty. This is a great spot to get the famous New England lobster roll.

Anyone who stays in Eastham should check out the Nauset Lighthouse, as it’s the number one attraction. It’s a classical nautical landmark that was restored in the early 1920s from the original 1877 tower. It’s on the National Registry of Historic Places and worth the visit!

Accommodation in Eastham

Orleans

Last but certainly not least on our list is Orleans. Orleans sits just before Eastham, making it a very central location from either end of the Cape. But what you get in Orleans is a quaint town full of local beauty.

The Parsonage Inn is a historic 250-year-old house that brings travelers from all over the world. This tiny B&B in fact, is owned by an English family that sought to settle close to Nauset Beach and Rock Harbor Beach. Both these sports are great for surfers. If you are looking for a homey feel, it does not get cozier than this.

Orleans is home to some of the best nature on the entire cape. Aside from stunning beaches, you’ll also find crystal-clear ponds such as Crystal Lake. Rock Harbor is also home to the best sunset viewing on the Cape. Locals also can’t say enough about La Bella Vita Italian spot that makes a great date spot.

Accommodation in Orleans