Mid Cape

Barnstable/Hyannis
Barnstable was established in 1639, making it the second-oldest town in the area. Barnstable is comprised of seven different villages - Centerville, Osterville, Cotuit, Marstons Mills, Hyannis, Barnstable Village, and West Barnstable. Each village has its own distinct flavor. The largest village is Hyannis, really a small city unto itself. Near Hyannis is Hyannisport, famous for its connection to the Kennedy family. West Barnstable and Barnstable Village on Route 6A and Osterville and Cotuit on Nantucket Sound are the least spoiled areas. Hyannis is by far the busiest municipality on the Cape. Parts of Hyannis are quite charming. Main Street has a certain old-fashioned city-center feel to it and the port is quite active and colorful.

Osterville and Centerville
In this village, part of the town of Barnstable, nineteenth-century seaside houses dot the landscape. Sailboats glide over the water of Nantucket Sound. The water catches the light from the sun and glitters while sea grass moves gently with the wind. Nearby a pleasant downtown area offers an array of boutiques, gift shops, and restaurants. In the village of Centerville, you'll be delighted by the sea captain homes that line quiet tree-shaded streets. The popular Craigville Beach, known for its long stretch of protected ocean beach on Nantucket Sound, is located here. Take a moment to catch the panoramic view at Shoot Flying Hill Road, the highest point of land on the Cape.

Yarmouth
The Indian name for Yarmouth is Mattachesse, meaning the "planting lands." Settled in 1639 by farmers from the Plymouth Bay Company, Yarmouth Port was incorporated in 1829. Three villages -- West Yarmouth, Yarmouthport, and South Yarmouth -- make up the town of Yarmouth, each with its own particular personality. To see the best and most authentic faces of Yarmouth, turn off Route 6 and Route 28 and hop onto the secondary, named roads. For people who love sun and sand, Yarmouth has 15 of Cape Cod’s finest fresh and saltwater beaches. The town also offers four golf courses, 14 tennis courts, and many hiking and conservation trails. In Yarmouth Port, visitors can find country inns and quaint bed & breakfasts, antique and craft shops on historic Route 6A. The Southside along Route 28 offers summertime resort fun, shopping, and amusements. Nightlife brings moonlight walks on beautiful beaches, candlelit dinners, and dancing to live music.

Dennis
Dennis extends from Nantucket Sound to Cape Cod Bay. The northern portions of Dennis, following the Old King's Highway, offer visitors the chance to explore a town relatively untouched by the 20th century. At the height of the whaling days, more than 300 sea captains lived in Dennis. Here you will find many sea captain homes transformed into museums and inns. A thriving cranberry industry began in Dennis in the early 1800s and continues to be part of the Dennis experience. Outdoor opportunities include several conservation areas and nature trails. The Cape Cod Rail Trail (one of the Cape's most popular bike paths) originates in Dennis, extending 20 miles east to Eastham.

The towns of the Upper Cape

The towns of the Lower Cape