You can drive to scenic Cape Cod using either the Sagamore Bridge on US-6 E or the Bourne Bridge on MA-28 S. Both bridges cross the Cape Cod Canal, which was constructed in 1916. The canal separates the entire Cape Cod peninsula from the mainland, technically making the area an island. There are no tolls on either bridge crossing, so it’s easy and free to travel by road to the Cape from Boston or any other destination in Massachusetts.
Cape Cod is a geographic cape and popular tourist destination located in the easternmost part of Massachusetts, USA. It extends into the Atlantic Ocean and is a prominent feature of the Massachusetts coastline. The cape is roughly crescent-shaped and curves to the southeast.
Cape Cod is connected to the mainland by the Sagamore Bridge and the Bourne Bridge. Cape Cod Bay borders it to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Nantucket Sound to the south, and Buzzards Bay to the west.
As one of the East Coast’s most popular and iconic destinations, Cape Cod is well served by transport links across land, sea, and air. Whether you’re traveling locally or from out of state, you won’t find it difficult to reach Cape Cod with its unique charms. The following are all the different ways you can travel to the peninsula.
You can drive to Cape Cod by taking Route 6 across the Sagamore Bridge or Route 28 across the Bourne Bridge. Bourne Bridge tends to be the quieter crossing as most traffic from Boston uses the Sagamore Bridge. Travelers from Boston typically travel along the Pilgrim Highway before switching to The Grand Army of the Republic Highway, which runs across the Sagamore Bridge and onto Cape Cod.
As well as driving your vehicles or hiring a vehicle, you can also travel to Cape Cod by bus. Peter Pan Bus Lines is a local service that offers daily services between Logan Airport and South Station in Boston to locations across Cape Cod, including Hyannis, Falmouth, and Provincetown. The bus also connects with the various ports that offer ferry services to nearby Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.
In addition to traveling by road, you can also travel to Cape Cod by train. The CapeFLYER train service travels between Memorial Day and Labor Day during the summer. The passenger train runs on weekends only from South Station to Hyannis and back. There are weekly return trips on Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays. The journey takes 2 hours and 40 minutes, and it’s a great, relaxing way to travel to the Cape.
Cape Cod’s long coastline, good transportation links, and surrounding islands make it a regional hub for ferry traffic. You can travel to and from Cape Cod by several different ferries from various locations. Ferries provide a scenic way to reach the Cape, especially if you’re coming from the nearby islands.
Some of the most popular ferry routes to Cape Cod include:
Cape Cod has an airport known as Cape Cod Gateway Airport (formerly Barnstable Municipal Airport). The airport is in Hyannis, making it a convenient option for domestic visitors who want to fly to or from Cape Cod.
Cape Cod Gateway Airport offers both commercial and private aviation services. The commercial terminal offers flights with Cape Air and JetBlue. These flights connect Cape Cod with local attractions such as the islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. Flights are also offered to the nearby major cities of Boston and New York. It’s a smaller regional airport, but it provides a convenient way for visitors to access Cape Cod without driving long distances.
If you’re looking to travel to Cape Cod from afar, you should use the international airports in Boston and New York. Both have good connections to other countries in North America, Europe, and South America. You can easily connect to Cape Cod from either airport on land, by ferry, or by flying to Cape Cod Gateway Airport.
Cape Cod offers a wide range of different activities and attractions for visitors, hence the peninsula’s broad appeal. The following are some of the best things to see and do on a visit to Cape Cod.
Cape Cod has a diverse range of beaches, ranging from the tranquil shores of Sandy Neck to the iconic Cape Cod National Seashore. For families, there are the warm waters of Craigville Beach, while surfers flock to Nauset Beach for its waves. So whether it’s sunbathing, beachcombing, swimming, surfing, or simply enjoying spectacular views, Cape Cod’s beaches cater to all.
Cape Cod National Seashore is a pristine coastal haven encompassing 40 miles of unspoiled shoreline, dunes, marshes, and woodlands. Protected and maintained by the National Park Service, this natural gem stretches across multiple Cape Cod towns. Many outdoor activities are available, such as hiking, biking, beachcombing, and birdwatching. You can also explore historic lighthouses, scenic trails, and unique landscapes.
Cape Cod is great for whale watching, especially from April to October. Tour boats depart from various towns across the peninsula, such as Provincetown and Hyannis. These tours offer the chance to see majestic humpback, fin, and minke whales, as well as dolphins and seals. The Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is a prime whale-watching destination just off the Cape’s coast. Its nutrient-rich waters attract whales and a diverse range of marine species.
Cape Cod is also well known for its historic sights. The Pilgrim Monument in Provincetown is one such sight and commemorates the Mayflower’s arrival. Elsewhere on the Cape, Sandwich showcases its status as the oldest town, while Hyannis houses the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum.
Cape Cod’s best towns offer some real character and charm. Provincetown at the peninsula’s far end delights visitors with its artsy spirit and iconic Pilgrim Monument. The town of Chatham exudes classic New England style with lighthouses and quaint streets. Hyannis, the largest town, buzzes with shops and JFK memories. Each of these towns contributes to Cape Cod’s unique appeal and character.
Cape Cod is renowned for its exceptional seafood offerings, thanks to its coastal location and rich maritime heritage. From fresh catch to classic New England dishes, the region boasts a wide range of seafood options that cater to various tastes. Lobsters, clams, oysters, scallops, and fish are staples of Cape Cod’s seafood scene, often prepared with a focus on quality and traditional flavors. Visitors can enjoy everything from casual seafood shacks serving fried favorites to upscale restaurants offering creative seafood delicacies.
The Cape Cod Rail Trail is a popular hiking and bike trail on Cape Cod. It follows the route of a former railroad line, providing a scenic and accessible way for visitors to explore the Cape’s natural beauty. Stretching approximately 25 miles through various towns and landscapes, the trail offers coastal views, woodlands, ponds, and quaint villages.
The best time to visit Cape Cod is during either of the shoulder seasons in May and June or September and October. Visiting at these times has a number of benefits, including good weather, lower visitor numbers, and cheaper accommodation. In addition to these benefits, you’ll also get to enjoy the blooming landscape in the late spring/early summer and the fall colors in autumn.
While the Cape is a year-round destination, most visitors tend to come during the summer months. This is the best season in terms of weather and making the most of the area’s beaches, however, it’s also the busiest and most expensive. Congestion on the roads, crowds at major sights, and less choice of accommodation can put a dampener on a visit in summer. However, a shoulder season visit helps mitigate these issues without excessively compromising on the weather.
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