Cape Cod Getaway and Hotel Guide

Cape Cod. For some, the name alone conjures up images of quaint cottages, wind-blown sand dunes and beautiful people riding horses on barren beaches. For others, Cape Cod is a playground for the rich (think Kennedy family).

And still others are reminded of summers spent sunning, shopping and Cape-hopping from one village or town to the next.

It’s no wonder why the pilgrims set up camp in Cape Cod back in 1620. The Cape, widely celebrated for its heritage and charm, is all of the above - and more.

Cape Cod is comprised of 15 towns or villages in three main regions (Upper Cape, Mid-Cape and Lower Cape), all of which have molded and maintained their own characteristics over time. Of the 15, eight are accustomed to and dependent upon tourism, including Falmouth, Barnstable (which houses Hyannis), Yarmouth, Chatham, Orleans, Eastham, Wellfleet and Provincetown. These areas will be the focus of this hotel guide. And, keep in mind that although Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket aren’t geographically part of Cape Cod, tourists flock to these regions via year-round ferries from Woods Hole and Hyannis.

Of the eight regions listed above, Falmouth is located in the Upper Cape, Barnstable, Yarmouth and Chatham are situated Mid-Cape, and Orleans, Eastham, Wellfleet and Provincetown can be found at the tip top of the peninsula (ironically referred to as the Lower Cape).

Since Cape Cod is only 70 miles long, each town is within easy access of all the others - either along Route 6 or Route 28. Keep in mind that driving can be a nuisance in the summer months since much of Route 6 is a two-lane highway. However, travelers coming from Boston will find they can reach the Lower Cape in roughly three hours.

Most travelers to Cape Cod fall into the leisure category. Long known as a vacation spot, the Cape summons thousands of visitors each year, including high-level executives who’ve gone on to make the Cape their year-round homes in an effort to buck the system and escape big-city living. You won’t see too many business travelers frequenting the Cape (unless, of course, they’re in the hospitality or restaurant industries). And, since Hyannis is the commercial hub of Cape Cod, it’s likely that business travelers will be hanging their hats in this region.

Cape Cod has long been an area of research for marine biologists and oceanographers. Many scientists visit Woods Hole and Falmouth to conduct research or set up ongoing colonies. Falmouth, the second-largest town on the Cape, also attracts young, solo travelers (more specifically to Woods Hole) because of its main drag, which is lined with trendy restaurants, shops and nightlife venues. In addition, Woods Hole serves as the year-round launch pad for ferries to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.

Families vacationing in Cape Cod generally swarm the following regions: Barnstable (especially Craigville), Yarmouth, which boasts a row of family-style hotels and motels, and Orleans, best known for Nauset Beach.

Roughly 200,000 residents inhabit Cape Cod year-round. It’s no secret that this part of the country is dead in the winter, and most permanent residents who work (many are retired) thrive on the region’s summer season.

As for visiting, the Cape is at its tourist peak from mid-May to mid-September, when seasonal transients pack up their SUVs and head South. You can bank on the traffic being horrible this time of year, and prices are at their highest, but if it’s summer action you seek, this is the time to come.

The Cape is at its best - visually - in the fall. Mostly mild days abound, but the water is still luke-warm enough to swim. This is the picture-perfect time of year - leaves of every color, sailboats as far as the eye can see. Hotels generally drop their rates in the fall, although more and more travelers are starting to sneak in each year.

Don’t expect to visit Cape Cod on a shoestring budget. Although some deals can be had, the area can definitely pack a punch to your wallet. Keep an eye out for moderately priced restaurants and hotels. If you are planning to visit the Cape, and you don’t want to take out a second mortgage on the house, it might be best to refer to an area guide before you go. This way, you’ll know ahead of time where you can save money.

And, another travel tip. If you’re flying into Boston, you might consider taking the ferry over to Cape Cod - especially during peak travel season. It’s true that having a car is ideal, specifically for those who plan to visit several areas of the Cape, but driving from Boston can sometimes be a nightmare.

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