Need a charming seaside escape on Cape Cod? Head to Barnstable! Stroll historic villages, relax on scenic beaches, and explore vibrant harbors. Whether you're seeking coastal adventures, fresh seafood, or colonial history, Barnstable offers the perfect mix of laid-back beach life and rich New England heritage.
Barnstable, MA Highlights:
- Hyannis Harbor: Watch boats sail in and out, dine on the waterfront, or take a ferry to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket.
- Sandy Neck Beach: Relax on a sprawling beach with dunes, trails, and scenic 4x4 driving areas.
- John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum: Learn about JFK’s connection to Cape Cod through photographs, exhibits, and multimedia displays.
- Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary: Explore salt marshes, forests, and meadows teeming with wildlife and beautiful views.
- Barnstable Village: Stroll a historic village filled with charming shops, cafés, and historic sites like the Old Jail and Courthouse Complex.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Barnstable is during the late spring through early fall (May–October). Summer offers perfect beach weather and bustling events, while early fall provides warm days, fewer crowds, and colorful scenery.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Barnstable is located along U.S. Route 6 (Mid-Cape Highway), about 1.5 hours southeast of Boston.
- By Ferry: Ferries to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard depart from nearby Hyannis Harbor.
- By Air: Barnstable Municipal Airport (HYA) offers regional flights, primarily connecting through Boston and New York.
Where to Stay
- Anchor In Distinctive Waterfront Lodging – Waterfront hotel in Hyannis offering scenic views and easy harbor access.
- Hyannis Harbor Hotel – Modern, family-friendly hotel steps from the ferry terminals and downtown attractions.
- Beechwood Inn – Historic bed-and-breakfast near Barnstable Village offering cozy rooms and classic Cape Cod charm.
Best Things to Do
⮕ Dive Into American Folk Art and Coastal Creativity at the Cahoon Museum
Founded in 1984 by Cotuit art collector Rosemary Rapp, Cahoon Museum of American Art organizes annual changing exhibitions, artist's talks and workshops, tours, and various family activities. The beautiful Georgian building that hosts the museum is an integral part of the museum.
It was built between 1775 and 1782 by Cotuit resident Zenas Crocker. Artists Ralph and Martha Cahoon purchased the house in 1945 for a residence and studio.
Many of the rooms are used to display their paintings, furniture and antiques. The museum's collection of art includes work by Ralph Cahoon and Martha Cahoon, 19th century paintings by Ralph Blakelock and William Bradford, 20th century paintings by Margaret Patterson and Daisy Hughes and many contemporary artists.
Address: Cahoon Museum of American Art, 4676 Falmouth Rd, Rte. 28, near Rte. 130, Barnstable, MA 02635-2521, Phone: 508-428-7581
⮕ Explore Maritime Bravery and History at the Coast Guard Heritage Museum
The Coast Guard Heritage Museum is a non-profit organization that has a goal to educate public about the legacy of the U.S. Coast Guard and its 18th Century predecessors. They have protected the country shores and harbors, rescued numerous seamen from the dangerous waters of New England and salvaged millions of dollars’ worth of cargo.
The Coast Guard Heritage Museum is located in the old Customs House in Barnstable Village on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. It was built in 1855 to be used as a custom house and post office. Since 1913 until 1958 it continued to house the post office and other offices until it was converted into a museum in 1960.
Address: Coast Guard Heritage Museum, 3353 Main St, Barnstable, MA 02630, Phone: 508-362-8521
⮕ If Rare Books and Colonial Charm Inspire You, Visit the Sturgis Library
The Sturgis Library in Barnstable, Massachusetts is the oldest structure in the country that houses a public library. The original building, one of the oldest in Cape Cod, was constructed in 1644 as a home for Rev. John Lothropp, the founder of Barnstable. Reverend Lothrop used the front room of the house for public worship.
This room, now called "The Lothrop Room," has a beamed ceiling and pumpkin-colored wide-board floors, characteristic of authentic Cape Cod houses of the period. The library was organized in 1863 and has operated continuously since. In 1863, William Sturgis, a direct descendant of Reverend Lothrop, willed his former home and $15,000 in bonds, to be used as a village library. The library opened in 1867 with 1,300 books, many of which came from Sturgis’ family private library. Since then, the library collections have grown to over 65,000 volumes, with a number of special collections.
Address: Sturgis Library, 3090 Main St, Barnstable, MA 02630, Phone: 508-362-6636
⮕ Step Into Centuries of Faith and Beauty at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
The first service of St. Mary's Episcopal Church was held on July 5, 1891, in a little weather-stained house of prayer with twenty-five people, three years after the incorporation in September 1888. The Church, however, was not consecrated until 1893 and most services were held in the summer only, with the clergy from Boston.
St. Mary’s church has grown from its humble beginnings to its present complex that includes church, parish hall, gardens, educational building and rectory. The church was built in early rural English style, on land given in memory of Mary Kearney Cobb, according to the design of W.R. Emerson of Boston,.
Address: St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 3055 Main St, Barnstable, MA 02630, Phone: 508-362-3977
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
⮕ Unlock Stories of Crime and Punishment at Barnstable Old Gaol
Barnstable Old Gaol is the oldest wooden jail in the country. A historic colonial jail in Barnstable, Massachusetts was built in 1690 by order of the Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay Colony courts. It was used as the Barnstable County jail until 1820, when a new stone jail was built.
The structure could hold only up to six prisoners. It was attached to a barn and it was abandoned and not discovered until 1968 when it was separated from the barn and moved to the grounds of the Coast Guard Heritage Museum in Barnstable Village. The building is part of the Old King's Highway Historic District and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Address: Barnstable Old Gaol, 3353 Main St 6A, Barnstable, MA 02630-1262
⮕ Stand Where History Was Made at the Barnstable County Courthouse
The Barnstable County Courthouse is an historic courthouse in Barnstable, Massachusetts. Built in 1831, the two-story Greek Revival building designed by architect Alexander Parris. It is constructed mostly of Quincy granite, with front portico and four fluted Doric columns made of wood looking like stone.
Between 1879 and 1971, the building has been expanded five times, every time following its original styling. Its main courtroom retained its original Federal styling. The Barnstable Superior Court occupies the building. The courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is included in the Old King's Highway Historic District.
Address: Barnstable County Courthouse, 3195 Main St, Barnstable, MA 02630, Phone: 508-375-6778
Where to Eat
- Black Cat Tavern – Waterfront favorite for lobster rolls, chowder, and fresh seafood near Hyannis Harbor.
- Alberto’s Ristorante – Elegant Italian dining in downtown Hyannis, perfect for a romantic evening.
- Bistrot de Soleil – Cozy French-American bistro with a creative seasonal menu and a neighborhood feel.
- Spanky's Clam Shack and Seaside Saloon – Casual seafood shack steps from the ferry docks, great for fried clams and lobster.
If you are interested in local events:
- Hyannis Harbor Artist Shanties (May–October) – Stroll colorful artist studios along the harbor showcasing local crafts and artwork.
- Father’s Day Car Show (June) – See hundreds of vintage cars lining Main Street in Hyannis at this beloved annual tradition.
- Love Local Fest (Seasonal) – Celebrate Cape Cod artisans, food trucks, and live music at this popular waterfront event.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Barnstable, Massachusetts:
- Chatham (30 min) – Explore this charming seaside town with iconic lighthouses, beaches, and boutique shopping.
- Sandwich (20–25 min) – Visit the oldest town on Cape Cod for museums, historic mills, and nature trails.
- Yarmouth (10–15 min) – Family-friendly beaches, mini golf, and scenic boardwalks await just a short drive away.
- Dennis (20 min) – Relax at bayside beaches, visit the Cape Cod Museum of Art, or grab an ice cream cone.
- Osterville (10–15 min) – Stroll a charming village with upscale shops, cozy cafés, and nearby beaches.
- Craigville Beach (10–15 min) – Popular, wide beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and people-watching.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
Where is Barnstable located?
- Barnstable is a town in Massachusetts and the county seat of Barnstable County, the largest community on Cape Cod.
-
What natural attractions are near Barnstable?
- North of Barnstable are the dunes of Sandy Neck along Barnstable Harbor, with the Sandy Neck Light on one end.
-
Where do most people live in Barnstable?
- Most people live along the beaches of Centreville and Hyannis Harbors.
-
What historical attractions can be found in Barnstable?
- The Coast Guard Heritage Museum is located in the old Customs House.
-
What is a popular beach in Barnstable?
- Craigville Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the area.
Plan Your Trip