If you’re looking for that perfect mix of small-town feel and great ocean views, head to Dennis, Cape Cod! Since my in-laws had a house in the area, I got to know Cape Cod well. Trust me, Dennis has everything you’d want in a classic Cape Cod getaway. There are the beaches, of course. Scenic bike trails to up your fitness. At the end of the day, re-fuel on local seafood with a sunset view! Let me show you why Dennis should be on your radar.
Dennis, MA Highlights:
- For Beach Lovers: Lounge on Mayflower Beach, discover tidal flats, and savor spectacular sunsets there.
- For History Buffs: Explore the Cape Cod Museum of Art
- For Outdoor Adventurers: Paddle or bike around the Bass River area
- For Families: Catch a show at Cape Playhouse, America’s oldest professional summer theater.
Best Time to Visit Dennis, MA
The best time to visit Dennis is from late spring through early fall (May to September). I also LOVE going in the off, season. Especially the weeks before Thanksgiving when you have the beaches all to yourself!
Where to Stay in Dennis, MA
- Sesuit Harbor House is near beaches and Sesuit Harbor Café.
- Kingfisher Lodging has easy access to Route 6A.
How to Get to Dennis, MA
- If you are traveling by car: Take US-6 (Mid-Cape Highway). The drive to Dennis took me 1.5 hours from Boston.
- By Bus: Plymouth & Brockton Street Railway Co. offers regular service from Boston to Hyannis. From there, catch a taxi or ride-share to access to Dennis.
- By Plane: Fly into Barnstable Municipal Airport (Hyannis) and rent a car for the 20-minute drive to Dennis. Or fly to Boston and rent a car.
Best Things to Do in Dennis, MA
1. Admire Local Creativity at the Cape Cod Museum of Art
Rating: ★★★★★
The Cape Cod Museum of Art was founded in 1981 with the intent to preserve the artwork related to Cape Cod, either by subject matter or the artist. Today, the Museum of Art is a year-round facility with several climate controlled galleries, a museum shop, storage for the permanent collection, and an adjacent education center that offers workshops and classes. Works from the permanent collection are displayed year round on a rotating basis, and often complement the temporary exhibits. Influential Cape Cod artists and teachers featured in the collection include Henry Hensche, Hans Hofmann and Charles Hawthorne. The latter founded the Cape School of Art in 1899.
60 Hope Lane, Dennis, MA 02638, Phone: 508-385-4477
2. Relax With a Good Book at West Dennis Free Public Library
The West Dennis Free Public Library has been serving the community since 1920. While it has grown considerably since its beginnings in a private home, it still occupies the same building it’s been in since 1924. The privately funded library relies on membership and donations from residents to maintain its collection and facility. The library hosts the collection of the Dennis Historical Society, and has worked to upload much of this collection to an online database. Programs and events run year-round, including art exhibits, book talks by local authors, lectures by local academics, and children’s reading programs.
260 Main St. (Rt. 28), Dennis, MA 02638, Phone: 508-398-2050
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
3. Pick Fresh Flavors at Hokum Rock Blueberry Farm
Each July and August you can pick your own blueberries at the Hokum Rock Blueberry Farm. Containers and trays are provided with a small flat fee. The family owned farm was founded in 1973 by the current proprietor, Stephen Spear, and his parents who purchased the property in the 1940’s. In the 1980’s the farm narrowed its focus to blueberries, which remains the core crop today. In 2018, Spear and his wife Janice Riley published a book titled “Out in Blue Fields: A Year at Hokum Rock Blueberry Farm.” The book has received numerous accolades including the Northeast Region’s Best Nonfiction Book award, and the Graphic Design USA best book design award.
1215 MA-134, East Dennis, MA 02641, Phone: 508-385-2768
4. Serve Up Fun at Mashantum Tennis Club
The small, family-friendly Mashantum Tennis Club offers four red clay tennis courts and one hard court nestled in the woods in Dennis, Massachusetts. They have weekly memberships if you are on vacation for a short time. The club offers members of all ages both competitive and recreational play, and provides lessons for both kids and adults. The tennis club was founded in 1946 by local resident Tom Dingman whose vision included providing tennis lessons for the children of Dennis. Dingman built the original courts himself, and the club’s headquarters still reside in the small shack built in 1955. A pro-shop on site provides new Wilson demo raquets for use, stringing services and tennis balls. Non-members may pay a walk-on fee to use the tennis courts, provided space is available.
11 Forehand Dr, Dennis, MA 02638, Phone: 508-385-7043
5. If You Love Live Performances, Catch a Show at Eventide Theater Company
Cape Cod’s Eventide Theater Company is located in Dennis. The company produces three of their own main stage shows each year, and hosts annual playwriting and songwriting competitions. The Eventide mission is to support area actors, playwrights and songwriters through exciting and thought-provoking performances for all ages. Past performances by the non-profit theater company have included Gilbert and Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore and the 1930’s comedy She Loves Me. To Kill A Mockingbird will take the main stage in November 2019.
713 Main ST., Route 6A, Dennis, MA 02638, Phone: 508-398-8588
Where to Eat:
6. Savor Classic Cape Cod Fare at Wee Packet
The Wee Packet has been serving New England breakfasts, lunches and dinners to Cape Cod visitors since 1949. Begin the day with a traditional Irish Breakfast, enjoy a famous lobster roll with homemade cole slaw, try a New England clambake, or enjoy fresh local seafood for dinner. An updated bar makes cocktails and includes a list of fine wines and robust beers. Wee Packet offers both indoor and outdoor patio dining, and an adjacent gift shop in a refurbished 200-year old barn. The name refers to a small version of the “packet” ships, which were used in the 19th century to import and export goods between Boston, Cape Cod and the nearby islands.
79 Depot St., Dennis Port, MA 02639, Phone: 508-394-6595
7. Enjoy Timeless Seafood Favorites at The Ebb Tide Restaurant
The Ebb Tide Restaurant offers fine dining and traditional Cape Cod dishes in an old sea captain’s home across from the beach in Dennis Port. The family-owned restaurant has been open since 1960, while the lounge was added in 1975, and the Garden Room in 1984. The restaurant offers classic dinners such as filet mignon, seafood fettuccine, and prime rib alongside fresh caught local fish such as broiled schrod, Atlantic salmon and lobster dishes. Three course dinners are available nightly and include either clam chowder or lobster bisque followed by your choice of entre and homemade dessert.
94 Chase Ave, Dennis Port, MA 02639, Phone: 508-398-8733
8. Grab a Slice and Chill at Joey’s Pizzeria
Joey’s Pizzeria is located in what was originally a gingerbread house in the 1950’s. In the year’s before it became a pizza shop, it has sold candy, ice cream, baked goods, and once operated as a bicycle rental shop. Today, the shop is home to Joey’s Pizza and is styled to reflect the décor of a classic 1950’s diner. The Italian thin-crust pizza is hand-tossed and made to order. In addition to pizza, Joey’s offers salads, subs, wings, smoothies, fried dough and beer, wine and cocktails. Paines Creek Oysters are brought in daily from Brewster, a Cape Cod tradition, served fresh or steamed.
197 Lower County Rd, Dennis Port, MA 02639, Phone: 508-398-7437
9. Sip and Stroll Through Local Art at Harvest Gallery Wine Bar
The Harvest Gallery Wine Bar is a unique establishment combining owner Michael Pearson,s love of wine and art. Located next door to the Cape Cod Contemporary Art Museum in Dennis Village, the intimate gallery in a small blue house features the work of over 30 local sculptors, painters and photographers. Art is shown on a rotating basis. The wine bar includes wines from around the world among craft cocktails, beers, and a full food menu. Menu items range from local seafood, to pizzas, items to share, salads and homemade desserts. Live entertainment takes place Wednesday through Sunday during the summer season.
776 Main Street, Route 6A, Dennis, MA 02638, Phone: 508-385-2444
If you are a photographer, don't miss:
10. If You Crave Sun and Sand, Unwind at Mayflower Beach
If you find yourself on Dennis’ Dunes Road, you just HAVE TO stop by Mayflower Beach
I remember how peaceful it felt walking along the tidal flats at low tide
If you love sunrise or sunset views like I do, you’ll want to have your camera ready!
You’ll notice the beach is wide and spacious. Spread out for a relaxed picnic, and you’ll feel right at home.
If you want to turn your beach day into a longer stay, I’d recommend looking into one of the nearby rentals.
I found a cozy beach home that made my experience in Dennis even better.
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