First time in Cape Cod

Question

My husband and I are planning a trip to Cape Cod middle of June and Looking for a nice hotel in the center of it all including ferries to Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket. Also shopping and restaurants. Is Falmouth a good town to stay in for all of this. Would, also, like to visit Provincetown.

Answer

Falmouth is an excellent choice for a base when visiting Cape Cod, especially for first-time visitors. It's centrally located with convenient access to ferries to Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, making it ideal for day trips. Falmouth also offers a charming mix of shopping, dining, and access to beautiful beaches. However, there are a few other towns you might want to consider depending on your preferences. Here’s a breakdown:

Falmouth: This town is perfect if you want proximity to the ferry terminals. Falmouth has the Steamship Authority terminal that offers ferries to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. It also has a variety of shopping and dining options, especially along Main Street, where you’ll find boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes. The town is more laid-back compared to some of the other Cape Cod destinations, but you’ll have easy access to all the major attractions.

Pros: Close to ferry terminals, vibrant downtown area with shopping and restaurants, easy access to beaches.
Cons: It's a bit quieter compared to places like Hyannis or Provincetown, but this can also be a plus if you're looking for a more relaxed experience.

Hyannis: If you’re looking for a busier town with more shopping and nightlife, Hyannis might be a better choice. It’s the commercial center of Cape Cod and offers plenty of accommodations, shops, and restaurants. The ferries to both Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket depart from Hyannis as well, so it’s another great option if you want to be close to the ferries. It’s a bit more bustling compared to Falmouth, with more tourist traffic, but it does have a lot to offer.

Pros: More shopping, dining, and nightlife; central location for ferries to the islands; more tourist amenities.
Cons: Can be crowded during peak season, more commercialized than quieter towns like Falmouth.

Provincetown: Provincetown is a must-see if you want to explore the outer Cape. It’s a lively, artsy town known for its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and iconic landmarks like the Pilgrim Monument. It’s a bit farther out from the central Cape, so staying in Provincetown itself might be a little less convenient for ferry access to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket. However, it’s a fantastic day trip, and the drive there is scenic. If you want to experience the unique charm of Provincetown, it’s definitely worth visiting.

Pros: Beautiful beaches, art galleries, vibrant culture, great seafood, stunning scenic views.
Cons: It’s farther from the ferry terminals, so it would require a longer drive to get back to the islands.

Other Options: If you're willing to drive a little further, towns like Chatham and Wellfleet are also wonderful for a Cape Cod getaway, but they are more secluded and might be less convenient for ferry access or shopping compared to Falmouth and Hyannis.

Recommendation: If you want a good balance of ferry access, dining, shopping, and a charming atmosphere, Falmouth is definitely a great option for your base. It offers a mix of relaxation and convenience, and you’ll have no problem visiting both Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket while also enjoying the local shops and restaurants. For a full experience, you can also plan a day trip to Provincetown to explore the outer Cape.

First time in Cape Cod

More Cape Cod Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions