Mid Cape Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Mid Cape? Our comprehensive travel guide covers everything you need to know from places to visit to food and drink scene, cultural customs, safety, transportation, and nearby destinations to plan your perfect trip to Mid Cape.


Introduction to Mid Cape

Mid Cape is a picturesque area located in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA. Home to charming towns, beautiful beaches, and a wide range of outdoor activities, Mid Cape is a perfect getaway for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

List of Places to Visit in Mid Cape

No trip to Mid Cape is complete without exploring the following attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Cape Cod Museum of Art: Featuring a collection of regional artwork from Cape Cod and beyond, this museum is a must-visit for art lovers.
  • Edward Gorey House: Known as the “gorey-est place on Earth,” this museum is dedicated to the life and works of famous illustrator and writer Edward Gorey.
  • John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum: This museum offers an insight into the life and legacy of President Kennedy, his family, and their connection to Cape Cod.

Natural Attractions of Mid Cape: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Sandy Neck Beach: One of the most stunning beaches in Cape Cod, offering ample opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, walking, and birdwatching.
  • Cape Cod Rail Trail: An 11 mile-long trail for hiking and biking through Mid Cape’s scenic routes, starting from Wellfleet to Dennis.
  • Nickerson State Park: An ideal spot for camping, hiking, and fishing in Cape Cod, featuring eight ponds, hiking trails, and a campground.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mid Cape

Mid Cape has a wealth of hiking and biking routes to explore, depending on your skill level and interests.

  • Shining Sea Bikeway: This 10-mile route takes you through the peaceful Cape Cod Salt Pond and the Buzzards Bay shoreline.
  • Cape Cod Canal Bikeway: With a distance of 7 miles, this route is perfect for leisurely biking and stunning views of the canal and the surrounding woods.

Best Things to Do in Mid Cape: Activities and Tours

  • Cape Cod Lavender Farm: A perfect stop to enjoy the mesmerizing views, take a tour, sample lavender products, learn about lavender distillation, etc.
  • Olde Cape Cod Trolley Tours: This guided tour allows you to explore the Cape Cod region in style, offering a chance to see the area’s highlights and hidden gems.

Week-Long Itinerary for Mid Cape

Day 1: Visit the Cape Cod Museum of Art followed by a sunset cruise on a catamaran. Day 2: Go to the beach, play beach volleyball, build sandcastles, go for a swim, and have a picnic at Sandy Neck Beach. Day 3: Explore the Edward Gorey House and then proceed to visit the nearby Nickerson State Park for a hike. Day 4: Rent a bike and go for a leisurely ride along the Cape Cod Canal Bikeway and then have a picnic at the trail’s endpoint. Day 5: Visit the Cape Cod Lavender Farm and the nearby cranberry bogs for an insight into Cape Cod’s agriculture. Day 6: Take the Olde Cape Cod Trolley Tours to discover the Cape Cod’s history and culture and end with a sunset dinner cruise. Day 7: Spend your last day visiting the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum and then go for a bike ride along the Shining Sea Bikeway.

Food and Drink Scene of Mid Cape

Mid Cape offers a range of culinary delights that should not be missed:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Clam Chowder: Creamy, chunky soup made with fresh clams and vegetables, best enjoyed with oyster crackers and crusty bread.
  • Lobster Rolls: A New England classic, a buttery, toasted roll full of chunks of fresh lobster meat, mixed with a little mayo and celery, and seasoned with salt and pepper.
  • Cape Cod Oysters: A local delicacy, fresh and flavorful oysters served with a dash of lemon and hot sauce.

Local Beverages

  • Cape Cod Beer: Handcrafted beer using local ingredients, offering year-round and seasonal beers available for tasting and packaging.
  • Cape Cod Winery: Specializing in unique grape varietals grown on Cape Cod, offering wines that balance aroma, flavor, and acidity.
  • Nauset Coffee: A coffee roasting company that prioritizes Arabica beans, offering unique flavors from all over the world, one sip of which will transport you to a different continent.

Where to Stay in Mid Cape: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Mid Cape offers a variety of accommodations ranging from luxury to budget-friendly options:

  • Chatham Bars Inn: A picturesque hotel that offers a luxurious retreat.
  • The Treehouse Lodge: A vintage-style boutique hotel providing ensconce of charm amidst plenty of amenities.
  • Hostelling International Cape Cod: An affordable yet comfortable option for budget-conscious travelers.

What to Buy in Mid Cape: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Nauset Surf Shop: Offers clothing, gifts, and beach gear featuring local artists’ designs and Cape Cod themes.
  • Cape Cod Lavender Farm: Sells lavender-based skincare products, sachets, candles, and more, offering a unique souvenir to bring home.
  • Cape Abilities Farm: A farm stand where you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, and handmade products and gifts

Local Culture and Customs of Mid Cape

Mid Cape is known for its laid-back and friendly culture. The people here represent a cultural fusion of the descendants of English farmers, Portuguese seamen, and Native Americans. When visiting Mid Cape, it is important to respect the culture of the locals, protect the natural resources, and follow the local customs.

Best Time to Visit Mid Cape

Mid Cape can be enjoyed all year round, but it is best to visit:

  • In the fall, to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage, local harvest festivals, and events.
  • In the spring, for the beautiful blooming flowers and outdoor activities.
  • In the summer, to enjoy the beach, water sports, and outdoor events.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mid Cape

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs
  • Take care of natural resources
  • Try the local cuisine, especially seafood.

Don’t:

  • Litter or harm the natural resources
  • Overcrowd public places or disturb the peace
  • Be rude or disrespectful to the locals

Safety and Health

Safety in Mid Cape

Mid Cape is generally safe for travelers, but it is always best to take precautions. Ensure to follow safety rules at beaches, hiking and biking trails. Avoid secluded places at night and secure your belongings.

Health in Mid Cape

Mid Cape faces no significant health hazards, but carry bug spray, sunscreen, and a first aid kit while engaging in outdoor activities. Also, carry a mask and follow covid-19 safety norms for public places.

Getting to Mid Cape: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Mid Cape

  • Boston Logan International Airport (BOS): 70 miles to the northwest.
  • Barnstable Municipal Airport (HYA): The Hyannis airport is only 2 miles from the town center and offers flights to New York, Boston, and the islands.

Bus Stations Near Mid Cape

  • Plymouth & Brockton Bus Co: Provides bus service from hyannis to Boston, Brockton, and Providence.
  • Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority: Provides bus services across Cape Cod.

How to Get Around in Mid Cape

The best way to get around Mid Cape is by car or bike, although public buses operated by Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority make several stops at various locations.

Where to Go Next from Mid Cape: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Martha’s Vineyard: A beautiful island that can be reached via a short ferry ride from the town of Falmouth, known for its peaceful beaches, great seafood, and stunning lighthouses.
  • Nantucket Island: A quiet island famous for its beaches and fishing heritage, accessible by ferry or plane from Hyannis.
  • Boston: The historical city is located 70 miles northwest of Mid Cape, known for its beautiful architecture, world-class museums, and famous events.

Conclusion

Mid Cape offers all the elements of a perfect getaway- a beautiful coastline, rich history and culture, outdoor activities, and a range of culinary delights. Follow this comprehensive travel guide to plan your perfect Mid Cape vacation and make unforgettable memories!



    Centerville
    Hyannis
    Osterville
    Yarmouth