With quaint villages, bustling harbors and gorgeous beaches, it is easy to see why Cape Cod’s largest town is such a popular destination for tourists and locals.
Enjoy the best of New England’s seaside charms in Barnstable, Massachusetts. Comprised of seven charming villages, it’s the largest town on Cape Cod. Barnstable is a great home base for experiencing Cape Cod and the islands beyond.
Founded in 1639, Barnstable is the second-oldest town in Barnstable County. As you walk through its small villages, filled with family-run shops and historic seaside cottages, it feels like you have stepped back in time.
Start your visit in Barnstable’s commercial district, HyannisOpens in a new window. Browse through antique shops and galleries along Main Street or go shopping at the sprawling Cape Cod Mall.
If you walk to the end of Main Street, you can’t miss the historic Weeping Beech. Legend has it that this massive tree was gifted to Barnstable in 1776 by the British government to encourage the town’s loyalty to the Crown. It still presides over the town today.
John F. Kennedy and his family famously summered on Cape Cod. Learn about the life and legacy of America’s 35th President at the John F. Kennedy Hyannis MuseumOpens in a new window.
Take the ferry from Lewis Harbor. This is the gateway to explore Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. Filled with quaint shingled houses and narrow brick lanes, these islands make for a picture-perfect getaway.
West BarnstableOpens in a new window and Barnstable Village make up the north part of town. Watch the boats come in and out of Barnstable Village’s harbor or relax at one of its many small beaches. If you want to travel by train, West Barnstable is home to Cape Cod’s only operating train station.
Head south towards Centerville, Marston Mills and Osterville. These villages are mainly residential but feature quiet beaches and charming downtown areas. Enjoy beautiful views across the Nantucket Beach from Dowses Beach in Osterville.
Relax in the sleepy village of Cotuit, located on a peninsula on Barnstable’s southern tip. Sample the famous flavor of Cotuit Oyster Company. Their oysters' distinctive briny taste has delighted diners for over a century.
Barnstable is easy to reach by car, train, bus, boat or plane. It is an extremely popular tourist destination during summer months, so expect traffic and crowds.
