The city of Barnstable is the largest community on Cape Cod in both population and land area. Barnstable contains seven villages, the largest of which is Hyannis. Barnstable won the All-American City Award in 2007. Barnstable is approximately 70 miles southeast of Boston.
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Arts & Entertainment
Home to 7 unique villages, Barnstable offers exceptional arts and entertainment for the whole family. Find more about the art and entertainment offered in Barnstable here.
Barnstable Comedy Club
Despite the name, the Barnstable Comedy Club is the oldest running community theater on Cape Cod. They Produce four main shows per season, consisting of one musical and three plays. They also host several other special events including acting and directing workshops, staged readings, and the Annual Barnstable Village Stroll.
Coast Guard Heritage Museum
Located in the historic old Customs House, the Coast Guard Heritage Museum is open May through October. The museum features items and information covering the history of the Coast Guard and its predecessor, the Revenue Cutter Service.
Cahoon Museum of American Art
Recently renovated and expanded, the Cahoon Museum of American Art is home to New England art spanning from the early 19th century to contemporary time with a special focus on regional and local art.
Cape Cod Maritime Museum
The Cape Cod Maritime Museum is the first museum solely dedicated to Cape Cod's rich maritime culture. Not only do they preserve artifacts, they also promote the continuation of the sailing tradition through hands-on exhibits and educational programs.
Cape Conservatory
The Cape Conservatory has been bringing music, dance, and more to Cape Cod for over half a century. From classes for children all the way to adults, whether you are looking to participate or be an audience member, there is something for everyone. They put on many performances and recitals throughout the year.
Dining
Eclectic Cafe
Located on Main Street in Hyannis, and open June - October Thursday - Saturday, this cozy spot is truly unforgettable. Offering outside patio seating and indoor seating the atmosphere is mesmerizing. The menu features options ranging from mouthwatering Cape Cod seafood to choice cuts of meat. Come in and see for yourself what makes the Eclectic Cafe so unique.
Tumi
A mix of Italian and Peruvian, Tumi serves up traditional delicacies with a modern twist. On their menu, you will find world famous Peruvian ceviche, grilled steaks, and homemade pasta as well as signature cocktails made with Pisco, a Peruvian spirit. Come in and see what keeps locals coming back for more.
Naked Oyster Bistro & Raw Bar
If you're looking for a French Bistro, Naked Oyster Bistro and Raw Bar is the perfect place for you. Embracing classic French techniques, fresh Cape Cod seafood, and a comfortable atmosphere it's no wonder why Naked Oyster Bistro has become one of Barnstable's hottest restaurants.
Beaches
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Craigville Beach
Craigville Beach Road
Centerville, MA 02632
Long and wide, Craigville Beach offers clean sand, lots of parking, umbrella and chair rentals, and close proximity to restaurants. Craigville is probably Barnstable's most popular beach and is a favorite among teens and college students. It is equipped with bathrooms and showers and has a lifeguard on duty until Labor Day.
Hathaway's Pond
Phinney's Lane
Barnstable, MA 02630
This freshwater beach is peaceful with nice views and calm water. Hathaway's offers picnic tables, restrooms, a playground, grills, and a lifeguard until mid-August.
Kalmus
670 Ocean Street
Hyannis, MA 02601
Kalmus beach is considered to have some of the best windsurfing on the Cape. A beach house at the end of this very long beach provides showers, restrooms, and a snack bar. There is plenty of parking and lifeguards on duty until Labor Day. One-half of the beach is designated for windsurfing and the other for swimming.
Sandy Neck
Sandy Neck Road
West Barnstable, MA 02668
At 6 miles long, this pebbly beach is the area's longest beach. It also permits camping and fires after dark. You can pick up off-road vehicle permits at the Sandy Neck Gatehouse 8am-9pm and take your off-road vehicle on one of the several trails available. Showers, restrooms, and lifeguards until Labor Day are on the premises.
Sea Street
175 Ocean Avenue
Hyannis, MA 02601
This small, family-friendly beach has soft, clean sand and a snack bar serving up favorites like burgers, grilled cheese, PB&Js, and more. You will also find picnic tables and barbecue grills. Keep in mind there are large stairs that lead from the parking lot to the beach.
Veterans Beach
480 Ocean Street
Hyannis, MA 02601
Offering fantastic views of Lewis Bay, Veterans Beach is popular for picnics and cookouts. In the park area, you will find the John F. Kennedy Memorial and the War Memorial. Amenities include a playground, showers, restrooms, lifeguards on duty, barbecue grills, park benches, and a snack bar.
RESIDENT ONLY BEACHES
These beaches require a beach permit and are for town residents only.
Covell Beach
Craigville Beach Road
Centerville, MA 02632
The resident only, sister beach to Craigville Beach, is a popular beach with plenty of room. You will almost always see people playing volleyball in the light sand. Showers, restrooms, snack bar, and lifeguards are on site.
Dowses
348 East Bay Road
Osterville, MA 02655
This small, two-sided beach has a dock and rock area at the end of the parking lot and fishing is permitted. This large peninsula beach offers a gorgeous view.
Eugenia Fortes (East)
Iyanough Ave off Marstons Ave
Hyannisport, MA 02467
Eugenia Fortes beach, formally known as East Beach, is a small beach with limited parking and a small dock. This is the perfect place if you're looking to get away from the crowds as it is hidden among a quaint residential neighborhood.
Hamblin's Pond
401 Route 149
Marston Mills, MA 02655
Despite its name, Hamblin's Pond is a saltwater beach. This quiet beach is great for kids as it has a shallow roped off swimming area. There are bathroom facilities and plenty of parking. Please keep in mind there are no lifeguards.
Joshua Pond
Tower Hill Road
Osterville, MA 02655
Joshua Pond is a family-friendly, freshwater beach with a roped swimming area. Lifeguards are on duty until mid-August. You will also find a playground and bathroom facilities.
Long Beach
Long Beach Road
Centerville, MA / Barnstable, MA
Long Beach is a huge beach located on both sides of a long peninsula. Follow the boardwalk from the end of Long Beach Road to its three-way split where it leads to three separate beach areas. There is plenty of room on this beach, keeping it from getting overly crowded. Long Beach is also popular amongst families with children. There are no restrooms and parking is limited.
Loop Beach
Ocean View Avenue
Cotuit, MA 02635
Loop Beach offers a good amount of room, great views, calm water, and a roped-off swim area. You will find lifeguards on duty as well as showers and restrooms. Parking is limited.
Lovell's Pond
Santuit-Newton Road
Cotuit, MA 02635
This freshwater, quiet beach is the perfect place for a peaceful afternoon. There are small bathrooms located near the parking lot.
Millway Beach
Phinney's Lane
Barnstable, MA 02630
Millway Beach is a long, narrow beach that becomes even more narrow during high tide. Lifeguards are on duty until mid-August and restrooms are available on the premises.
Wequaquet Beach
Shootflying Hill Road
Centerville, MA 02632
This shady, pebbly beach offers a great family environment. There is a roped off swim area and a boat launch. The calm waters make the beach a favorite among kayakers, canoers, and beginner swimmers. There is also a small boardwalk, lifeguards until mid-August, a picnic area, and restrooms.
Schools
Barnstable has the largest enrollment of all the public schools on Cape Cod. The school system includes 6 elementary schools, the Barnstable Intermediate School, and Barnstable High School. Sports are a large part of the school district's culture. Barnstable has played Falmouth in football on Thanksgiving Day practically every year since 1895, making it one of the longest-standing high school rivalries in history.
In addition to their many public schools, Barnstable is also home to several private schools. There are 5 Christian schools, several non-denominational schools including the Cape Cod Academy, and Sturgis Charter School for high school students.
Barnstable is also home to a two-year junior college, Cape Cod Community College, that is affiliated with Suffolk University in Boston.
Transportation
The CapeFlyer Passenger Rail service runs on weekends Memorial Day to Columbus Day from Hyannis to/from Boston with multiple stops along the way.
The Cape Cod Central Railroad operates seasonal tourist excursions from Hyannis to Sandwich and Sagamore, with some scheduled weekend stops at the West Barnstable depot.
There are two airports in Barnstable. The Barnstable Municipal Airport is primarily used for travel to/from the islands to the Cape. The Cape Cod Airfield is a small airfield that is primarily used for private travel.
Hyannis is also home to several ferry lines that travel to Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.