Where To Stay in Cape Cod → Best Hotels and Apartments

Welcome to Cape Cod, Massachusetts! This beautiful peninsula in the Nantucket Sound of the Atlantic Ocean is a dream place for beach lovers, surfers, sailors, foodies, and culture buffs.

Apart from its beautiful landscapes, Cape Cod is known for its beautiful summer houses, historic inns, and cultural attractions. It also has an important place in the history of America as it is the place where the Pilgrim Fathers – the first colony in New England landed. This means you will have a chance to learn about American history and be able to see buildings that date back to the 17th century here!

In this blog post on where to stay in Cape Cod, I will talk about the best areas to stay in and give you all the info about the things you can do in each. That way you can easily choose the one that best suits your taste. Especially in the summer times, Cape Cod hotels can be very busy so once you have picked your hotel make sure to book it in advance!

Now we have a lot to discover, so let’s get started!

If you are in a hurry

Here are the best places to stay in Cape Cod with accommodation ranging from luxury to budget. They all have great reviews and great locations!

Here is a map of Cape Cod with all the 4 areas I will be talking about in this blog post, so you can easily visualize them:

1. Provincetown – where to stay in Cape Cod for the first time

Provincetown is located on the northernmost tip of Cape Cod in Outer Cape and is the place where you will find a bit of everything from cultural attractions to art galleries, nightlife, and beautiful beaches. That’s why Provincetown is definitely my answer for where to stay in Cape Cod for the first time!

Start your day by heading to Commercial Street to check out the cool art galleries, shops, and cafes. Then go to the Provincetown Historic District and marvel at the beautiful houses and harbor views. All that walking got you needing a relaxing spot? Don’t worry, there are plenty of sandy beaches where you can get a suntan and chill out. You see, there is something for everyone in Provincetown!

Of course, there are also great accommodation options in Provincetown. I have already handpicked the best ones for you, now you just have to be quick and make a reservation in advance if you don’t wanna lose them! Since you are in Massachusetts if you want to add another charming city to your travel itinerary, check out the best places to stay in Boston.

Now, let’s have a look at the best hotels in Provincetown.

Other accommodation options in Provincetown

Things to do in Provincetown

• Spend time on Herring Cove Beach and Race Point Beach
• Visit the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum
• Go to the Race Point Lighthouse and check out the stunning views
• Check out the art galleries and shops on Commercial Street
• Take a tour at the Province Lands Bike Trail
• Visit the Provincetown Art Association and Museum
• Have dinner and drinks at Liz’s Cafe Anybody’s Bar
• Check out the beautiful houses at the Provincetown Historic District

2. Mid Cape (Barnstable, Yarmouth & Hyannis) – best for families

The Mid Cape area is located 40 miles (60 km) southwestern of Provincetown and has a great ferry connection to other areas thanks to Barnstable Harbor. In Mid Cape you will find 3 neighboring towns, Barnstable, Yarmouth, and Hyannis which all offer a lot of family-friendly activities and hotels.

If you are looking for family adventures in Mid Town you can go fishing, sailing, and enjoy long-stretch sandy beaches. Looking for a family restaurant? There are so many nice clam shacks where you can have mouthwatering seafood and you will also find popular shopping malls with fun attractions and event venues. What else do you need?

Mid Cape towns offer a great selection of accommodations that are perfect for families and I picked the best of the best ones for you that have a great location. Do not forget to make a reservation in advance to not miss them. Here we go!

Other accommodation options in Mid Cape

Things to do in Mid Cape

• Spend some time at the beautiful Kalmus Beach and Bass River Beach
• Check out the shops at Mashpee Commons and Cape Cod Mall
• Join a whale watching boat tour
• Visit the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum
• Take a day trip to the Upper Cape area for the Shining Sea Bikeway
• Visit the Cape Cod Maritime Museum
• Go for a sunset walk at the Lewis Bay
• Take the Island Queen Ferry for a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard

3. Lower Cape (Dennis, Harwich & Chatham) – where to stay for water sports

Lower Cape includes the towns of Dennis, Harwich, and Chatham and is located on the east of the Mid Cape. I recommend this area for beach bums and for those who are into sailing, fishing, and surfing as you will find stunning beaches that allow so many activities.

Once you arrive at Lower Cape you will be amazed at the scenery of sandy beaches, cute buildings, and picturesque view of the lighthouses. Lower Cape is famous for being the best kitesurfing and windsurfing spot as well as for its fancy beach clubs.

Yes, this area is also attractive for luxury travelers as you will be able to see many golf courses as well as upscale restaurants and shops. How does that sound?

Let’s have a look at the best places to stay in Lower Cape.

Other accommodation options in Lower Cape

Things to do in Lower Cape

• Try kitesurfing or windsurfing at Mayflower Beach
• Visit the Chatham Railroad Museum 
• Marvel the artworks at the Cape Cod Museum of Art
• Take a golf lesson at Cranberry Valley Golf Course
• Have a glass of wine at First Crush Winery
• Have some fresh seafood at Chatham Pier Fish Market
• See the picturesque Chatham Lighthouse
• Chill on the sandy beaches, Ridgevale Beach, West Dennis Beach, and Red River Beach

4. Outer Cape (Eastham, Wellfleet & Truro) – to relax

If you head north of Lower Cape you will reach Outer Cape which is a great place to stay for beach bums, nature lovers, and those who want to have a chilled holiday. Provincetown (my first area) is located right at the top of Outer Cape but if you prefer to stay somewhere a little quieter, Outer Cape has 3 more towns which are Eastham, Wellfleet, and Truro.

All of these places offer exceptional hiking trails and spectacular beaches but by staying here, you won’t be only enjoying stunning landscapes but also have the chance to visit art galleries, great fish restaurants, and local pubs. I have to say that Outer Cape has some of the best clam shacks such as Arnold’s Lobster and Lobster’s Shanty, so get ready for a feast!

If you are keen on outdoor adventures, chilling on the beautiful beaches, and having a relaxed holiday here are the best hotels I carefully picked for you.

Other accommodation options in Outer Cape

Things to do in Outer Cape

• Chill on the Coast Guard Beach and Nauset Beach
• Hike the Red Maple Swamp Trail and Atlantic Cedar Swamp Trail
• Have delicious seafood at the Friendly Fisherman or Lobster’s Shanty
• Go for a walk at Nickerson State Park
• Visit the Frying Pan Gallery and The Left Bank Gallery
• Explore the Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
• See the Nauset Lighthouse
• Taste drinks at South Hollow Spirits

BONUS: The best holiday rentals in Martha’s Vineyard

Martha’s Vineyard is an island in Cape Cod that is famous for its beautiful historic inns, summer houses, and beautiful beaches. Martha’s Vineyard is definitely worth a day trip but especially in the summertime but I also recommend you to stay here for a few days to enjoy the amazing scenery. You can easily access Martha’s Vineyard by taking the Island Queen Ferry from Hyannis.

There aren’t many hotels here so the preferred type of accommodation is holiday houses. So, here are the best holiday rentals in Martha’s Vineyard in descending price order.

Luxury (US$1000 and up)
Most Chic Spot – If you are looking for a luxurious vacation rental to stay in Martha’s Vineyard, this house is what you are looking for. This beautiful house has 4 spacious bedrooms with modern amenities, a large kitchen, and 3 bathrooms. I love the lush green garden area with comfortable seats and the beaches are just a short ride.

Mid Range (US$400 – US$500)
180 Degree Ocean View – This house is one of a kind in Martha’s Vineyard that offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. You won’t want to leave your terrace overlooking the beach! There is one bedroom and a spacious dining room with a fully furnished kitchen. Everything you need on the island is within walking distance.

Vineyard Haven Paradise – This beautiful vacation rental has a central location in Martha’s Vineyard and offers a charming garden, spacious rooms with modern amenities, a well-equipped kitchen, and free wifi. Restaurants, shops, and biking trails are just a short walk.

Budget (up to US$250)
The Oak Bluffs Cottage – This cottage is the perfect place to stay in Martha’s Vineyard for those who are traveling on a budget. This cute house has 2 bedrooms, a fully furnished kitchen, a nice garden area, and free wifi. It also has easy access to the beaches and the town center.

Frequently asked questions about Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Conclusion

This is the last stop of our journey. I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post and it helped you to pick your ideal hotel in Cape Cod. I am sure whichever area you choose you will have a great time as all of the Cape Cod neighborhoods have many highlights and beautiful landscapes.

A final note. Please do not forget to make your reservation in advance to secure your place and get better deals on hotels!

Still can’t choose your dream hotel? Let me help you with a quick wrap-up. Here are my absolute 2 favorite hotels in Cape Cod that have great locations and reviews:

• Lands End Inn – The best luxury hotel in Provincetown that has an amazing ocean view and fancy rooms
• The Waterford Inn – A great place to stay in Provincetown that has a central location and comfortable rooms

If you have any other suggestions or questions about Cape Cod, Massachusetts, don’t be shy and leave a comment below. I’ll be glad to leave a reply to them. Hope to see you soon!

Enjoy your Cape Cod vacation,

Eylul