1. Home
    2. ›
  2. Cape Cod Towns
    3. ›
  3. Hyannis

FTC Disclosure: If you make a purchase via a link on this site, I may receive a small commission on the transaction - at no added cost to you. Thank you!

Hyannis MA Visitors Guide 

Is Hyannis the best choice for your Cape Cod vacation home base?

It might be — if you're looking for an active, family-oriented place to stay on the Cape. 

Dark brown sign with gold lettering saying "Welcome to Hyannis"

About Hyannis MA

Hyannis is the largest of seven villages in the town of Barnstable.

It's often said that Hyannis is Cape Cod's version of a small city. And in some ways, that's true. 

All the conveniences you'd expect to find in a semi-urban area are here:

  • airport, bus and train terminal, ferry ports
  • shopping malls and name-brand stores
  • national-chain hotels, restaurants and fast-food joints
  • grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, etc.

But there's more to Hyannis than that.

In the heart of the village — on Main Street, the Village Green, and the waterfront — Hyannis feels more like what most people picture when they think of Cape Cod.

Brick walkway and sidewalk bench near Hyannis village green, sign saying: "Hyannis Main Street - Cape Cod's Downtown"Hyannis Village Green
People dining outdoors along Main Street in Hyannis. Ben & Jerry's ice cream cart on the sidewalk.Outdoor dining on Main Street
View of Hyannis inner harbor from the brick-paved Walkway to the Sea and the green lawn of Aselton Park"Walkway to the Sea"

Where is Hyannis on Cape Cod?

Hyannis is in the Mid-Cape region, along Nantucket Sound on the south side of Cape Cod.

The town of Yarmouth borders Hyannis to the east, with other villages of Barnstable surrounding it to the north and west.

Colored map showing locations of Cape Cod regions and towns

Hyannis MA Beaches

Within the village of Hyannis, there are three public beaches — all within two miles or less from Main Street. 

Kalmus is the largest and most popular of the three. 

Sandy pathway bordered by low dunes lined by sea grass, leading to large beach and open-water view with a ship in the distance.Kalmus Beach

The other two — Veterans and Keyes (a/k/a Sea Street Beach) — are smaller, but they're still a nice place to spend the day with the family.

People enjoying a sunny day at Veterans Memorial Beach in HyannisVeterans Memorial Beach

Good to Know ...

There are beaches in other villages in the town of Barnstable, too — including the very popular Craigville Beach in the village of Centerville, next door to Hyannis.

Activities & Attractions

There's a lot going on in Hyannis, especially in the warm-weather months. 

Here's just a small sampling:

John F. Kennedy Museum

Interested in the life of the late President Kennedy and his family on Cape Cod?

Visit the JFK Museum on Main Street, then follow the self-guided Kennedy Legacy Trail to see 10 places that held a special significance to the family. 

Entrance to the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum, a brick building with white portico and bronze life-size statue of the president.John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum

Seasonal Events

Main Street is also the place to be for live music, movies under the stars, street performers, farmers markets, arts and crafts fairs, seasonal festivals, and special events.

People looking at vintage autos on display along Main Street in HyannisAnnual Father's Day Car Show in Hyannis

Artists Shanties

Along the Walkway to the Sea from Main Street to the harbor, local artisans display their works for sale in brightly colored shanties.

Small, brightly colored artist shanty buildings in a tree-shaded areaArtist Shanties at Bismore Park on Hyannis Harbor

You’ll see all kinds of handmade work, from paintings and photography to jewelry and other crafts.

Every week brings a different mix of artists, so there's always something new to see. 

On the Water

When you're ready to get out on the water, Hyannis has lots of options.

Harbor tours, sailing cruises, private fishing charters and head boats, and even a pirate adventure cruise for the younger members of the family. They're all right there at Hyannis Harbor. 

Replica of a pirate ship cruising through the water, adults and children onboard.Pirate Adventure Cruise on Lewis Bay

Thinking of renting a boat for your own day on the water? You can do that from the harbor, too.


Cape Cod Melody Tent

Cape Cod Melody Tent is a favorite place to see big-name performers and up-and-coming regional talent.  

People milling around and waiting in line at the entrance to blue-tented theater. "Melody Tent" written in white on the blue entryway.Cape Cod Melody Tent in Hyannis

They say every seat is a good seat in this theater-in-the-round tent. That's no exaggeration. 

Hyannis Harbor Hawks Baseball Games

From early mid-June to early August, the Hyannis Harbor Hawks — one of 10 teams in the renowned Cape Cod Baseball League  — play their home games at McKeon Park.

Off-white sign with Hyannis Harbor Hawks logo of a cartoon-style bird swinging a baseball bat. Sign says: "It's a Great Day to be a Harbor Hawk!"Cape League games are some of the best amateur baseball you'll ever see — and they're free to attend.

Want more? Here's a comprehensive list of activities and attractions in Hyannis:  

Places to Stay in Hyannis

Befitting the largest village in the largest town on the Cape, Hyannis also has a wide variety of vacation lodging options.

Hotels, Resorts & Inns

If you're interested in staying at one of the "name-brand" national chain hotels, Hyannis has more of them than other towns on the Cape — along with several full-service resorts. 

Most of these lodgings are located on a busy stretch near the airport and Cape Cod Mall. 

Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites, view of front of the building and entrywayFairfield Inn & Suites

If you'd rather be closer to the village center, you'll find a nice selection of smaller hotels and inns in the area near Main Street and the harbor. 

View from an on-the-water vantage point of Anchor In lodging overlooking Hyannis Harbor, with boats at the pier.


HI-Hyannis Hostel

And if you're looking for an inexpensive, no-frills place to stay, there's a hostel just steps away from Hyannis Harbor and the HyLine ferry terminal.

Gray-shingled building with white trim and red door, sign in front of the building says: "HI-HYANNIS"HI-Hyannis Hostel


Vacation Rental Homes

Vacation rentals are available throughout Hyannis in all different sizes, styles, and price points.

*Tip: If being close to Main Street or the water matters to you, be sure to confirm the exact location with the owner or rental agent before booking.

Large, sprawling condominium building overlooking beach and Hyannis Harbor.Yachtsman Townhome Condos

Good to Know ...

Prime properties reserve out quickly for summer and early autumn. So it's best to reserve as soon as possible.

Just be sure to read and understand the cancellation policy. They’re usually enforced very strictly!

 
Enjoy your visit to Hyannis!


Learn About Other Cape Cod Towns

  1. Home
    2. ›
  2. Cape Cod Towns
    3. ›
  3. Hyannis


SAVE THIS INFO ON PINTEREST

hyannis-ma-pinterest-graphic.jpg