Cape Cod, Massachusetts, population 230,000, is the hook that juts out from the easternmost portion of the mainland. It has 400 miles of shoreline and features some of the most popular summer vacation destinations in New England.
Cape Cod is composed of a several quaint towns, most notably Hyannis, home to the Kennedy compound, and the commercial center of the Cape. Falmouth, Chatham and Provincetown at the very tip of the Cape, are also well-known towns, each with their own distinctions.
Falmouth is located on the south coast of the Cape, and serves as one of its largest town. With eight villages, and fourteen harbors, Falmouth boasts a unique composition and offers canoeing, fishing, kayaking, swimming and other outdoor activities.
Further along the southern coast is Hyannis, the largest town and commercial hub of the region. Most notable as the summer home to the Kennedy clan, Hyannis has a number of dining options and hotel accommodations. Chatham is the next stop along the south shore, and is known as the upper crust of the Cape. Posh in its accommodations, shopping and eateries, Chatham is a slice of high society among several smaller scale seaside towns. The Chatham Bars Inn is one of the most recognized hotels throughout Cape Cod, for its charming d‚cor and high class amenities.
Yarmouth and Brewster continue east along the Cape, the latter a notable antiquing center. Brewster has a number of bed and breakfasts and quaint shops lining its streets, and is a choice retreat for both a younger crowd as well as families.
Sandwich is the first town on the north coast of the Cape, and is also its oldest as well as being one of the oldest towns in the country. Walking down the village streets is like taking a step back in time, as the buildings and residences have a quintessential old world New England feel.
Provincetown, at the tip of Cape Cod, is a predominantly gay resort town. It has an artsy, bohemian feel, in the local art galleries and beaches, and was the Mayflower's official first stop on American soil. The area has biking trails, whale-watching destinations and boat rides along the harbor.
Cape Cod is located in the southeastern portion of the state, and is bordered by Cape Cod Bay to the north, Nantucket Sound to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Martha's Vineyard is just south of Falmouth in the southwestern Cape and Nantucket is directly south of Hyannis.