

While many cities have similarities, they each bring their own vibe and attractions.

That really depends on your personal interests. Nantucket is also a little more stylish and dressy than the laid-back Vineyard, but both draw elite and affluent crowds. Martha’s Vineyard has more cliffs and several villages on the island, including the well-known island of Chappaquiddick (aka “Chappy”). It also has fewer options for transportation to get there.

Nantucket is farther away, smaller, and flatter than the Vineyard. When you visit either one, you are “On the Vineyard” or “On Nantucket” as well, you are not “In Nantucket or the Vineyard.” Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket are islands off the coast of the Cape but are still generally considered part of Cape Cod in broad terms. Wellfleet and Eastham are also part of the Outer Cape. The Outer Cape is versatile, bringing one of the quietest towns (Truro) right next to one of the major party cities (Provincetown). Once you head north out of Orleans, you’re on the Outer Cape, with water on each side and a large stretch of the Cape Cod National Seashore. This is a great place to stay if you want a big resort with many amenities while still getting many beaches and small village main streets to explore. The Lower Cape contains the cities of Brewster, Harwich, Chatham, and Orleans (named after the same Duke as New Orleans). This is a very busy area, with as much to do in towns as there is in the wilderness or at the beach.
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The Mid-Cape contains the popular village of Hyannis and the Kennedy series of homes in Hyannisport, in addition to Barnstable (and its seven villages, one of which is Hyannis), Yarmouth, and Dennis. This “Upper” area is technically lower than all the other areas but just go with it. The cities of Falmouth, Bourne, Sandwich, and Mashpee are here. If you’re driving or taking a train, this is the first region you’ll pass. The Upper Cape contains the cities closest to the larger mass of Massachusetts. UPPER CAPE (The Upper Arm near the Shoulder): While it doesn’t always make sense, the regions were named using nautical terms, not basic common sense. The Cape regions are also referred to as the upper, midway, lower, and outer regions. You might hear references to a city being at the elbow, fist, or bicep of the Cape. That’s why we wanted to bring you this overall guide to supplement the individual articles we provide about the different cities.īefore we dive in, proper usage to “talk like a local” is to say you are “On Cape Cod,” not “In Cape Cod.”Ĭape Cod is often referred to by its shape since it looks like an arm being flexed. The truth is, Cape Cod might as well be its own state for all the things you need to know when visiting here. The Cape brings to mind the Kennedy family, cedar shake roofs with American flags flying, and sandy beaches with lighthouses everywhere. Planning a trip to Cape Cod is much more exhaustive than it might seem. United States - safety as a country Massachusetts - state review
