How to Spend a Weekend on Cape Cod
Sample itineraries for 2-day and 3-day trips - beaches, islands, dining, and local tips
Two Days Is Enough. Three Days Is Better.
Two days on Cape Cod gives you a real feel for the place - a beach day, a great dinner in Hyannis, and time to explore a town or two. Add a third day and you can squeeze in an island ferry trip or a lighthouse drive down the Outer Cape. Here's how to make the most of either trip from Relax Inn in West Yarmouth.
Day 1: Beach + Hyannis Dinner
Morning: Head to Seagull Beach in West Yarmouth (arrive before 9 AM to grab parking, $25/day). For families with young kids or anyone who wants free parking, Englewood Beach is three minutes from the motel and doesn't require a sticker.
Afternoon: Back to the motel for the pool. Let the kids swim or just decompress with a book on the pool deck.
Evening: Downtown Hyannis is five minutes away. KKatie's does excellent comfort food. Anejo has a courtyard dining area under a 250-year-old beech tree. Brazilian Grill offers all-you-can-eat grilled meats. On Fridays from mid-July through mid-August, catch Music on Main - free outdoor concerts on Main Street.
Day 2: Rainy Day or Sunny Day
If it's raining: The Whydah Pirate Museum in Yarmouth ($15) has real treasure from a sunken pirate ship. Drive to the Cape Cod Potato Chips factory in Hyannis for a free self-guided tour. Then visit the JFK Museum ($5) on Main Street.
If it's sunny: Craigville Beach is 12 minutes from the motel - one of the Cape's best. Parking is free after 3:45 PM, or come earlier and pay for a full day. Grab lunch at The Barnacle right on the beach road.
Before heading home: Pick up pizza from Craigville Pizza for the drive ($7-12 for slices and subs).
Day 3: Pick Your Adventure
Option A - Island Day Trip: The Hy-Line ferry departs from Hyannis Harbor, five minutes away. Take the boat to Nantucket ($91 RT) or Martha's Vineyard ($72 RT). Walk-on, no car needed. Book your tickets ahead - ferries sell out on summer weekends.
Option B - Lighthouse Drive: Head east along Route 28 and Route 6A for a lighthouse tour. Chatham Lighthouse, Nauset Light, and Highland Light in Truro are all within an hour's drive. Stop at Chatham Fish Pier to watch the boats unload, then walk Chatham's Main Street for lunch.
Option C - Outdoor Activities: Ride the Cape Cod Rail Trail (25.5 miles of paved path, free). Book a half-day fishing charter out of Hyannis or Barnstable Harbor. Or rent kayaks and paddle Lewis Bay, right behind the motel.
When to Go
June and early September offer the best balance of good weather, manageable crowds, and reasonable rates. Water temperatures in September are actually warmer than June.
July and August are the warmest and busiest. Expect peak pricing and crowded beaches, but also the fullest event calendar - concerts, fireworks, and Cape Cod Baseball League games every night.
May and October bring the lowest rates and the quietest roads. Most restaurants and attractions are still open. It's ideal for couples or anyone who wants the Cape without the crowds. See our money-saving guide for more tips on getting the most value.
Why Relax Inn Works for a Weekend
Family-run, 40 rooms, and central to everything on the mid-Cape. No resort fees, no surprises. Free parking means you come and go easily. The pool is there when you need a break. And you're five minutes from Hyannis, three minutes from the beach, and a short drive to ferries, trails, and lighthouses. Check out our room options to find the right fit.
