Q- When is the traffic to the Cape most severe? When can I come to avoid the hours of traffic at both the Bourne and Sagamore bridges?

A-    Of course, the greatest amount of traffic is during the summer months. Coming on Cape on Fridays is long and tedious, so I suggest trying to head in on Thursdays. Off-Cape traffic is horrific on Sundays, so my suggestion would be to leave either very early (yet you lose an entire day on the Cape) or, the better bet would be enjoy the day and leave later. If you’re okay with getting home very late and not worried about getting the kids to school the next day, try to leave as late as possible. 

Q- What is the best way to get to Cape Cod?

A-    The best way to get here is by using either Route 6 (the Mid-Cape Highway) or Route 28, using the Bourne or Sagamore Bridges, accordingly. From the south, take Route 495 South to Route 25 South. 25 will lead you over the Bourne Bridge to the Bourne Rotary and Route 28 South to Woods Hole. Follow Route 28 South to get to Falmouth or take it to Route 151 East to get back to 28 South and get to Mashpee, Barnstable, Yarmouth, Dennis, Harwich, and Chatham. From the north, take Route 3 South to the Sagamore Rotary, and then take Route 6 East over the Sagamore Bridge and into Sandwich. Follow Route 6 to access every town on the Cape to the east, or take the Scenic Highway toward Buzzards Bay from the Sagamore Rotary if you want to access the Bourne Bridge and Route 28.

Q- What kind of culinary options are available on Cape Cod?

A-    Although not as ethnically diverse as a city, Cape Cod does play host to numerous dining options. There are a surprising number of options for any palette, with the majority of restaurants concentrated in the cultural center of Cape Cod, Hyannis. Fast food locations as well as upscale dining options are available.

Q- Are there any road tolls?

A-    No.

Q- Is there anything to do in the off-season?

A-    Yes. There are numerous hikes, museums, venues for shopping, and events that are all available in the off-season. Visit our Off-season section for more information.

Q- What should I bring with me on a trip?

A-    Sunglasses. Sunscreen. Camera. Bathing suit. Beach toys. Golf clubs. Sneakers and sandals. Any hat that blocks the sun and does not have a Yankees logo. Beach towel(s). Plenty of water for those hot summer days.

Q- Anything I should make sure to do or have before leaving for the Cape?

A-    Secure any big event tickets early, as most venues on the Cape are small and tickets go quickly in the summer. You may also want to be sure to make reservations a couple of days ahead of time if you are staying the night during July or August, and try to book a room as soon as possible. For some of the more formal restaurants, reservations may also be needed ahead of time. Also, it may be helpful to reserve tee times at some of the Cape’s more popular golf courses.

Q- Are there many free attractions?

A-    Yes. There are plenty of free venues for sports, such as tennis courts and parks. All Cape Cod Baseball League games have free admission. Although most beaches charge for parking, some of the smaller beaches are free of charge. There are also quite a few free museums and walking and biking trails which are free.

Q- What rates can I expect at lodgings on the Cape?

A-    As a popular resort location, many of the rates on Cape Cod are unfortunately a bit high, but only to the extent that you might expect in a city. Typical nightly rates at a motel are about $150 in the middle of the summer, and many larger hotels and bed and breakfasts tend to cost more. For another, pricier alternative, look into both private cottages and cottage villages.

Q- What is the weather like?

A-    In the summer, perfect. Mid-June through mid-September offer warm, but rarely hot days that are usually sunny and between seventy and eighty degrees. You will rarely experience stiflingly hot days, but sometimes the humidity will get rather unpleasant. Summer nights are warm, in the sixty to seventy degree range, and rarely uncomfortable. Some nights will see the occasional thunderstorm or heavy cloud cover, and some will be uncomfortably hot, but most are ideal for anything from hitting the town to laying outside and looking at the stars. Spring and summer are mostly mild. It really does not get cold on Cape Cod until November, when winter rolls around. Winters here are moderately cold, and the temperatures and harsh weather are relatively unpredictable from year-to-year. Some years will be frigid with several feet of snow at a time, and others will be pleasant and mild. Always plan for the worst.

Q- What is Otis Air Force Base?

            A- The Otis Air National Guard Base/Camp Edwards site covers approximately 22,000 acres and is more commonly known today as the Massachusetts Military Reservation (MMR). Although the occupants and property boundaries have changed several times since MMR was established in 1935, the primary mission has always been to provide training and housing to Air Force and/or Army units. The base lies in parts of Bourne, Sandwich, and Falmouth, and today is used sparingly for military training and Coast Guard and Air Force operations. Situated in the middle of the Upper Cape region, it can be a major hindrance to transportation. No unauthorized access is allowed into or through the base, and alternate routes must be sought to go around the base, especially when traveling between Sandwich and Falmouth or between Bourne and Barnstable or Mashpee.

Q- Can I access Cape Cod by a tunnel?

A- No. There are no tunnels (the “Cape Cod Tunnel Permit” stickers you may see on cars are just a joke). Use the Sagamore Bridge or the Bourne Bridge.                                                                                                  

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