Hyannis

Hyannis, the largest village in Barnstable on Cape Cod, operates as a central point for ferries heading to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard daily. Walk along Main Street to explore local shops, seafood spots like The Black Cat Tavern, and the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum, which documents the president’s visits through photographs and letters. The harbor supports fishing trips and boat tours, and Kalmus Beach remains popular for windsurfing due to consistent winds. From June to August, catch a Cape Cod League baseball game at McKeon Park or attend a concert at the circular Cape Cod Melody Tent. Hyannis links transportation, local history, and coastal recreation, forming a practical base for exploring the area.

John F. Kennedy’s Connection to Hyannis

The Kennedy family’s summer home in Hyannisport shaped much of the village’s identity. At the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum on Main Street, you’ll find photographs of JFK sailing near Squaw Island and playing football with his family on the lawn. Follow the Kennedy Legacy Trail, a free walking route that includes the JFK Memorial overlooking Lewis Bay and St. Francis Xavier Church, where the family attended services. Hy-Line Cruises runs one-hour boat tours from the harbor, passing the Kennedy compound’s white fences and private beach. Though you can’t enter the property, the museum’s exhibits and waterfront views from the ferry help illustrate their ties to the Cape.

Exploring Main Street’s Shops and Restaurants

Main Street stretches six blocks from the village green to the docks, with stores like Puritan Clothing Company and galleries displaying local pottery. The Cape Cod Maritime Museum near the harbor entrance displays half-built wooden skiffs and historic navigation charts. For dinner, try The Naked Oyster’s raw bar or Brazilian Grill’s picanha steak, then head to the Roadhouse Cafe for live music after sunset. The Cape Cod Melody Tent’s summer lineup includes stand-up comedy and tribute bands, with tickets often selling out weeks in advance. Check the HyArts Cultural District’s website for weekend art markets at the harbor’s painted shacks or outdoor theater shows at Guyer Barn.

Beaches and Water-Based Activities

Kalmus Beach divides into two sections: one for swimming with lifeguards and another for windsurfing, where rental shops provide boards and wetsuits. Veterans Beach, closer to downtown, has a playground and picnic tables with views of ferries departing for the islands. Drive 10 minutes west to Craigville Beach, known for soft sand and fewer crowds on weekdays. Book a seat on the Cape Cod Central Railroad’s scenic train ride to see cranberry bogs and marshes, or paddle a rented kayak through Lewis Bay’s calm inlets at high tide. Fishing charters from the harbor teach beginners how to reel in striped bass during summer mornings.

Ferries and Fishing in Hyannis Harbor

Hyannis Harbor handles most ferry traffic to Nantucket, with Steamship Authority’s high-speed boats completing the trip in an hour. Vehicle ferries also depart here, transporting trucks carrying supplies to the island. Martha’s Vineyard service runs less frequently, so most travelers board ferries in Woods Hole instead. Fishing trips leave from the docks year-round—summer targets bluefin tuna near Horseshoe Shoal, while winter shifts to cod near Stellwagen Bank. Visit during the Working Waterfront Festival in September to watch crews demonstrate how to mend nets or stack lobster traps efficiently.

Transportation and Getting Around

Barnstable Municipal Airport connects Hyannis to Boston and New York via Cape Air’s small planes. The Hyannis Transportation Center serves as the main bus terminal for routes to Providence and Boston, with free transfers to local Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority buses. Rent a bike from Corner Cycle to reach beaches or the Cape Cod Mall, located two miles inland. From May to October, the Cape Cod Central Railroad operates dinner trains with steak and lobster meals alongside views of sand dunes. Stop by the Hyannis Visitor Center near the harbor for free maps of historic homes, including Greek Revival mansions built by 19th-century sea captains.

Annual Festivals and Community Events

In July, the Boston Pops Orchestra performs at the Pops by the Sea concert on the village green, drawing crowds with picnic blankets and lawn chairs. October’s Cape Cod Film Festival screens documentaries at the Cape Cod Media Center, followed by Q&A sessions with directors. The Zion Union Heritage Museum details how Cape Verdean immigrants worked in cranberry bogs and served on whaling ships. December brings the Hyannis Holiday Stroll, where shops stay open late with carolers and hot cider. Attend a Hyannis Harbor Hawks baseball game to see college players using wooden bats, with games held nightly except Sundays from mid-June to August.