Things to do in Barnstable, MA 02601

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Things to do in Barnstable, Hyannis - Photos, Videos, History and Information

Barnstable, MA is the largest town in Cape Cod, and is the name of the county of Cape Cod (Barnstable County). Barnstable contains the villages of Hyannis, Hyannis Port, Centerville, Cotuit, Osterville, and Marstons Mills. It is also the busiest and most commercial of all towns on Cape Cod. This means there's plenty of things to do in Barnstable, but don't discount the scenic views and beaches the town has to offer. Beautiful spots like Sandy Neck and Osterville offer some of the finest views on Cape Cod. On this page, you can find recommended things to do in Barnstable, photos, videos, a rundown of the villages, polls, and more information on the Cape's most populated town.

Photo of a Barnstable salt marsh by twobluemonday on flickr.
Hyannis Harbor Lighthouse by tedkerwin
Hyannis by kmohman
Early in the morning, before IEEE ARITH-17 was in full swing. by Jason Riedy
curated content from Flickr

Hyannis

Cape Cod's financial and business center

Hyannis Harbor
Above: Hyannis Harbor



Hyannis, a village within Barnstable, is the largest village in town, as well as the commercial center for Cape Cod. This is where you'll go if you're looking to find many restaurants, the Cape Cod Mall, and the largest downtown area on Cape Cod, Hyannis Center. Barnstable Airport and the Hy-Line Cruises to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard are also found in downtown Hyannis. To get to Hyannis, follow Route 6 east to exit 6. Follow Route 132 south to Route 28, which will take you near the Hyannis downtown area.

Fishing Boats, Hyannis Port, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, New England, USA
Fishing Boats, Hyannis Port, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Hyannis is home to the popular potato chip company, Cape Cod Potato Chips, a popular east coast kettle cooked chip.

The Kennedy Family Compound in Hyannis Port

The Kennedy Family and Compound, Hyannis

Famous Jfk Compound in Hyannis, MA

Famous Jfk Compound in Hyannis, MA Photographic Print

The "Kennedy Compound" in Hyannis Port is about 1.5 miles west of the downtown area. With many Kennedy family members in the nearby properties, it is more a sequence of homes next to each other owned by individual members of the family. Ted Kennedy lived in the main home on the "compound" until his death, as well as his brother Robert until his death in 1968, and President John F. Kennedy until his death in 1963. The Kennedy Compound directly overlooks the waters of Hyannis Port, with The property is not available for tours and is private property, but it has been proposed that the land be turned into a museum dedicated to the family. You can read more about the Kennedy Compound on Zillow, or you can view more photos of the Kennedy Compound from Boston.com.

Ted Kennedy Sailing in Hyannis Port and Cape Cod

Footage of Ted Kennedy's sailboat in the waters of Cape Cod

HYANNIS PORT, MA- Seantor Edward Kennedy Sailing (06-13-09)
by satellitenewsservice | video info

0 ratings | 4,558 views
curated content from YouTube
Hyannis Lighthouse

Hyannis Harbor Lighthouse 

Hyannis Beach Tote Bag

Piping plover themed Hyannis beach tote bag

Hyannis tote bagHyannis Beach Tote Bag

This beautiful canvas tote bag is outlined in royal blue, with the endangered piping plover (a Cape Cod frequent) on the front and backside of this beach tote. Big enough to hold all of your essentials, this is perfect for beach trips, the office, or to give as a unique gift! Also available with brown or pink accent colors. Made of 100% cotton canvas, with an outside velcro pocket. The inside also has an extra pocket for additional storage. Measurements are 12" x 16" x 5¾".

Fresh News About Hyannis

Updated live with news as it hits the web

Barnstable Police Log: May 24, 2012
Police arrested Andrew D. Bodette of 77 Winter St., Hyannis for an open alcoholic container. 2:19 am - A disturbance was reported, summons issued. Police summonsed Kirby E. Bevans of 445 South St., Hyannis for assault and battery and injury to real or ...
Where and When to Figawi
The weekend began with a kickoff party at Hyannis Yacht Club last night. Early this morning, crews will begin gathering. Skippers and boat owners will prepare their boats, gather their crews, and head out to the start line. The first boat officially ...
Cape Cod Condo Forum and Expo Set for June 23 in Hyannis
Wellesley, MA, May 27, 2012 --(PR.com)-- The New England Chapter of Community Associations Institute (CAINE) is holding its annual Cape Cod Condo Forum and Expo on June 23, 2012 at the Holiday Inn in Hyannis, MA from 8:00am - 2:30pm.
Greater numbers for Greater Hyannis Civic Association
MORE, SO MERRIER ? Greater Hyannis Civic Association President Bill Cronin, speaking at the group's annual meeting May 22 at the Hyannis Yacht Club, reports an increase in membership from 150 to more than 200. He'd like to see 500 members in a few ...

Boats Come and Go from Hyannis Harbor

Hyannis harbor traffic

Rush Hour at Hyannis Light
by HyannisFerryMan | video info

2 ratings | 4,526 views
curated content from YouTube

The Current Weather in Barnstable, MA

Weather and five day forecast for Barnstable

Current weather conditions in Hyannis, MA (02601)

Local Pollen Reports

64°F (Feels like 64°F)

Last update: 5/28/12 1:03 PM EDT

Humidity: 88%
Visibility: 10.0 mi
Dew Point: 61°F
UV Index: 2 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 29.99in rising
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: 12mph From: Airport Conditions
powered by weather.com

Today


Cloudy
High: 72°F
Low: 59°F
Sunrise: 5:11 AM
Sunset: 8:06 PM

Tuesday
May 29 


Partly Cloudy
High: 72°F
Low: 63°F
Sunrise: 5:11 AM
Sunset: 8:07 PM

Wednesday
May 30 


AM Clouds / PM Sun
High: 72°F
Low: 62°F
Sunrise: 5:10 AM
Sunset: 8:08 PM

Thursday
May 31 


Showers
High: 72°F
Low: 56°F
Sunrise: 5:10 AM
Sunset: 8:09 PM

Barnstable, MA T-Shirts and Gifts

Gift ideas featuring Barnstable and its many villages

There's nothing wrong with being a townie, especially when you live on one of the beautiful towns on Cape Cod. In fact, you're lucky! The beaches in Barnstable are amongst the best on the east coast. Barnstable has no shortage of beaches, villages, or people who are proud to call their town/village home. Find bumper stickers, t-shirts, and other gift ideas for Barnstable, Hyannis, and Cotuit residents below!

Cotuit Infant Bodysuit

A cute piping plover adorns this adorable Cotuit onesie. Available also in pink or blue.

Price: $18.99 Buy Now

Centerville Harbor Large Framed Print

The serene view of Centerville Harbor is captured on this timeless framed photo print. This would look great in any nautical themed room, office, or hallway.

Price: $69.99 Buy Now

Hyannis Massachusetts MA Rectangle Magnet

Welcome to Hyannis! This vintage style magnet is the perfect ornament for your fridge, and will tell everyone where you've been.

Price: $5.99 Buy Now

Cape Cod Oval Sticker

The arm of Cape Cod with a classic oval style design makes this a great choice for your SUV, car, truck, boat or locker. Tell them where you're from, or where you vacation!

Price: $3.99 Buy Now

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Barnstable is home to Barnstable Municipal Airport, with flights to New York, Boston, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket. It is located on Route 28 in Hyannis.

Cotuit

The smallest village in Barnstable

The village of Cotuit is located on a peninsula on the south side of Barnstable. It is mostly residential, but has beautiful views of Nantucket Sound to the south. Cotuit also is home to Ropes Beach, Riley's Beach, Loop Beach, and Oregon Beach, some of which you can find pictures of below. Cotuit is also home to the acclaimed Cotuit Oyster Company.

cotuit 11.22.07 - 8 by laura padgett
cotuit 6.18.07 - 4124 by laura padgett
cotuit town dock (june 2006) - 282 by laura padgett
cotuit 6.28.08 - 800 by laura padgett
rope's beach (june 2006) - 261 by laura padgett
oregon beach 7.5.09 - 8 by laura padgett
curated content from Flickr

What's Your Favorite Village in Barnstable?

Vote for your favorite below!

Tourists Climb To the Top of a Lighthouse in Barnstable
Tourists Climb To the Top of a Lighthouse in Barnstable. Photographic print available for purchase (click the photo).



There are seven villages of Barnstable, MA. What's your favorite? Vote below, and you can share the results of the poll on Facebook or Twitter! Also, if you have a recommendation on a certain beach, neighborhood, business, restaurant or gallery in Barnstable, you can share that in the Guestbook below.

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Craigville Beach

Craigville Beach, in Centerville. 

Cape Cod Children's Books

Bedtime and story books featuring Cape Cod

When it's time to go to bed, give them a fun little education of Cape Cod! They'll love getting involved and hearing these stories about Cape Cod. Here are some unique selections available for kids:
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Official Barnstable Town Links

Learn more about the town through these other websites

Catboat Sails Near Beach Point in the Mouth of Barnstable Harbor



Looking for more information on Barnstable and its many villages? Here's where you can find some official websites for the town.
Town of Barnstable
The town website, featuring annual reports, employment, and more official news about the town.
Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce
Find things to do, places to stay, and where to go on Cape Cod by visiting the Chamber of Commerce official website. Very helpful.
Wicked Local Barnstable
Barnstable news, as reported by Wicked Local.
Barnstable Police
The official Barnstable Police website, where you can find tips, news, and more that's been going on in town.
Barnstable Public Schools
With school updates, schedules, days off, half-days, and events going on in Barnstable Public Schools.
Hyannis Chamber of Commerce
Hyannis, a giant community within Cape Cod, has its own Chamber of Commerce with recommended things to do, places to go, dining areas, and more.
Barnstable County Fair
The annual Barnstable County Fair is a huge attraction for the town, and featured live musicians, animals, and events. Check out the website to see what this year's fair will bring!
Hy-Line Cruises
The best way to get to Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, offering quick service and frequent ferries from Hyannis Port.
Hyannis Main Street
Downtown shops of Hyannis, a directory, including photos and information on these shops.

Fresh News About Barnstable, MA

Barnstable news stories, updated live

Bishop and Cloarke Lighthouse, Hyannis, Massachusetts

Right: Bishop and Cloarke Lighthouse, Hyannis, Massachusetts Art Print

A now demolished lighthouse that once stood in Hyannis harbor, as seen on this art print.
Ex-Barnstable officer gets jail for driving drunk
TAUNTON, Mass.?A former Barnstable police officer has been sentenced to six months in jail for taking a 9-year-old boy on a 7 1/2- hour drunken car ride to a youth baseball game. Edmund Scipione (sip-ee-OWN') pleaded guilty Thursday to drunken driving ...
Mass. man sentenced to life in wife's 1980 slaying
BARNSTABLE, Mass.?A 78-year-old Cape Cod man has been sentenced to mandatory life in prison without parole after being convicted of first-degree murder for hiring someone to kill his estranged wife more than three decades ago.
Black bear spotted in Barnstable residents' backyards
By Jaclyn Reiss, Globe Correspondent A black bear roamed freely in the backyards of some Cape Cod residents tonight - a rarity for the area, Barnstable Police officials said. The Barnstable Police Department received several calls around 8:30 pm ...
Red Raiders Clinch Old Colony League Title
Backed by 16 hits from his teammates, Pete Liimatainen notched his fourth victory of the season Saturday afternoon with a yeoman's effort on the mound and in so doing led the Barnstable High School baseball team to its first league title since 2007.
Barnstable marshes. by chany14
Steps over dunes at Barnstable Beach by tedkerwin
Sandy Neck Light, Barnstable Harbor by tedkerwin
Barnstable Inlet by tedkerwin
Hyannis by kmohman
09-10_Hyannis Port_047 by andreas muelder
curated content from Flickr

Things to do in Barnstable, MA

Recommended things to do in Barnstable from the Yelp community

Homes Dot the Waters Edge in Barnstable Harbor
Homes Dot the Waters Edge in Barnstable Harbor Photographic Print



Looking for something fun to do in Barnstable? Well, you're in luck, because Barnstable has probably the most to do out of any town on Cape Cod. Here's what Yelp users have recommended for things to do in Barnstable:

Here's what Yelpers have to say about Active Life in 02601

Catboat Rides (Hyannis)  
"In town with friends for our first annual WASP trip, we booked a sailboat ride to check out the sights and sounds around the Cape. The weather was downright..." more
Helen H Deep Sea Fishing (Hyannis)  
"fish heads, fish heads roly poly fish heads fish heads fish heads eat them up, yum! Well, thanks to the deckhands on our fishing boat, we didn't have to..." more
Hyannis Marathon and Half Marathon (Hyannis)  
"I ran this race in 2011 - It was the first and last half marathon that I ran in 2011 before being sidelined with a torn meniscus and a subsequent surgery. I..." more
Predatuna Sport Fishing (Hyannis)  
"If I could give Predatuna minus stars, I would, but rather than cast dispersions, let me tell you a story: On Monday, I spoke with Dennis, the owner of the..." more
Cape Cod Carousel & Funhouse (Hyannis)  
"They really need to splash at least a solid-colored bucket of paint on the non-moving benches of the carousel. The stripped white background with the..." more
powered by Yelp

Sandy Neck Beach

4700 acres of dunes and beaches in Barnstable

Sandy Neck Beach
Above: Sandy Neck Beach dunes, in Barnstable.

Sandy Neck Beach is made up of over 4700 acres of dunes and sand. This long peninsula is a barrier beach, with beautiful forests, marshes and scenic views of Cape Cod Bay. Sandy Neck Beach is located on the northern side of Barnstable, on the border with Sandwich, MA. At the end of Sandy Neck, you can find the decommisioned Sandy Neck Light, along with more beautiful views and dunescapes.

Photos of Sandy Neck

sandy neck beach 11.26.08 - 39 by laura padgett
Sandy Neck Beach by joyosity
sandy neck beach 11.26.08 - 40 by laura padgett
IMG_0629 by amir85
IMG_0626 by amir85
curated content from Flickr

The Photographer's Guide to Cape Cod

How and where to take the best photos of Cape Cod

Photos aren't just something come out great if you don't know where you're going or what you're doing. Luckily, author Chris Linder is a professional photographer and writer whose work has appeared in the Smithsonian Natural Museum of Natural History, and Outdoor Photographer, Cape Cod Life, and Nature Photographer magazines. Find out where to take the absolute best photos of Cape Cod, along with how to take them, whether it's at sunset, dawn, night, or late afternoon. A great guide to make your photos of Cape Cod really shine!

The Photographer's Guide to Cape Cod & the Islands: Where to Find the Perfect Shots and How to Take Them

Amazon Price: $9.98 (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now

* 96 pages
* 3 maps, with included favorite spots for photos
* A time-saving guide that will help you take better photos of Cape Cod
* Great gift idea for a New England photographer

Find Cape Cod's Best Beaches

Beautiful beaches on the Cape - from Race Point to Lighthouse Beach

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A Map of Barnstable

Provided via Google Maps

Zoom in or out to see greater detail on this map.

Stats for Barnstable, MA

Population, income and more about Barnstable

The population of 02601 is 15,750.

That's #6414 out of all 42,305 zip codes.

85% of the population is white, which is 11 points more than the national average.

The average household income in 02601 is $32,199, which is $2,501 more than the typical average.

This contributes to the average house being worth $134,800. When the survey was done in 2000, that represented a difference of 71% from the typical value.

Men make up 48% of the population, and the typical age in this part of MA is 38.8.

Stats about: Hyannis, MA

Population: 15,750
Number of Households: 8,567
Average House Value: $134,800
Average Income per Household: $32,199
Elevation: 37 ft

Population Breakdown:

Population Chart

Cape Cod Hooded Sweatshirt

Vintage Irish Cape Cod hoodie - available also on t-shirts and long sleeve styles

Cape Cod Hooded Sweatshirt shirtRight:
Cape Cod Hooded Sweatshirt


Capture a little luck of the Irish with this vintage style four leaf clover design featuring Cape Cod! A great souvenir to remember your trip to the Cape, and a great gift idea for any Cape Cod resident or vacationer. Available also on t-shirts, onesies, long sleeve shirts, and other items (click through to view other options).

Reliable Building and Remodeling in Barnstable, MA

High quality dependable work on your home

Renovations are a double edged sword. You want them done, but you don't want to go through the inconvenience of renovations or remodeling. Green Star Builders understands that, and tries to get the job done as quickly as possible without sacrificing quality. Visit the website for testimonials, photos, videos, or to contact for a free estimate today. Green Star Builders are the perfect people to call when you're in need of home remodeling in Barnstable, MA, Hyannis, or throughout most of Eastern Massachusetts.
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Have You Been to Barnstable, MA?

Tell us about your favorite beach in Barnstable, favorite restaurant, or things to do in town!

Thanks for stopping by! Any recommendation on a place to eat, place to stay, or a cool gallery to check out will help out other visitors find the best that Barnstable has to offer. Do you have any recommendations of your own, or an experience that you'd like to share? Leave your thoughts in the guestbook here!

Stop by these other pages on Cape Cod:
Barnstable | Bourne | Brewster | Chatham | Dennis | Eastham | Falmouth | Harwich | Mashpee | Orleans | Provincetown | Sandwich | Truro | Wellfleet | Yarmouth | Cape Cod Road Trip | Cape Cod Canal | Things to do on Cape Cod | Cape Cod Beaches | Martha's Vineyard

  • ajgodinho May 22, 2010 @ 11:32 am | delete
    Nicely done and another beautiful place to visit in Cape Cod! :)
  • EditionH May 21, 2010 @ 2:29 am | delete
    Great lens! Unfortunately I never had the opportunity to visit Cape Cod, a very famous place as I know. A lot of artists have lived there,written about the place and I believe it is still some kind of artist colony? I love the paintings Edward Hopper has done there.

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Statue of Mercy Otis Warren in Barnstable, MassachusettsRight: Statue of Mercy Otis Warren in Barnstable. She was America's first female playwright, and resided in Barnstable, MA.
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