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Sun, Sand, and Serenity: A Charming Coastal Retreat to Cape Cod
Cape Cod is a quaint peninsula in southeast Massachusetts. It is a lovely coastal region popular for its beaches and historic charm. Escape the hustle and bustle of daily academic life with the perfect one-day trip to Cape Cod. This place has everything to offer, from sandy shores and historic lighthouses to charming images and fresh seafood.
This thoughtfully curated itinerary will help you to take a perfect day break and have a memorable experience.
Let’s get started!
7:00 AM: Departure from Northeastern University
Mode of Travel
Travel Option 1: Peter Pan Bus Lines
Travel Option 2: Car Rental or Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
9:00 AM: Arrival in Hyannis
After you arrive in Hyannis, move ahead to The Daily Paper for a heartfelt breakfast to kickstart your day.
9:15 AM: Breakfast at The Daily Paper
📍 Route Guide
Location: 644 W Main St, Hyannis, MA
Distance: 5-minute drive from the Hyannis Transportation Centre
Insight: This place is popular for its New England breakfast options. It has a cozy atmosphere and is worth starting your day in. Want to know more about the place? Click here!
Recommended Dishes: Blueberry Pancakes and Breakfast Sandwich
Average Cost: $10-15 (per head)
Recommended Time: 30-40 minutes
10:00 AM: Visit Cape Cod Maritime Museum
📍 Route Guide
Location: 135 South St, Hyannis, MA
Distance: 5-minute drive or 10-minute walk down Main Street to South Street.
Insight: The Cape Cod Maritime Museum is famous for offering a glimpse into the rich heritage of this region. The region’s history of shipbuilding, fishing, maritime tools, and historic models is perfectly displayed here.
Top Highlights: This place showcases maritime exhibits, boat tours, boatbuilding workshops, and guided tours to learn more about Cape Cod's relationship with the sea.
For more information, check out the Explorer’s Guide.
Cost: $6 with Student ID.
Recommended Time: 45 minutes
11:00 AM: Hyannis Harbor & Hyannis Harbor Cruises
📍 Route Guide
Location: 138 Ocean St, Hyannis, MA
Direction: 8-10 minute drive from the Maritime Museum.
Insight: A scenic boat tour around Hyannis Harbor will offer you the views of Kennedy Compound, Historic Lighthouses, and the beauty of the Cape’s coastline.
List of Activities: There are numerous fun activities around Hyannis Harbor. Choose the activities that suit your time.
For more information, check out the Explorers Guide.
Pro Tip: These activities offer a variety of experiences. Make sure to check their availability in advance.
Recommended Time: 2 hours (depending on the list of activities performed)
1:00 PM: Lunch at The Black Cat Tavern
📍 Route Guide
Location: 165 Ocean St, Hyannis, MA
Direction: 5-7 minute walk from the Hyannis Harbor.
Insight: This iconic waterfront restaurant is popular for a relaxed setting. It has both indoor seating and a spacious outdoor patio. For more updates, click here!
Recommended Dishes: Lobster Rolls, Fried Seafood Plates, Clam Chowders, and a variety of vegetarian dishes.
Average Cost: $20-30 (per head)
Recommended Time: 1 hour
2:00 PM: Cape Cod National Seashore (Kalmus Beach)
📍Route Guide
Location: 670 Ocean St, Hyannis, MA
Direction: 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk along Ocean Street.
Insight: This is a protected place that stretches over 43,000 acres and is popular for offering pristine beaches, marshes, ponds, forests, and marine life.
Highlights: Popular beaches include Coast Guard Beach, Nauset Light Beach, and Race Point Beach.
For those interested in hiking and biking, the Great Island Trail and Nauset Marsh Trail are good options to explore.
Cost: Free to visit
Recommended Time: 1 hour
3:00 PM: Main Street Shopping and Art Galleries
📍Route Guide
Location: Main Street, Hyannis, MA
Direction: 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk from the Kalmus Beach.
Insight: This place is a vibrant hub of boutique shops, artisan galleries, dining, and unique Cape Cod souvenirs. During the summer, the street comes to life with street artists performing live music.
Cost: Free to explore (shopping optional).
Recommended Time: 1 hour
Pro Tip: Visit the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum nearby if you have some extra time.
4:00 PM: Treat yourself to Katie’s Homemade Ice Cream
📍Route Guide
Location: 568 Main St, Hyannis, MA
Direction: A short walk down Main Street.
Insight: A beloved spot for the sweet tooth to enjoy some delicious homemade ice cream. Rich, creamy, and flavourful, this place is popular for a wide variety of flavors. Get to know more about their authentic flavors here!
Recommended Ice- Creams: There are many options in this place, but Cape Cod Sand, Moose Tracks, Maple Walnut, and Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip are the must-trys from their menu.
Average Cost: $5-8 per person.
Recommended Time: 30 minutes
4:30 PM: Veterans Memorial Park
📍Route Guide
Location: Ocean St, Hyannis, MA
Direction: 5-minute drive or 15-minute walk from Katie’s Ice Cream.
Insight: Veterans Memorial Park is a picturesque destination that honors the sacrifices made by military veterans. This waterfront park is a perfect place for relaxing and wrapping up your day before heading back to Boston.
Cost: Free to visit
Recommended Time: 30 minutes
5:15 PM: Return to Boston
Mode of Travel
Option 1: Peter Pan Bus Lines (Official Website)
Option 2: Rideshare or car rental for the return journey.
Budget Estimation
Transportation (Round-Trip): $40-50
Breakfast: $10-15
Cape Cod Maritime Museum: $6.00
Harbor Cruise: $20.00
Lunch: $20-30
Ice Cream: $5-8
Total Estimated Cost: $101-129
Tips and Tricks
Detailed Map for Further Assistance
📍Route Guide
Summary
This one-day itinerary will provide you with a gist of how to plan your day trip from Northeastern University to Cape Cod, a charming coastal retreat. It will cover all the major hot spots and will give you the experience of an unforgettable journey.
The Skidoo has thoughtfully curated it to make your trip a memorable one. We hope you have a fun time. If you need any further assistance, feel free to reach out to us, and don't forget to follow The Skidoo on:
#Safe travels!
The Skidoo
FAQ’s
Q1: What is the best time to visit Cape Cod?
Ans: The best time to visit Cape Cod is from late spring (May-June) to early fall (September-October).
Q2: What are the popular spots in Cape Cod?
Ans: There are plenty of options, but Cape Cod National Seashore, Cape Cod Maritime Museum, Hyannis Harbor Cruises, and Veterans Memorial Park are the popular ones.
Q3: How much time is required for covering Cape Cod?
Ans: Approximately 8 to 10 hours are sufficient for a perfect one-day trip to Cape Cod.
Q4: Are there any ferry services available from Boston to Cape Cod?
Ans: Yes, Hy-Line Cruises offers services from Boston’s Seaport District to Hyannis, which takes around 1.5 hours of the journey.