Location: Barnstable
Top Things to do in Barnstable
The 10 Best Things to Do in Barnstable, United States
Barnstable (/ˈbɑːrnstəbəl/ BARN-stə-bəl) is a city, referred to as the Town of Barnstable, in the U.S. state of Massachusetts and the county seat of Barnstable County. Barnstable is the largest community, both in land area and population, on Cape Cod. At the 2010 census it had a population of 45,193. The town contains several villages (one of which is also named Barnstable) within its boundaries. Its largest village, Hyannis, is the central business district of the county and home to Barnstable Municipal Airport, the airline hub of Cape Cod and the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. Additionally, Barnstable is a 2007 winner of the All-America City Award.
Restaurants in Barnstable
1. Putter's Paradise
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 149 reviews
The spouting white whale is this mini-golf course's signature. The "mini Pebble Beach" of Cape Cod. Serving Gifford's famous ice cream.
Reviewed By Michael M - Crestwood, Kentucky
This miniature golf course was right next to our Cape Cod hotel (the Tidewater Inn), so we saw it right away when we reached Cape Cod. Being as to how miniature golf is something of an addictive hobby of ours, we targeted it right away as a "must-do".
That said, we honestly weren't expecting too much. The curb appeal from the road wasn't bad - but it just didn't appear to be quite as exciting as some of the other courses. We couldn't have been more wrong! We had an absolute blast on this course, which was challenging and different. The owner told us about how he started out with the course a few decades back - and how there were no trees (he planted them all) and everything was bare. Now, the course is pretty well-shaded (a definite plus since we played in the afternoon, when there was not much of a crowd - but when it was really hot!).
In the afternoon, they apparently offer some sweet deals....play a round and get a round free was offered when we went. Not bad at all!
If you don't mind waiting, this is a great place to go in the evening, but it was very popular and had a lot of folks there when we dropped by one night around 9 pm.
The price was reasonable...
ALSO....a big hit with my 19 year old....they sell ice cream. Apparently, a LOT of it. Quite a few choices, too.
2. Edward Gorey House
Overall Ratings
5 based on 160 reviews
Dedicated to the author-illustrator, Edward Gorey, and to raising awareness for animal welfare issues.
Reviewed By CapeCodDiamonds - Barnstable, Massachusetts
Quirky. Bizarre. Delightfully decadent. The man's home is not for sensitive little children and their helicopter parents. The rest of us love the wicked escapades of the Ghashlycrumbs and all Edward Gorey's creatures, many of whom can be seen in various states of demise/repose on windowsills, buried beneath the massive magnolia, or flung across the narrow staircase inside. Everywhere you look there is a Gorey story unfolding in macabre detail. He was a unique one, and his house is the perfect representation of one strange dude. Loved it.
3. Craigville Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 189 reviews
Reviewed By bcnett - Stoneham, Massachusetts
Stopped by Criagville Beach the end of september. It is a beautiful beach that we enjoyed walking on. It must be very crowded in the summer, but mostly enjoyable on a crisp fall day.
4. Cape Cod Beer
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 328 reviews
Cape Cod Beer is Cape Cod's original craft beer located at 1336 Phinney's Lane in Hyannis with beer on tap in over 400 locations and in 125 package stores from Plymouth to Provincetown. Founded in 2004, Cape Cod Beer produces four year round offerings: Our Flagship Cape Cod Red, our light and refreshing Beach Blonde Ale, our dark and malty Porter and our bold & hoppy Cape Cod IPA, plus seasonal favorites such as Cape Cod Summer, Harvest Ale, Big Sea Saison, float Your Boatmeal Stout, Old Man Winter and Stargazer Stout, to name a few. We have a retail center that is open year round, where you can taste our beers and shop for a variety of logo goods and a wide selection of products Made on Cape Cod. We have daily tours Monday through Saturday at 11:00 am or you can taste all the beers we have available during our retail hours. We hope you come visit soon!
Reviewed By Amanda L - Syracuse, New York
My husband and I love finding breweries and wineries in new areas. We were super impressed with cape cod beer! The place is huge with plenty of seating indoors and out. For $5 you get 5 3oz pours of your choice. That’s a steal! The beer was tasty. I enjoyed the Harvest and the porter. This is a great spot to put your phone away and play a board game or enjoy conversation. I’m definitely glad we made a trip here!
5. Skydive Barnstable
Overall Ratings
5 based on 82 reviews
Skydive Barnstable, is the closest Cape Cod dropzone to Boston and Providence and specializes in first-time skydives. With 30 years of experience in the skydiving industry and state of the art equipment (not to mention professional and experience staff with thousands of jumps to their name) you are sure to have the thrill of a lifetime with a focus on fun and safety at Skydive Barnstable.
Reviewed By winburl - Santa Fe, New Mexico
For our daughter's birthday, we bought her and my son the full package, including film. The staff were friendly and helpful, well organized and professional. Both kids loved the experience and had total confidence in the tandem jumpers. Photos and film turned out great, so the memories will last....
6. Mayflower Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 242 reviews
Reviewed By Andrea B - Massillon, Ohio
As we approached from the parking lot, I could not believe my eyes. The sand was soft and white - so pretty! And then we spotted the water, and it was a beautiful shade of blue-green! I would have thought we were in the Caribbean, not Cape Cod! We were there in late June. The water was very cold, so I didn't get in past my knees. But it sure was pretty to look at. We walked the beach a ways (even going past Private Beach signs). No one said anything as we walked along the water. Very clean beach.
My only complaint is the rocks that you have to cross over to get into the water (at least they were there in June). I would have brought water shoes to make it a little less painful if I had realized that was an issue. Otherwise, it is a perfect beach. The concession stand food was good. Plenty of choices. Prices were average for the area.
7. Gray's Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 159 reviews
Reviewed By StrykeSL - Batavia, New York
A google search for the best sunset spots on the Cape brought us to Gray's Beach. There is a fantastic boardwalk that takes you right into the horizon (or so it seems) for a spectacular sunset view. The surrounding marshes are full of life and we enjoyed watching osprey and other wildlife. The water seemed quite shallow and at low tide many people were walking out to enjoy the sunset from the sandbars. Get there early for a parking spot and a prime sunset watching spot- nature lovers should bring their binoculars!
8. 1856 Country Store
Overall Ratings
5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By KLATAMPA - Tampa, Florida
This store is located in an old frame house with creaky wooden floors! It is a gift/home store plus a candy/toy store.
They have nautical home decor and gifts, Christmas ornaments, candles, jewelry, a baby gift section, books, housewares.
Kids love the penny and nickel candies of old! Every kind you can imagine, along with a selection of current and vintage toys.
This is a fun place that I visit whenever I go to Cape Cod!
9. Whydah Pirate Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 213 reviews
Experience Cape Cod's newest interactive science museum featuring real pirates and real treasures! A must-see attraction for all ages where you will touch, see and interact with the worlds only authenticated pirate treasure, discovered in 1984 off the coast of Wellfleet.
Reviewed By roymette2017 - Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom
We visited this West Yarmouth museum in September 2017 to research material for pirate songs and loved it. Staff are knowledgable and helpful, willing to chat and explain about pirate life, their history and the items on display. We also visited the sister museum on the pier at Provincetown but this one was best if you have limited time.
We even met Barry Clifford himself the archaeologist, explorer, treasure hunter and discoverer of the Whydah - he was a real gent.
The displays have items that have been preserved, those undergoing preservtion and those still encrusted with crud (crudstations?) from 300 years in the water.
We'd recommend it to anyone remotely interested in piracy but especially families and researchers.
Seems like there are plans to expand the scientific element of the museum and that can only be good.
10. Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By foemmel - Shreveport, Louisiana
Our family of three just joined the kayak paddle to sandy neck Lighthouse. It was a unique opportunity bc it is privately owned and a special place. The leaders were well organized and informed us of lots of naturalist tidbits we will remember.
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