What to do and see in Dennis, United States: The Best Places and Tips

January 21, 2018 Matilde Konrad

Dennis /ˈdɛnɪs/ is a town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States, located near the center of Cape Cod. The population was 14,207 at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Dennis

1. Putter's Paradise

119 Route 28, West Yarmouth, MA 02673-8154 +1 508-790-3400
Excellent
74%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 149 reviews

Putter's Paradise

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. Nickerson State Park

Rte 6A, Brewster, MA 02631 +1 508-896-3491
Excellent
70%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 239 reviews

Nickerson State Park

Reviewed By Taylor B - Chicago, Illinois

Locals know all about Nickerson State Park. So they are reluctant to tell out-of-towners about it. But their secret is out. This state-owned, public recreation area covering more than 1,900 acres on in Brewster, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod, is a popular go-to destination for families that love to indulge in hiking, biking, camping, fishing and swimming. The park offers more than 400 campsites, including cabins, eight miles of trails for hiking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding and mountain bike riding, an eight-mile set of bicycle trails that connect to the Cape Cod Rail Trail, fishing on four ponds that are stocked yearly with trout, a boat ramp, lakes for canoeing and kayaking and swimming, showers, interpretative programs, an amphitheater, restrooms, picnicking facilities and wheelchair-accessible beaches. Who needs tennis or golf? The park once was part of the estate of Samuel Mayo Nickerson, an area native and Chicago liquor distiller who made a fortune as one of the founding officers of the First National Bank of Chicago. In 1934, Nickerson's daughter-in-law donated that portion of the estate as a "state forest park." It became Massachusetts' first state park.

3. Edward Gorey House

8 Strawberry Ln, Yarmouth Port, MA 02675-1725 +1 508-362-3909
Excellent
79%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 160 reviews

Edward Gorey House

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.

4. Cape Cod Beer

1336 Phinneys Ln, Hyannis, MA 02601-1890 +1 508-790-4200
Excellent
62%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 328 reviews

Cape Cod Beer

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. Bass River Kayaks, Cruises and Paddleboards

118 Main St, West Dennis, Dennis, MA 02670-2213
Excellent
81%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 64 reviews

Bass River Kayaks, Cruises and Paddleboards

Reviewed By Baby-whisperer211 - Saratoga Springs, New York

Took my 19 year old daughter to paddle board on the Bass River. The folks working there were helpful and friendly, gave good instruction and answered all questions thoroughly, a professional outfit for sure! The wind picked up shortly after we started which made paddling...MoreThank you for joining us and for making the best of a windy day! We're glad Horsefoot Cove was still fun. = )

6. Lobster Roll Cruises

356 Sesuit Neck Road, East Dennis, Dennis, MA 02641
Excellent
80%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 50 reviews

Lobster Roll Cruises

Reviewed By paulinebob - Port Charlotte, Florida

The entire boat was reserved for Lucy's birthday party. What a great idea. Weather unfortunately did not cooperate. Most of us stayed outside, somewhat cold but that did not deter us from having a super time. Bar was upstairs along with some appetizers. The scallops with bacon were particularly good which I generally find overcooked. Dinner was served downstairs. The lobster rolls were fantastic and large. Just the right amount of mayo. The chicken Caesar salad was also highly rated. Service was great throughout the evening. We had a great time and will do this again.

7. Sea Street Beach

Dennis Port, Dennis, MA 02639
Excellent
51%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 74 reviews

Sea Street Beach

Reviewed By Kelley R - Holyoke, Massachusetts

This beach is actually a succession of a few, separated by jetties...family friendly, well patrolled by lifeguards. I do wish there was better cleanup by folks who visit, but I would go back.

8. Mayflower Beach

Dunes Rd, Dennis, MA +1 508-760-6159
Excellent
81%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 242 reviews

Mayflower Beach

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.

9. Bass River Beach

Bass River Beach, South Yarmouth, MA
Excellent
61%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 114 reviews

Bass River Beach

Reviewed By Amy B - Worcester, Massachusetts

Nicknamed "Smugglers," this beach is family friendly, large and has a pier that overlooks Bass River and the many sail and motor boats going out to sea. The beach also has a Sunrise Sunday Methodist mass/service @ 7:30 am. The beach is clean and has a Snack Bar with beach eats and public bathrooms. Lifeguards are on duty. Beware NO DOGS allowed.

10. Devil's Purse Brewing Co

120 Great Western Rd, South Dennis, MA 02660-3715 +1 508-694-7171
Excellent
54%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 45 reviews

Devil's Purse Brewing Co

Reviewed By HaverhillJim - Haverhill, Massachusetts

Kolsch, ESB, and Session were very good. Funk was awesome. Our trio of hop heads did not dig the IPA nor pale ale - maybe we've been too spoiled with other New England IPAs (Sip of Sunshine, Heady, Trillium, Leatherlips, Harpoon, Tributary, etc.) Maybe the tap lines were a little dirty; those beers just didn't taste good. It was a muddy, off flavor that created a distracting aftertaste. But of course, you should make your own opinion on this.

It's located in an industrial park like Mayflower or From The Barrel Brewing, cute tasting room just a few feet from the fermenters. The decor and bar in the tasting room was very cool, a little industrial, a little craftsman with great signs/posters on the walls. But you are essentially standing in a garage / warehouse.

We went early in the season and it was still pretty crowded (20+ people), we were getting pushed out the door by groups of college kids - and then brewery staff scolded us for stepping one foot outside the open garage door. It must be a violation of a local code or something.

The one guy working in the brewery was very nice, one server was also very pleasant, the other server was constantly distracted on her cell phone. Sadly, that's the server that put together our "to go" order and accidentally gave us Pale Ale instead of Session. Very disappointed when we got home. It tasted a little better from the can, but not much.

Anyway, this is a great thing to do if you are in the area. It's always good to support local beer, and I look forward to more good things from these guys as they expand. A restroom and outdoor seating would be awesome.

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