The Barnstable center point is about 1 mile southwest of Sandy Neck Lighthouse and 2 miles northwest of Barnstable Municipal Boardman Polando Field Airport.
The best time to visit Barnstable is from May to September when ocean temperatures are ideal for swimming. Average highs range from 63 degrees in May to 79 degrees in July, with temperatures rarely reaching above 90 degrees. Keep in mind, however, that early summer weather is unpredictable, and you may need to request a room with a fireplace. Even the first few weeks of June can be cold and rainy, so come prepared. If you don't mind the crowds, plan your trip for late June, July, or August to take full advantage of the outdoor recreation.
The Cape Cod area starts to cool off just after Labor Day. Best of all, the crowds start to disperse, and you're left with less traffic and changing leaves that make autumn one of the most magical times to visit. Although you'll need a light jacket or sweater, October provides the perfect weather for taking long hikes by the seashore. Since most of the tourists have left for the season, you can also take advantage of lower hotel rates.
Most visitors stay away from Barnstable during the winter months. Some towns and villages have experienced more than 100 inches of snow in any given winter, with the Cape experiencing surprise blizzards as late as April. If you're still set on visiting Barnstable from November through March, make sure to book refundable rooms and flights just to be on the safe side. The good news is you'll save quite a bit of money by traveling to Cape Cod in the offseason.
Spring is a wonderful time to visit Barnstable and surrounding communities, but don't expect to plunge into the Atlantic, as the ocean is too cold for swimming. Spring ushers in a variety of garden-themed festivals across the Cape and islands, including the Nantucket Daffodil Festival Weekend, Brewster in Bloom, and the Rhododendron Festival at Heritage Museum & Gardens. Although spring isn't the peak tourist season, you'll still want to book your room a few weeks in advance if you're visiting during one of these popular events.
If you're trying to save as much money as possible on your trip to Cape Cod, see if you qualify for a discount. Seniors, military families, government employees, and AAA members can all save an average of 15 percent off standard prices by booking the special rate and presenting proof of eligibility at check-in.
Seniors can save at Best Western Cape Cod Hotel in the heart of Hyannis. Amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, an indoor pool, a children's pool, a complimentary breakfast, and pet-friendly accommodations. Guest rooms are bright and modern with flat-screen TVs, work desks, coffee makers, and high-speed internet access.
Holiday Inn Cape Cod - Hyannis offers special rates to both military service members and government personnel. Conveniently located near the Cape Cod Baseball Hall of Fame, this hotel offers comfortable guest rooms with armchairs, ergonomic work areas, alarm clock radios, pillowtop mattresses, Keurig coffee makers, high-speed Wi-Fi, as well as optional fireplaces, separate sitting areas, and pullout sofas. Take advantage of the indoor heated pool, whirlpool, on-site business center with printer and copy services, fitness center, baggage hold, safety deposit box, and cocktail lounge.
AAA members can save at area hotels like Courtyard by Marriott Cape Cod Hyannis. This newly renovated property features a flexible lobby space, free Wi-Fi access, a bistro with breakfast and evening cocktails, a fitness center, and a beautiful indoor pool. The modern guest rooms feature flat-screen TVs, spacious work desks, crisp linens, fluffy pillows, couches, coffee makers, and complimentary toiletries.
The Barnstable area contains a variety of midrange hotels that promise even more value for your money.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Cape Cod Hyannis is a well-designed accommodation with all the amenities you could hope for. Enjoy a free hot breakfast each morning, complimentary high-speed internet access, an inviting lobby, and an indoor pool. Guest rooms are bright and airy with contemporary decor, downy blankets, 39-inch flat-screen LCD TVs, mini fridges, microwaves, and coffee makers.
DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Cod Hyannis provides upscale amenities without the resort price. You'll love the indoor and outdoor swimming pools, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, on-site bar, and cooked breakfast (available for an extra surcharge). There's also a fully equipped business center and flexible meeting space for corporate travelers. Stylish rooms and suites feature large work desks with ergonomic chairs, luxurious bathroom amenities, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, and tastefully appointed decor.
It wouldn't be a trip to Cape Cod without visiting the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum. This museum features interactive exhibitions like “Creating Camelot: The Kennedy Photography of Jacques Lowe,” which offers behind-the-scenes glimpses of the Kennedy family. Many artifacts focus on the years he spent living on Cape Cod.
You'll also want to stop by the Cape Cod Maritime Museum located at the head of Hyannis Harbor. Tours consist of learning how to tie slipknots, viewing boat-building tools, and learning the history of Cape Cod's lighthouses.
No matter how you look at it, Barnstable is the perfect destination for your next vacation. All you need to do is find the perfect hotel that meets your travel needs.