Visiting Cape Cod & Martha's Vineyard
Archived Q&A and Reviews
Beach vacation in Massachusetts
May 2010
Hi, I'm going to visit my sister who lives in NYC, and go away for a weekend with her husband and mine. We're looking to be near a beach, and not spend too long getting there from the city. I've never been to Martha's Vineyard, and am intrigued, but would love to hear what you all like! Thank you! Dawn
To me the idea of going to Ma from NYC for a weekend means wasting a LOT of time in the car instead of enjoying yourself. Think minimum 6 hours driving, and then ferries to the Vineyard (need a reservation) plus Friday and Sunday summer traffic! I would highly recommend either Fire Island or the Hamptons but book soon and the traffic is still horrible. G
I love Martha's Vineyard. Highly recommend. Beautiful Beaches, good food, fabulous radio station (wmvy). Worth the ferry ride.
I lived on Martha's Vineyard for three years with my husband and two kids. We loved it. There are beautiful beaches and things to do. There is a Jet Blue/Cape Air shuttle from NY to MV. And if you are driving and take the ferry, check the rates and make a reservation early. There are farms and shops and artists galleries and beautiful beaches. It is truly an aesthetic, creative place where you will not be overwhelmed with traffic lights (I think there are 3 on the island) and highways. You will be able to swim in the wide ocean or inlets or where the river meets the ocean. We are going back this summer and can't wait. I am less familiar with Cape Cod but Truro and Chatham are nice places. Have a great weekend!! claire
My father retired to Falmouth on Cape Cod about 5 years ago and I've taken a day trip to Martha's Vineyard -- it IS lovely.
One thing to keep in mind.... timing is everything. After Memorial Day it might be difficult to get housing on the island or more popular places on the Cape. And if you go to the island and don't fly from NYC, you've got to get to the Cape (5 hour drive) and then get over on the ferry, which for a car will require a reservation. You can take a train most of the way there and then a bus to the ferry, or probably a bus from NYC all the way to Wood's Hole (the ferry terminal).
Having said that, I think anywhere on Cape Cod would be lovely and quite enjoyable. Feel free to email me for more info and questions.
When I was growing up, my family spent 2 weeks each summer in Eastham on Cape Cod and from 1971 to 1984 my parents lived there. My favorite towns to stay in are Wellfleet, Truro, Eastham, and Orleans. Late June shouldn't be too bad on the Cape.
Things to do:
One morning get up well before sunrise and drive to the Truro sand dunes and walk out towards the ocean and watch the sunrise.
Go to Rock Harbor in Eastham/Orleans and watch the sunset. Also go late in the morning to see the fishing boats return.
Definitely got to Provincetown and walk the main street. Sometimes the most interesting thing to see is the tourists who've com to see the scene. Eat a meal, prefereably dinner, at Ciro and Sal's. It's been around since at least the 60's and now run by Ciro's daughter. Make sure you get some fried clams. There's a great seafood place on the eastside of Rte 6 in North Eastham, it's called Nauset ?? and get a steamed lobster. Or you can get a steamed lobster to go either there or at the lobster place near the Rite-Aid in Orleans.
Definitely go to either Coast Guard Beach or Nauset Light Beach and go for a long walk along the shore. Also the there bayside beaches that are good -- My favorite is First Encounter Beach in Eastham. Take the walk at the Redwood Marsh and checkout the view behind Captain Penneyman's house -- both are of the east side of Rte 6 between the Orlean's Circle and the Eastham Post Office.
p You will enjoy driving along Rte 28 and Rte 6A, lots of old bookstores, quaint shops and smaltzy gift shops. Your kids might hate this part.
For bayberry candles, pine incense, etc. go to the oulet store. One is in Orleans on 6A as you head out of town and there's another one in Hyannis. Have a great time. Andrea (4/99)
I would highly recommend Chatham, MA in Cape Cod. When our kids were younger we rented houses there several summers. It was an easy place to go with young children. The beaches are nice, and there is no rough surf, so you don’t have to worry about waves crashing down on toddlers. The kids would play for hours on the beach, and then we would head home and have a relaxing evening. You pay more for a house near the beach and within walking distance to Main Street, which were worth it to us. It depends on what you want. The rates drop after Labor Day. September would probably be a great time to go. Good luck.