Off-Season Guide to Mid-Cape
Looking for the perfect guide to an off-season getaway to Mid-Cape? We put together a list of things to do and restaurants to visit in Dennis, Yarmouth, Hyannis, and Osterville. Enjoy a beautiful trip to Cape Cod, and experience the beauty the Cape has to offer all year-round! Did we miss any of your off-season favorites? Comment down below!
DENNIS
Things to do:
- Mayflower Beach - one of our favorite beaches that the Cape has to offer. It has soft sand and is a perfect place to catch the sunset! Mayflower Beach is a great spot for families, with its sandbars, tide pools, and light waves.
Photo by @tbradlee
- Corporation Beach - a beautiful horseshoe-shaped beach that is perfect for families! When the tide goes out at the beach, there are plenty of tide pools for exploring.
Photo by @capeimagesbyamie
- Pelham House Resort - stunningly renovated with a fresh look, the Pelham House Resort stands as one of the most distinctive and beautiful resorts on the Cape Cod oceanfront. A stay at the Pelham includes a private beach, a heated beachfront pool, breathtaking views of Nantucket Sound, a rooftop restaurant (with heaters in the off-season), and oceanfront fire pits!
Photo by @pelhamhospitality
- Chapin Beach - backed by low sand dunes, Chapin Beach feels like a private getaway! It is a perfect spot for exploring tidal flats and swimming. Just a short walk from local restaurants, Chapin Beach is the perfect spot for a quaint beach visit!
Photo by @bettywileyphoto
- Cold Storage Beach - one of the great bayside beaches of the Cape. Cold Storage is a spacious sand beach with rock jetties perfect for swimming, waking & boat-watching.
Photo by @capeimagesbyamie
- Cape Cod Rail Trail - ride, walk, or run through 6 Cape towns as you follow along the Cape Cod Rail Trail! Along this 25-mile trail, there are beautiful beaches, amazing views, and scenic state parks to visit as you please. Park off Route 134 in South Dennis, and enjoy a beautiful day in nature!
Photo by @checkitofftravel
- Scargo Tower - a 30-foot-tall cobblestone tower located atop the highest hill in the Mid-Cape, Scargo Hill. At the top, the view allows you to see from Cape Cod Bay to Provincetown.
Photo by @sirlizard
- Fritz Glass - Fritz Lauenstein started blowing glass in 1974, and has been in business since 1991 creating beautiful hot and handblown glass. Fritz is known as one of the top marble makers working today. The family atmosphere at Fritz Glass gathers friends and visitors every day. Customers can watch pieces being crafted, purchase one-of-a-kind glass pieces, and perhaps leave with a fresh bucket of clams!
Photo by @fritzglass_capecod
- Stage Stop Candy - located in the historic Jonathan P. Edwards House in Dennis Port. Stage Stop Candy is built on over 50 years of tradition, family legacy, and a commitment to sweeten their customers' day. Stop in to try their delicious handcrafted chocolates!
Photo by @stagestopcandy
Restaurants:
- Pelham House Resort - enjoy an unforgettable oceanfront dining experience! Part of what makes the Pelham House Resort so special is the variety of oceanfront dining options offered year-round. Their gorgeous heated rooftop restaurant offers one of the most unforgettable dining experiences on Cape Cod. Every dish and drink served is accompanied by sweeping views of Nantucket Sound. Made-from-scratch brunch, lunch, and dinner specialties are crafted with local, seasonal ingredients and creative flair by their culinary team. It's a must-visit!
Photo by @phat_phucks
- Chapin's Fish & Chips and Beach Bar - located just down the road from West Dennis Beach, it's a great spot to meet up with friends for good times and great food. They offer live music on the patio and there are both indoor and outdoor dining options available. Closes for the season the last weekend of October!
Photo by @capemudslides
- Kream N' Kone - in 1953 Kream 'N Kone was a small stand serving ice cream, hot dogs, and hamburgers. Soon after fried seafood was added to the menu and has been known as the place to go for great fried seafood. Their philosophy is: buy and serve fresh and top-quality seafood. Don't miss out on their flavorful, crispy fried clams, onion rings, and fresh lobster roll! Kream N' Kone has been a Cape favorite for over six decades. Closes 10/29 for the season.
Photo by @kreamnkone
- The Ocean House Restaurant - a contemporary restaurant located on the coast of Dennis. They are known for impeccably crafted cocktails and cuisine using locally sourced seafood and farmed ingredients. Dine overlooking Nantucket Sound and enjoy a delicious meal! P.S. They were even voted in the Top 100 "Most Scenic Restaurants" By OpenTable!
Photo by @theoceanhouse
- Cleat & Anchor - an American-style restaurant and tavern that fuses casual Cape Cod charm with a little contemporary flare. Their approach to food is simple: putting their signature twist on Cape Cod favorites; like Smoked Wings, Clam Chowder Poutine, and Chicken-Fried Fish & Chips. Come by to dine or hang out with friends and play cornhole on their outdoor patio!
Photo by @_foodie_licious
- Scargo Cafe - casual fine dining in Dennis Village. They offer seafood, steaks, burgers, craft cocktails, local beers, and of course, their award-winning wine list. They also offer greenhouses to allow for outdoor dining in the cooler months!
Photo by @frenchonion4u
- The Pheasant - family-owned and operated, The Pheasant is the dream of Adam and Erica Dunn. They focus on sustainable locally-sourced dining and approachable hospitality. Chef Garrett and his crew work closely with local farmers and fishermen to offer the best seasonal ingredients to create a made-from-scratch menu featuring Cape Cod ingredients and bold flavors! They are open Thursday-Sunday in the Fall.
Photo by @pheasantcapecod
- Chapin's Bayside - steps away from Mayflower and Chapin Beach, Chapin's Bayside offers amazing dinner specials, live music, and a place for everyone to gather for a delicious meal and unforgettable memories.
Photo by @thewayshe_rolls
YARMOUTH
Things to do:
- Gray's Beach - walk the boardwalk that spans over scenic marshes to get to the beach! Soak up the sun for the day, reserve a group picnic table, or catch a stunning sunset with friends and family.
Photo by @capeimagesbyamie
- Old King's Coffeehouse - Cape Cod locals, Mark & Kate, started Old King's to create a locally owned coffeehouse in the area. Old King's takes pride in serving the freshest, best-tasting coffee beans found all over the world. They bring incredible handcrafted food to the local community in a place that feels like home.
Photo by @capecodproperties
- Candy Company - cure your sweet tooth and find old-fashioned, unique candy that'll bring back childhood memories from a selection of over 2,500 different choices of goodies!
Photo by @discoannabelle
- Whydah Pirate Museum - home to thousands of items from the Whydah and displays the largest collection of pirate artifacts recovered from a single shipwreck anywhere in the world.
Photo by @whydahpiratemuseum
Restaurants:
- Ann & Fran's Kitchen - serving friends and neighbors since 1975, A&F has crafted an eclectic menu from scratch-made, unique and delicious breakfast and lunch items. Whether you are a meat lover, gluten-free, or vegan, A&F has something that is bound to bring you back for a second visit! You can't miss getting their fluffy blueberry ricotta pancakes with blueberry compote and whipped butter melted on top (pictured below)!
Photo by @foodfollower7
- Keltic Kitchen - the place to go for a traditional Irish Breakfast. Make sure you try their assortment of mouthwatering pancakes, french toast, and so much more! Keltic Kitchen has a one-of-a-kind atmosphere you do not want to miss.
Photo by @keltickitchen
- Captain Parker's Pub - owner Gerry opened his dream restaurant in July of 1981 and has been a Cape staple ever since. Captain Parker's Pub overlooks Parker's River. They are best known for their thick and cream New England clam chowder (pictured below)! Dine inside or relax on their deck to enjoy a Cape Cod tradition.
Photo by @captainparkers
- Tugboats at Hyannis Marina - overlooking all of Hyannis Harbor, Tugboats is known to be a family-friendly seafood spot for casual waterfront dining. Check out their newly-renovated decks that make them one of the best outdoor dining locations on Cape Cod!
Photo by @thinking_about_food
- Gerardi's Cafe - at Gerardis', they don't just wish to fill your hunger with home-style and creative dishes, but to fill your heart with memories stirred sitting around the diner table with classic music and great wines. Chef Diego has worked alongside his parents since he was fourteen years old. He was taught his father's Sicilian recipes and traveled to Italy to continue his family traditions. Diego has mastered the art of Sicilian-inspired Italian cuisine. Stop in to enjoy more than just a meal, but a memorable experience.
Photo by @gerardiscafe
- Old Yarmouth Inn - established in 1996, the Old Yarmouth Inn has been a gathering place for all. It has a homey, yet elegant atmosphere. They focus on serving homemade classics & local seafood prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients for tasty, nourishing meals.
Photo by @loismichaelvincent
- Sweet Tomatoes Pizza - a Cape Cod go-to for New Haven, "Neapolitan" style thin crust pies and slices. Sweet Tomatoes uses a whole wheat flour blend for the crust, a signature chunky tomato sauce, quality cheeses, and meats!
Photo by @geta_pizza_me
- Royal II Restaurant & Grille - whether you are in the mood for Mediterranean, Italian, or American cuisine, Royal II prepares all meals using top-quality ingredients served fresh to you.
Photo by @yummymunches3
HYANNIS
Things to do:
- JFK Hyannis Museum - take an inspiring journey through various periods of President Kennedy's life and learn about his deep connection to Cape Cod, a place where he enjoyed many summers. Step into the unforgettable days of the 1960s in Hyannis Port through an exhibit that features 80-plus photographs, text panels, video, and artifacts from the years Kennedy spent on Cape Cod.
Photo by @gweegin
- Cape Cod Potato Chips - on July 4, 1980, two small business owners made their dream of making crunchy, unique quality potato chips a reality. Ever since 1985, they have opened a factory in Hyannis and have been offering loyal fans a chance to visit the place where it all began! Stop by for a tour to see how the legendary kettle chips are made.
Photo by @capecodchips
- Cape Cod Jewelers - over a 40-year-old family-owned and operated jewelry store located in the heart of beautiful downtown Hyannis. Their storefront has an extensive inventory of all types of jewelry featuring Cape Cod, Compass, Mermaid, Nautical, and, of course, our Capeology Jewelry line! They are also the exclusive retailer of our 14k Cape Cod and the Islands Collection, as well as, our 14k two-toned Collection featuring our Cape Cod and the Islands necklaces and bracelets in 14k with a sterling silver chain.
Photo by @capeology
- Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises - operating since 1980, The Whale Watcher is designed specifically for whale watching in New England. The boat is 130 feet long by 28 feet wide and is powered by five water jets. There are three viewing levels, with two sun decks, and bench seating throughout. Come aboard to spot humpback, finback, and minke whales!
Photo by @saltyjonesphotography
- Smith Family Beer Garden - established in 2023 by the Smith brothers, a space where locals and visitors alike can gather, unwind, and enjoy the taste of Cape Cod and local beverages was started. Smith Family Beer Garden proudly showcases a variety of local brews crafted on the Cape and around New England, and a variety of cocktails, seltzers, and cider options. If you are in the mood for a snack, Knead & Knot Pretzel Co. truck is on-site and has you covered! They are located at the center of Main Street in Hyannis right next to Smith Family Popcorn, open Thursday-Sunday in the Fall.
Photo by @smithfamilybeergarden
- Cape Cod Beer - Cape Cod's original craft beer! Stop by the taproom or their seasonal beer garden for pints, tastings, or to try one of the 18 beers on tap! Open year-round, you can grab a bite to eat from JP's Twisted BBQ. They also offer tours on Saturdays at 11 AM!
Photo by @capecodbeer
- Barnstable Brewing - co-owner Peter started home-brewing beer over 30 years ago. He realized he was on to something special and Barnstable Brewing was born. They pride themselves on being a family-owned business with the passion and skills to create beer that you will fall in love with! Stop by to try one of their 11 fresh, handcrafted beers.
Photo by @barnstable_brewing
- TapTastings Craft Brew Excursions - try a unique craft beer or wine and cheese tour! You can customize your excursion by picking from multiple different breweries/taphouses, wineries, distilleries, and markets on the Cape to visit. Get picked up and dropped off door-to-door and enjoy the day tasting with your friends!
Photo by @taptastings
- Kandy Korner - there is nothing like getting a freshly wrapped, warm, and chewy piece of salt-water taffy. It is homemade daily and cooked in small batches the old-fashion way to ensure the best quality and flavor. Stop by for so much more than just candy and homemade ice cream!
Photo by @thekandycorner
- Little Miss Cupcape - don't miss out on one of Chef Taylor's sweets made using only the finest ingredients with real butter, cream, cocoa, sugar, and pure vanilla. All of her homemade cupcake confections and decadent delights are baked from scratch daily. Come in for homemade cupcakes, custom cakes, and even edible cookie dough. PS our favorite cupcake flavors are the Cape Coconut cupcake topped with fluffy coconut buttercream or their Seasalt Chocolate Caramel!
Photo by @toomanybites
- Ten Pin Eatery - located in the Cape Cod Mall, Ten Pin Eatery is an upscale entertainment venue with 11 Bowling Lanes, a Game Room with over 50 games, Laser Tag, Virtual Reality, 3 Escape rooms, and a Golf Simulator. They also offer a 45-seat marble bar and a full-service restaurant!
Photo by @tenpineatery
- Pirate Adventures Hyannis - a wonderfully interactive adventure for children between the ages of 3-10 who are looking for a thrill-seeking, treasure-hunting voyage into Hyannis Harbor. Once aboard, every child will be transformed into an official member of the Sea Gypsy and be ready for a pirate adventure!
Photo by @ggtextiledesign
Restaurants:
- Spoon and Seed - since opening their doors in June 2015, their restaurant has reached an iconic local status. Chef Matthew is a New York Times-3 star chef and creates dishes inspired by a mix of tradition and spontaneity. Keep it simple with their buttermilk pancakes to kick-start your morning, or if you are feeling spontaneous try their delicious lox bagel.
Photo by @spoonandseed
- The Daily Paper - a chef-owned Cape Cod cafe proudly serving only the freshest local ingredients for breakfast and lunch every day. The Daily Paper provides only the freshest local food with produce from local purveyors and coffee from Beanstock Roasters. Stop in and pick from one of their tasty pancake options like buttermilk, fresh blueberry, banana and candied pecan, or chocolate chip. You can taste the fresh difference!
Photo by @gramercygourmand
- Añejo Mexican Bistro - located on Main Street in Falmouth and Hyannis, this is a must-stop for tequila lovers. Sip on one of their 12 different margaritas, house-made cocktails, or tequila. Añejo offers a variety of different tequila including tequila blanco, which is not aged except for a resting period after distilling of up to two months. They also offer tequila reposado, which is aged between two and twelve months in wood barrels. Lastly, they have tequila añejo, which is aged for a minimum of three years, or mezcal, which is the rustic cousin of tequila. Sit below the historic weeping Beechtree planted in 1776 by the outdoor bar or sit on Main Street in Hyannis, and enjoy dining while watching the crowds pass by!
Photo by @briansamuelsphotography
- Black Cat Tavern - a beautiful waterfront, harborside restaurant. They offer a full bar, piano lounge, spacious patio, casual dining, and unbeatable ferry access. Stop by the Tavern for juicy burgers and native seafood, or the Harbor Shack to relax and watch the ferries go by.
Photo by @talkingtasty
- Pizza Barbone - going as far as importing flour from Italy, Pizza Barbone takes care in the food they create. They are dedicated to using only fresh seasonal ingredients and making as much of their product from scratch. Their pizza is baked in a handcrafted brick oven, and made from love. The heart of Pizza Barbone is owners Jason and Ali. Located on Main Street, Hyannis, Chef Jason creates Neapolitan pizza and artisanal dishes along with a curated selection of local and imported wine and beer.
Photo by @pizzabarbone
- Colombo's - Columbo's stands for the beloved concept born in Italy of the 'gathering place"... truly a place that welcomes everyone, every day...at any time. Located on Main Street in Hyannis, they focus on great Italian-style food, drinks, and pastries. Don't miss out on trying their burrata!
Photo by @mads-aboutit
- Pain D'Avignon Restaurant Boulangerie - what started out as a small Boulangerie selling baguettes, croissants, and espresso quickly turned became a European style cafe offering breakfast, gourmet lunch, and exquisite specialties made in-house. Since 1992, Pain D' Avignon has developed even further into a one-of-a-kind French restaurant for dinner. They feature a range of breads, treats, and creative French bistro meals. Every morning, flour, salt, and water are combined to bake fresh, warm bread.
Photo by @paindavignoncafe
- Gannon's Tavern - an American Contemporary Tavern with a Modern Industrial feel. The family-owned restaurant focuses on creating a "from scratch" kitchen, carefully hand-crafted cocktails, and meals using quality ingredients. Stop in for a family-friendly atmosphere for a special occasion or just to sit at the bar to relax and watch a game.
Photo by @surferace19
OSTERVILLE
Things to do:
- Dowses Beach - Dowses is a peninsula beach where you can have your choice of sitting on the bay or the ocean. Sit on the soft sand beach, lined with beautiful dunes, and hunt for seashells.
Photo by @alohabyamanda
- AMIE Bakery - a small, specialty bakery where everything is made from scratch in small batches. Local ingredients are used by artisans who, like AMIE, are passionate about what they do. They serve traditional pastries, classic breakfast, lunch items, homemade sodas, and ice cream floats. AMIE offers food people love, in a place no one wants to leave!
Photo by @briansamuelsphotography
- Hometown Juice & Co. - Cape Cod natives, Heather Wilson and Megan Babiarz created a place to fuel up, see friendly faces, and grab local goods! In addition to juice, smoothies, bowls, and snacks, Hometown Juice offers an array of locally handcrafted items for any last-minute gift shopping. Head on over to taste a handcrafted juice or grab a coffee and start your day off right!
Photo by @by.emmy
- Gone Chocolate - for 30 years, Gone Chocolate has been a place where the passion for sharing out-of-this-world chocolate, ice cream, and their famous açaí exists. Stop by for homemade churros, açaí, ice cream, and more!
Photo by @gonechocolate
Restaurants:
- The Pineapple Caper Cafe and Catering - what started off as a successful food truck in 2007 has turned into a full-time, delicious kitchen. Chefs/owners Bill and Tammy have been serving culinary masterpieces for over 25 years. They are famously known for their Gourmet Grilled Cheese, having a record for total number of sandwiches sold in a 2-hour period of 452! Stop by for breakfast, lunch, appetizers, or a specialty cocktail!
Photo by @thepineapplecaper
- Fancy's Market - a 176-year-old landmark, at Fancy's Market you will find an exceptional butcher department, delicious produce, a fabulous selection of wines, beer, and liquor, fine cheeses, and fresh-baked goods. Stop by to explore a wide variety of local products and help continue Fancy's tradition!
Photo by @chickswithreviews
- Osterville Fish Market - opened its doors in November of 1998 with the singular goal of becoming the very best local fresh seafood market and takeout restaurant on Cape Cod. They are proudly committed to offering only the freshest fish and shellfish available. Aside from local seafood, they offer takeout featuring chowders and sides, shore dinners, and lots more seafood specialties to go.
Photo by @meggeats
- Crisp Flatbread - located on Main Street in Osterville, Crisp offers wood-fired pizza and delicious homemade pasta prepared with seasonal, local ingredients. All pasta, sauces, and flatbreads are made from scratch with love. Come by to relax on the patio, cook a s'more in the fire pit, and challenge friends to a game of table tennis!
Photo by @briansamuelsphotography
- Chart Room at Crosby's - come enjoy a waterfront view with a classic Cape Cod meal of fresh seafood and other local favorites. Closes for the season Thanksgiving weekend.
Photo by @chartroomcrosbys
- Five Bays Bistro - located in the heart of Osterville, one of the most picturesque villages on Cape Cod, Five Bays Bistro offers modern, yet classic American cuisine, with a more casual small plates menu at the bar. Don't miss their Fig & Prosciutto Crostini, made with crisp prosciutto, fig spread, burrata cheese, chive, and topped with balsamic glaze (pictured below)!
Photo by @fivebaysbistro