Yarmouth, Cape Cod, is a perfect Cape Cod vacation spot.
This 17-square-mile town offers three distinct villages, 15 beautiful beaches, and over 350 years of seaside history.
Many visitors miss the true charm of this coastal gem. They stick to Route 6 or Route 28 and never venture beyond. That’s a mistake you won’t want to make.
In this guide, you’ll find what makes each village in Yarmouth, Cape Cod, unique. You’ll find the best beaches for your family. Plus, you’ll get to know outdoor activities and cultural attractions that make this town special.
Meet the Villages of Yarmouth
Three Villages, Two Seas, Endless Personality
Yarmouth stretches from Cape Cod Bay to Nantucket Sound, creating three villages with distinct personalities. Each offers different experiences based on which coastline they touch.
| Village | Vibe | Coastline |
|---|---|---|
| Yarmouth Port | Historic, quiet, antique-shop charm | Cape Cod Bay |
| South Yarmouth | Beach-centric, family cottages | Nantucket Sound |
| West Yarmouth | Action-packed, attractions galore | Nantucket Sound |
Cape Cod Bay gives Yarmouth Port cooler water and dramatic low-tide sandbars. Nantucket Sound offers warmer, calmer swimming on the south side.
Yarmouth Port
Stroll the Captain’s Mile, a 1.5-mile stretch on Route 6A. More than 50 sea-captain homes line this scenic road, marked by black-and-gold schooner plaques. Pop into the Captain Bangs Hallet House Museum – the Cape’s only fully furnished sea-captain home open to the public.
Finish your day at the 800-foot Gray’s Beach Boardwalk. This boardwalk ranks as a favorite for marsh-top photos and bird-spotting. Sunset views here beat any postcard.
South Yarmouth
Seagull Beach draws sun-seekers to the town’s widest strand. Summer water temps hover around 68°F, warmer than Cape Cod Bay waters. When afternoon breezes kick up, rent a kayak at Bass River. Paddle past quiet coves framed by cedar shingles and osprey nests.
The village mixes beach cottages with family restaurants. Bass River forms the eastern border, offering both ocean access and river activities.
West Yarmouth, Cape Cod
Kids sprint straight to Cape Cod Inflatable Park. The largest inflatable water park in the country reopens June 13-September 7, 2025. Rainy morning? Duck into the Whydah Pirate Museum for authenticated pirate treasure. New lantern-lit tours like “Echoes of the Whydah” bring history to life.
Route 28 buzzes with mini golf, ice cream shops, and family attractions. This village packs more entertainment per square mile than anywhere else in the town.
Beaches at Yarmouth
The town offers 15 beaches split between saltwater and freshwater options. From party spots to quiet coves, here’s where to go based on what you want.
Beaches for Teens and Young Adults
1. Seagull Beach reigns as the social hub of this place’s beaches
- High school and college students pack this West Yarmouth spot all summer
- Plenty of parking spaces, lifeguards, concessions, and picnic tables
- Beach volleyball action and $15 daily parking fee
2. Bass Hole (Grey’s Beach) sits at the end of Centre Street in Yarmouth Port
- One of Cape Cod’s best sunset spots, according to locals
- Boardwalk stretches over Garden Creek and salt marshes
- Shallow waters at low tide are perfect for small children
- Free parking and picnic pavilion available
3. Smugglers Beach (Bass River Beach) combines family fun with fishing
- Located at Bass River’s mouth in the South part
- Features a fishing pier, a snack bar, and lifeguards
- Large parking lot with bathroom facilities ($15 daily)
Freshwater Swimming Spots and Small Beaches
4. Colonial Acres Beach at Lewis Bay offers a quieter experience with free parking. New bridge leads to sandy shores perfect for relaxation
5. Englewood Beach on Berry Avenue provides similar local vibes. Both beaches feature warm Nantucket Sound waters without crowds
6. Sandy Pond (Buck Island Road) – swimming plus sports fields, tennis courts, playgrounds
7. Dennis Pond (Yarmouth Port) – pristine waters, peaceful surroundings (resident sticker required)
8. Long Pond (South Yarmouth) – free parking, lifeguards, playground near historic Indian burial ground
What to do in Yarmouth, Cape Cod?
Beyond the beaches, the town offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors. From nature walks to water sports, here’s a list of outdoor activities active families can do.
| Activity Type | Location | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hiking | Callery-Darling Conservation | 2.5-mile trail to Gray’s Beach | Free |
| Bird Watching | Crab Creek Conservation | Peaceful marshland trails | Free |
| Historic Walk | Taylor-Bray Farm | 1800s farm with sheep | Free |
| Kayaking | Bass River | Longest tidal river on the East Coast | Rentals: $40-60/day |
| Paddleboarding | Windmill Beach launch | Calm waters, easy access | Rentals: $50-70/day |
| Boat Launch | Wilbur Park | Public ramp with parking | Free |
| Rail Trail | South Yarmouth access | 25.5 miles to Wellfleet | Free |
| Bike Rentals | Route 28 shops | Near the trail entrance | $25-40/day |
| Golf (Public) | Bass River Golf Course | 18 holes | $45-65 |
| Golf (Public) | Bayberry Hills | 27 holes | $40-55 |
| Tennis | 14 courts townwide | Sandy Pond, Flax Pond | Free |
| Multi-Sport | Sandy Pond Recreation | Swimming, tennis and playground | Free |
| Fields & Courts | Flax Pond | Volleyball, softball, picnic | Free |
| Boardwalk | West Yarmouth | Marsh walk to Swan Pond | Free |
Quick Planning Tips:
- Most conservation lands open dawn to dusk
- Water sport rentals are available from April through October
- Tennis courts are first-come, first-served
- Golf courses require tee time reservations
Pro Tip: Many outdoor activities in Yarmouth Cape Cod connect. Start with a morning bike ride, paddle Bass River at noon, then catch sunset at Gray’s Beach.
Cultural Gems & Attractions
The Town of Yarmouth, Cape Cod, blends maritime history with quirky attractions. Here’s where to find culture and entertainment beyond the beach.
Museums Worth Visiting
1. Whydah Pirate Museum on Route 28 showcases real treasure from the 1717 shipwreck. Watch archaeologists clean artifacts in the working lab while learning about “Black Sam” Bellamy.
Open daily 10 am-5 pm ($18 adults, $10 children).
2. Edward Gorey House displays the macabre illustrator’s original artwork in his former 1700s home. Rotating exhibits feature his famous book illustrations and personal collections.
Find it on Route 6A, open April-December ($8 adults, $2 children).
3. Captain Bangs Hallet House Museum for history buffs, offers the only furnished sea captain’s home tour in the town. See how wealthy merchants lived in the 1800s. Tours run Thursday-Sunday in summer ($5 adults).
Yarmouth Cape Cod Events
Summer brings free Monday night concerts at Mattacheese Middle School’s outdoor bandshell from June through August.
The Yarmouth Seaside Festival takes over the town Columbus Day Weekend with art, crafts, food, and a parade.
Other highlights include the Labor Day Craft Festival, the July 4th Summer Celebration with fireworks, and the Bass River Sandcastle Contest each August. The Cultural Center of Cape Cod offers year-round art exhibits and classes.
Top Places to Stay
Yarmouth offers lodging for every budget and style. Historic B&Bs line Route 6A in the Port. Waterfront resorts dot South Shore Drive. Family-friendly motels cluster along Route 28.
| Hotel | Location | Best For | Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Water Resort | 291 South Shore Drive, South Yarmouth | Families wanting beach access | Private beach, indoor/outdoor pools, kitchenettes | $150-300/night |
| Blue Rock Resort | 39 Todd Road, South Yarmouth | Golf enthusiasts and couples | 18-hole golf course, restaurant, seasonal outdoor pool | $120-250/night |
| Green Harbor Resort | 182 Baxter Avenue, West Yarmouth | Budget-conscious families | Outdoor pool, grills, near Lewis Bay beaches | $90-180/night |
Booking Tips: Summer rates peak in July-August. Book by March for the best selection. Many places offer weekly discounts. Check for packages including ferry tickets or attraction passes.
The Bottom Line
From sunrise walks on Gray’s Beach Boardwalk to afternoon paddling on Bass River, Yarmouth Town delivers memories for every type of traveler.
Whether you choose the historic charm of the Port, the beach life of the South part, or the family fun of West Yarmouth, you’ll find your ideal vacation spot.
With 15 beaches, miles of hiking trails, and attractions like the Whydah Pirate Museum, boredom isn’t an option here.
Start planning your visit to this amazing town today. Book your stay early for 2025, especially if you want those prime beachfront resorts. Remember to grab a weekly beach sticker and map out which villages you’ll visit first.
Ready to experience all three villages?
Pack your sunscreen, bring your sense of adventure, and prepare for the Cape Cod vacation you’ve been dreaming about. See you on the beaches of Yarmouth!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Yarmouth, Massachusetts, Known for?
Yarmouth is known for its three distinct villages, 15 beaches, including popular Seagull Beach, historic Captain’s Mile, Bass River activities, and family attractions like the Whydah Pirate Museum.
Is Yarmouth, MA, a Nice Place to Live?
Yes, Yarmouth offers excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, beach access, and year-round activities. The town balances historic charm with modern amenities, making it ideal for families and retirees.
Is Yarmouth Port a City?
No, Yarmouth Port is a village within the town of Yarmouth, not a city. It’s the historic northside village known for Route 6A’s sea captain homes and antique shops.
Where Is Yarmouth on the Cape?
Yarmouth sits mid-Cape between Barnstable and Dennis. It stretches from Cape Cod Bay north to Nantucket Sound south, about 75 miles from Boston via Route 6.
