Planning a trip to Cape Cod but feeling lost about where all the towns are located? You’re not alone. Many visitors struggle to understand how this popular Massachusetts destination is laid out.
What if I told you that having the right Cape Cod map with towns could make your planning so much easier? No more guessing which beach is closest to your hotel or wondering how long it takes to drive between different areas. A good map of Cape Cod towns shows you exactly where each community sits.
It helps you plan better routes and makes the most of your time. You’ll see how Provincetown sits at the tip while Sandwich anchors the base.
Let me show you the best maps and explain how Cape Cod’s towns connect.
Overview of Cape Cod Geography and Regional Divisions
Cape Cod stretches 65 miles into the Atlantic Ocean like a bent arm. This hook-shaped peninsula was formed by glaciers thousands of years ago. The unique shape creates over 500 miles of coastline.
The Cape divides into four main regions. The Upper Cape sits closest to mainland Massachusetts and includes Bourne, Sandwich, Falmouth, and Mashpee. The Mid Cape, which includes Barnstable, Yarmouth, and Dennis, is home to the airport and ferries.
The Lower Cape has Harwich, Brewster, Chatham, and Orleans with their charming harbours. The Outer Cape stretches from Eastham to Provincetown at the very tip.
Don’t get confused by the names! “Upper” and “Lower” come from old sailing terms, not map positions. The Lower Cape actually sits north of the Upper Cape on most maps.
Full List of Cape Cod Map with Towns and Villages
Cape Cod has 15 towns spread across four regions. Each town offers its own character and attractions. Some towns contain multiple villages within their borders. Here’s your complete guide to every Cape Cod community.
Upper Cape Region
Credits: capecodchamber.org
The Upper Cape welcomes visitors as they cross the bridges from mainland Massachusetts. This region combines suburban convenience with coastal charm.
1. Bourne
Bourne serves as your first taste of Cape Cod. The town wraps around the Cape Cod Canal and offers great fishing spots. You’ll find the Massachusetts Maritime Academy here, too.
- Famous Attraction: Cape Cod Canal and its scenic walking paths
- Notable Fact: Home to both bridges that connect Cape Cod to mainland Massachusetts
- Highlight: It contains several villages, including Buzzards Bay and Monument Beach
2. Sandwich
Sandwich feels like stepping back in time. The town center showcases classic New England architecture. Don’t miss the boardwalk that stretches over the salt marsh to the beach.
- Famous Attraction: Sandwich Glass Museum showcasing historic glassmaking
- Notable Fact: Oldest town on Cape Cod, settled in 1637
- Highlight: Features beautiful beaches along Cape Cod Bay
3. Falmouth
Falmouth buzzes with activity year-round. Woods Hole houses important marine research centers. The town offers some of the Cape’s best beaches along Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound.
- Famous Attraction: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and ferry terminal
- Notable Fact: The Largest town in the Upper Cape
- Highlight: It contains eight villages, including Woods Hole and West Falmouth
4. Mashpee
Mashpee blends Native American history with modern development. The town features golf courses, shopping centres, and the Mashpee Commons outdoor mall. It’s also home to the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe’s cultural centre.
- Famous Attraction: Mashpee Commons outdoor shopping centre
- Notable Fact: Hosts the annual Mashpee Wampanoag Powwow, a major Native American cultural event
- Highlight: Centre of Wampanoag tribal heritage
Mid Cape Region
Credits: capecodchamber.org
The Mid Cape serves as the commercial heart of the peninsula. Most visitors pass through this busy region during their stay.
5. Barnstable
Barnstable spans the Cape from north to south. Hyannis village serves as the main commercial center with the airport, hospitals, and ferry terminals. The town also includes quieter villages like Osterville and Centerville.
- Famous Attraction: Cape Cod Central Railroad and JFK Hyannis Museum
- Notable Fact: The Largest town on Cape Cod by population
- Highlight: It contains seven villages, including Hyannis
6. Yarmouth
Yarmouth caters to families with kids. Route 28 through South Yarmouth features numerous motels, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The town also has quieter residential areas and some nice beaches.
- Famous Attraction: Whydah Pirate Museum
- Notable Fact: Split into South Yarmouth and West Yarmouth
- Highlight: Known for its amusement parks and mini golf courses
7. Dennis
Dennis offers something for everyone. The town stretches across the Cape with villages on both the bay and sound sides. Dennis Port attracts families while Dennis Village appeals to those seeking quiet charm.
- Famous Attraction: Cape Playhouse, America’s oldest professional summer theatre
- Notable Fact: It contains five villages from the bay to the sound
- Highlight: Popular for its golf courses and beaches
Lower Cape Region
Credits: capecodchamber.org
The Lower Cape combines natural beauty with maritime tradition. These towns offer some of the Cape’s most picturesque settings.
8. Harwich
Harwich maintains its fishing village character. The town features working harbours, cranberry bogs, and several pristine kettle ponds. Harwich Port offers upscale shopping and dining options.
- Famous Attraction: Cape Cod Lavender Farm and working cranberry bogs
- Notable Fact: It contains eight villages, including Harwich Port
- Highlight: Known for its cranberry bogs and fishing heritage
9. Brewster
Brewster charms visitors with its historic character. The town sits along the Old King’s Highway with numerous antique shops and historic homes. Nickerson State Park provides camping and outdoor activities.
- Famous Attraction: Cape Cod Museum of Natural History
- Notable Fact: Located entirely on the bay side
- Highlight: Famous for its antique shops along Route 6A
10. Chatham
Chatham epitomises Cape Cod style. The town features upscale shops, fine dining, and beautiful beaches. Watch seals from the lighthouse area or visit the fish pier to see the daily catch.
- Famous Attraction: Chatham Lighthouse and Fish Pier
- Notable Fact: Located at the “elbow” of Cape Cod
- Highlight: Upscale resort community with seal watching opportunities
11. Orleans
Orleans marks the transition to the Outer Cape. The town offers both bay and ocean beaches. It’s a popular stop for supplies before heading to the more remote outer towns.
- Famous Attraction: Nauset Beach with its expansive Atlantic shoreline
- Notable Fact: Gateway to the Outer Cape
- Highlight: Mix of year-round residents and summer visitors
Outer Cape Region
Credits: capecodchamber.org
The Outer Cape showcases Cape Cod’s wild natural beauty. These towns sit within the Cape Cod National Seashore boundaries.
12. Eastham
Eastham introduces visitors to the protected national seashore. The town features dramatic ocean beaches, salt marshes, and the famous Nauset Light. It’s quieter than the mid-Cape towns but still offers necessary services.
- Famous Attraction: Nauset Light lighthouse featured on Cape Cod Chips bags
- Notable Fact: First stop in the Outer Cape
- Highlight: Gateway to Cape Cod National Seashore
13. Wellfleet
Wellfleet balances commercial fishing with tourism. The town center features art galleries, restaurants, and shops. The harbor area bustles with fishing boats and pleasure craft during the summer months.
- Famous Attraction: Wellfleet Harbor and its famous oyster beds
- Notable Fact: Famous for its oysters and art galleries
- Highlight: Popular with artists and writers
14. Truro
Truro offers the most unspoiled landscape on Cape Cod. Rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, and pristine beaches define this quiet town. It attracts visitors seeking peace and natural beauty.
- Famous Attraction: Highland Light (Cape Cod Light), the Cape’s oldest lighthouse
- Notable Fact: The most sparsely populated Cape Cod town
- Highlight: Features dramatic dunes and beaches
15. Provincetown
Provincetown caps off Cape Cod with flair. This historic fishing village transformed into an artist colony and tourist destination. The town offers unique shops, restaurants, whale watching, and a lively nightlife scene that attracts visitors from around the world.
- Famous Attraction: Pilgrim Monument and whale watching tours
- Notable Fact: Historic fishing village turned artist colony
- Highlight: Famous for its vibrant arts scene and nightlife
Regional Layouts and Travel Routes
Getting around Cape Cod becomes easier when you understand the main travel routes connecting each region. Route 6, the Mid-Cape Highway, serves as the spine running from the Sagamore Bridge to Provincetown. This four-lane road provides the fastest connections between towns.
Route 28 hugs the southern shore through busy commercial areas but gets crowded in summer. Route 6A offers a scenic northern alternative with historic charm and antique shops.
Each route serves different purposes for travellers.
A good Cape Cod map with towns shows how these roads connect the regions. Most visitors use Route 6 for long-distance travel and switch to local roads to experience individual communities and their unique layouts.
How to Get to Cape Cod?
Getting to Cape Cod requires crossing one of two bridges from mainland Massachusetts. A Cape Cod map with towns will show you these entry points and help you plan which route works best for your destination.
| Transportation Method | Details | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| By Car | Sagamore Bridge (Route 6) or Bourne Bridge (Route 28) from mainland Massachusetts | Most flexible option, essential to experience multiple towns |
| By Bus | Peter Pan and Plymouth & Brockton buses serve major Cape towns | Budget travellers without cars |
| By Air | Barnstable Municipal Airport (HYA) in Hyannis with connections from major cities | Quick access, especially from distant locations |
| By Ferry | Seasonal ferries from Boston and Plymouth to Provincetown | Scenic route avoiding bridge traffic |
| By Train | Amtrak to Boston, then bus connections to Cape | Combined rail/bus travel option |
Wrapping It Up
Now you have all the details about Cape Cod’s towns and four regions. From Bourne’s canal views to Provincetown’s artistic flair, each community offers something special. Remember that having a reliable Cape Cod map with towns makes all the difference during your visit.
It helps you plan better routes and saves valuable vacation time.
Your Cape Cod experience depends on choosing the right towns for your interests. Beach lovers should focus on the ocean-side communities. History buffs will prefer the bay-side villages.
Which Cape Cod town are you most excited to visit?
Comment down below and share your travel plans!
