ladybug19

want to go to Boston and the Cape. We thought is might be a good half way point for both. Any thoughts on if it's worth it to pay more and stay in Boston and drive to the Cape only or save the money, stay in Plymouth and use public trans. to go to Boston? Also any thoughts on where to get Red Sox tix? Thanks!!

ladybug19

Sorry guys - Part of my post got cut off. We are staying in Plymouth....

CAPH52

Three years ago we used Plymouth as a base. We spent five nights there. It worked very well for us.

We drove to the end of the red line of the T and parked in the parking garage when we wanted to go in to Boston.

We stayed at the Pilgrim Sands motel which is just south of Plymouth, across the street from Plimoth Plantation. We had a waterside room and it was more than we usually pay. But we enjoyed it so much. Our kids were 17 and 13 at the time. With two pools and a private beach, it was a great place for them. And my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed relaxing on their deck in the evenings.

ladybug19

how long did it take you to get into Boston? The Pilgrim sands was pretty nice?

CAPH52

I don't remember exactly, but I think it took us about half an hour to drive to the T.

As I said, we really liked the Pilgrim Sands. Mind you, it's nothing fancy. I'd probably classify it more as "motel" than "hotel". But the location is great, the rooms were comfortable and, as I said, we loved the deck. It was just a really nice place to relax after a day of sightseeing.

You mention saving money by not staying in Boston. I don't know how many people you're traveling with. But you may be able to get something on Priceline, etc., cheaper in Boston than what the Pilgrim Sands would cost. It's really a matter of what interests you the most. As you mentioned wanting to do, we wanted to drive to the Cape. And we didn't want to have to drive in to Boston. Basically, we wanted to explore the whole area, not just Boston. So staying in Plymouth made sense for us.

cantstayhome

Are you planning on staying on the Cape, or just make day trips? Timing is key in heading down there. Even in late morning during the middle of the week, I just spent 20 minutes stuck in traffic at the rotary!

Also, how much do you want to do in Boston? Do you want to spend time in Plymouth? What's the focus of the trip? I think it depends on your travel philosophy and objective. If you are planning on spending virtually every day in Boston, I would stay there. If you want to relax, then Plymouth may be better.

Personally, if I plan on spending a lot of my travle time in a city, I would rather pay more to stay there then try to save money (but waste lots of time) getting back and forth. Driving to the T is not necessarily a reliable way of dealing with the situation, as the parking can fill up. Just need to plan accordingly.

Have fun!

ljc4creb

You don't say how much time you'll have, however, having lived in Boston all my life and on the Cape frequently, I'd stay on the Cape first. There is so much to see, go to Plymouth as a day trip, and then get another hotel in Boston where there is TONS to do. No sense in driving back and forth. Boston is about an hour from the tip of the Cape without traffic, which could ruin your day if not timed right. You could stand outside Fenway Park and try to get tickets the day of the game (I'm trying this Sunday).

gail

Regarding Red Sox tickets, you have only a few options. First, buy on the street - with legal risk and also lower risk that the tickets will be conterfeit.

Buy on-line from ebay or similar sources. Still risk of counterfeit, especially with the "print at home" ticket option.

Buy from a ticket broker (we have used Ace Ticket). You will pay about twice face value, buit face value for Res Sox is already highest in MLB.

One issue with parking at MBTA lot and using public transportation is that many lots fill by 7 AM - some stations have alternative lots, but many do not.

Anonymous

Commuting from Plymouth to Boston will take time and money that might be better spent otherwise. The subway fare from Braintree into Boston is $2.50 per person each way, or $5 per day. The commute will take an hour or more each way, and if you have to rent a car to get to the subway, there goes mot of your savings.

Consider renting a car for the Cape part of your trip, but stay in Boston (with no car) if you're visiting Boston.

ladybug19

Thanks for the tips. I think we are going to stay in Boston for 3 days and then rent a car and head to Plymouth for 5 days so we can explore the cape. Any tips on whale watching places? Worth the money?

Dreamer2

It's great that you are going to stay in Boston 3 days first. Much easier than your original plan.

I'd also consider changing the remainder to on-Cape. The tough part of the commute is getting over the bridge, and you'll still have to face that leaving from Plymouth. You can stop and see Plymouth when you leave Boston, but then get your lodging somewhere between Sandwich and Provincetown. Hyannis is the busy tourist section, and many people like to stay around Yarmouthport, but Chatham is one of my favorites on the Cape.

bennnie

If you want to explore the Cape you should stay on the Cape - to most locals that means on the other side of the Cape Cod Canal or least as far east as Bourne. Plymouth can be done in a daytrip. Why do all that driving?

ariela111

Bennnie makes a good point. Staying in Plymouth might be inconvenient for both the Cape and Boston.
Also, when traveling from Boston to Plymouth you will sit in horrific traffic, making a 1hr drive easily 2+ hours. You do not want to be leaving Boston to head down to the Cape anytime between 3:00pm-7:30pm.