Upper Cape

Getting Oriented

On the north shore, Sandwich, gracious and lovely, is the Cape's oldest town. Centered inland, Mashpee is a long-standing Native American township in which Native American-owned land is governed by local Wampanoags. Falmouth, the Cape's second-most-populous town, is still green and historic, if seemingly overrun with strip malls. Woods Hole, the major port for ferries to Martha's Vineyard, is world renowned for its biological research institutions. Along the west coast, in parts of Bourne and West and North Falmouth, you can find wooded areas ending in secluded coves; the south coast has long-established resort communities.

Bourne. A quiet, year-round community, Bourne is the first town you reach on the Upper Cape. With cyclists exploring the Cape Cod Canal Bike Trail and anglers trolling in the waters of Buzzards Bay, Bourne is a diamond in the rough for outdoor enthusiasts.

Sandwich. With its streets lined with old homes, Sandwich is a glimpse into the Upper Cape's past. Don't miss the Sandwich Glass Museum, the restored 17th-century Grist Mill, and the 100-acre Heritage Museums and Gardens, featuring the J.K. Lilly III Automobile Collection.

Falmouth. This classic New England town, where sophisticated shopping and dining meet the best of beach and biking opportunities, includes the scientific enclave of Woods Hole, a lovely seaside village and embarkation point for ferries to Martha's Vineyard. East Falmouth and Waquoit have some lovely nature preserves.

Mashpee. Home of the Native American Wampanoag Nation, Mashpee hosts a powwow every July. It draws discerning shoppers to Mashpee Commons and South Cape Village and avid golfers to top-tier courses like Willowbend and New Seabury.

Upper Cape Planner

• Getting Oriented
• Planning Your Time

• Visitor Information
• When to Go

Upper Cape Transportation

• Boat and Ferry Travel
• Bus Travel

• Car Travel
• Taxi Travel