How to split our time between Boston and the Cape
 

So, I realize this is early, but I have a particular place on the Cape I would like to stay and want to get a reservation on the books early. We are planning a trip next summer for 8 nights: 2 are booked visting my parents in CT, how should I split the other 6? We would arrive on the morning of day 1...either leave Boston late on day 3 to make to the Cape that night or have another full day in Boston and 3 nights on the cape. I have been to both areas several times, but my BF has never been to either. For Boston, I'm thinking the usual tourist sights and rest and relaxtion for the Cape. Thoughts?

I think 3 and 3 is fine, leaving the decision on which to do first to day of week - I would want to avoid driving to Cape on a Friday or Saturday and off Cape on a Sunday PM or Monday AM if possible.

When do you plan to be in Boston/Cape Cod? And what days were you thinking of?

I would agree with the other poster about being careful about traffic. Evening traffic toward the Cape is terrible everyday except Sat and Sun due to commuters. We live just outside Boston and go to the Cape often so I can offer specific traffic-avoidance times if that's helpful.

Your plans sounds right...probably best to leave Boston after the morning rush on day 4--you'll be on Cape Cod in an hour and then it will depend where on the Cape you are going.
Also, where are you staying on the Cape?

Fri Sat Sun will be a bit less expensive for accomodations in Boston, Cape might be a bit easier during the week.

Thank you for the replies. The plan is to arrive in Boston Saturday morning and I guess leave for the Cape Tuesday morning...stay Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights in Chatham, then head to CT to visit my parents.

I haven't been to the Cape in more than ten years (we used to take family vacations there), so need to do some research on what exactly there is to do. Typically, I prefer to spend part of the day at the beach, part of the day doing something else, and have access to restaurants, casual bars, and walkable shopping/browsing areas. Does Chatham fit the bill?

I think your timing sounds great (and the previous poster is correct that you should do well on weekend hotel rates in Boston). You shouldn't have any trouble with traffic and can expect to get from Boston to Chatham in 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Chatham is a great spot and, I think, quite romantic. Some recommendations I might make--be sure to spend one day on an Atlantic beach like Nauset in nearby Orleans. It's just so beautiful. We had lunch this summer at the Chatham Bars Inn Grill which is right on the water and that was quite lovely. Another idea is to take one of the Monomoy Island water shuttles to an outer island. Bring plenty of sunscreen and water and a picnic basket and have a private beach (usually) experience.

My knowledge of Chatham restaurants isn't terrific since my husband doesn't like to shop....so I usually scoot over to Chatham (we have a house in Brewster) on my own for an afternoon.

Chatham can certainly fit the bill for you if you pick the right accomodation.

Inns off Shore road are right on the water and therefore have their own private beach and are a short walk to Chatham center restaurants, bars and shopping.

Inns in the center of town are close to restaurants, bars and shopping but you will need to drive or take a shutle bus to public beaches.

You will have to drive to beaches, bars, restaurants and shopping if you stay at other outlying Chatham accommmodations.

That is good to know about Shore Road...thanks!

Could you recommend a hotel on Shore Road...I can only find Chatham Bars Inn and the Hawthorne Motel.

CBI & Hawthorne are pretty much it on Shore road, however the Surfside Inn on Holway Street (off Shore rd) claims to be only a few minutes walk to town and Chatham Light Beach.