We are planning a trip to Hyannis. Can anybody tell me if it is really crowded there. I hope not!

I was either in Hyannisport or Hyannis for a day (can't recall which). It was crowded and very commercial. I've only visited a few parts of Cape Cod but it was far less appealing than the other areas and not what I'd hoped for when visiting the Cape.

Unfortunately most of us no longer consider Hyannis "the Cape." Owen is correct; it's terribly commercial, over-built, and busy. Head for Chatham, Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro, and Provincetown. (You didn't say what time of year you are going...)

I wonder why it's not considered the "Cape" anymore. I loved my annual visit last year. Not much to do really..the drive up on Old King's Highway (Route 6a) is gorgeous. It is busiest in the summer. DON'T go from June to August.

Just for clarification the Old Kings Highway (6A)doesn't go through Hyannis. The Town of Barnstable is made up of a number of village - Hyannis being one of them. Hyannis is suburbia compete with mall and KMart (which is great for the people who actually live on the Cape and need these services) 6A does not pass through Hyannis but does go through Sandwich (lovely), Barnstable center, Yarmouthport, Dennis and Brewster. Its lined with beautiful old homes and inns as well as art galleries, antique shops a few nice restaurants. Hyannis is 21st century - 6a is 19th century. Both add to life on the Cape in their own ways. But as a tourist I wouldn't step foot in Hyannis if my life depended upon it.

I'm not sure when you are planning to go, but Hyannis will be insanely crowded typically from the end of June (after school ends) until the end of August. If you can plan for the beg. of June of the week after Labor Day, you should be better off.

As other posters have said, Hyannis is not the best place on the Cape. Take out a guide book, and find a quaint town. I have spent every summer for the past 30 years on the Cape, and there are so may lovely places.

Enjoy your trip.

Hello, If you plan to visit in the Summer avoid Rt 28 in Anytown, Cape Cod. Also avoid Rt. 132 in Hyannis also called Iyanough Rd. I live in Sandwich and never visit these parts of the Cape from Memorial Day through Labor Day if I can help it.

If you want the beach goto Welfleet, Eastham or Truro. If you like antique shops and quaint inns, restaurants and art stores then stay somewhere on Rt6A. However 6A gets crowded in Orleans and Brewster.