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Historic Yarmouth Port: A Sea Captains’ Paradise

The north side of Yarmouth features the historic Yarmouth Port village along Route 6A, also known as Old King’s Highway. The Captain’s Mile through Yarmouth Port includes over 50 former homes of sea captains. A few of these places are now treasured sites you can visit and even spend the night!

Illustrator and writer Edward Gorey purchased an old sea captain’s house on the Yarmouth Port Common in 1979. After his death in 2000, the house eventually became the Edward Gorey House museum, and is a celebration of his vastly varied career, which included designing sets for the Broadway production of Dracula and drawing the well-known graphics used by PBS in the introduction to “Masterpiece Theater.” The Edward Gorey House is open from April to December and reservations for a visit are encouraged.

Also on the Yarmouth Port Common is the Captain Bangs Hallet House Museum. This building too was once a sea captain’s house, dating back to about 1840, and is filled with period furniture and décor. The Historical Society of Old Yarmouth owns and operates the Captain Bangs Hallet House Museum and preserves the history of Yarmouth. Note that the museum is closed in 2025 for inventory and will reopen in 2026. The grounds of the museum feature an enormous 120-year-old weeping beech tree: the perfect place for a selfie!

The Historical Society also offers over 50 acres of nature trails. The trail head is located at the Tufts Gatehouse, the small building on the lane next to the Yarmouth Port Post Office. You can download the trail map from the Historical Society’s website, as well as a variety of self-guided walking tour guides, which include the Captain’s Mile, the Village of Yarmouth Port, and a ghosts, myths, and legends walk!

Across Route 6A from the Yarmouth Port Common is Thacher Hall, a historic building dating back to around 1870. Originally a church, and one of the best surviving examples of Gothic architecture in New England, the building has been preserved and is now managed as a community location for programs, events, and weddings! Check out the schedule to see what’s on during your visit.

Located in another 19^th century building, Parnassus Books is a family-run bookstore right down the street from the Yarmouth Port Common. They specialize in rare and antique books on a wide range of subjects, from fine arts to metaphysics, political science to fashion, and much more, including a major collection of books about Cape Cod. A visit to Parnassus Books is always an adventure!

Stay in a Sea Captain’s Home

To extend your historical experience in Yarmouth Port, you can stay in a former sea captain’s home! One option is the Captain Farris House, built in 1845 and restored to modern luxury, with ten rooms and beautiful gardens.

Chapter House was built even earlier, in 1716, by Captain John Minot, a soldier and later a doctor during the Revolutionary War, with Chapter House converted to a temporary hospital. Today, Chapter House is a boutique hotel, with the main house boasting an elegant bar, and a carriage house offering additional accommodations.

The Inn at Yarmouth Port dates back to 1843 and was the home of Captain James Bacon Crocker. He presided over the courthouse that was located on the first floor of his house. During renovations, workers found beams that may have come from Captain Crocker’s ships. It’s now a small inn with six suites and a lovely outdoor patio.

Enjoy Yarmouth Port

All these accommodations and attractions in historic Yarmouth Port are near the beautiful beaches of Cape Cod Bay. And it’s just a short drive to the rest of Yarmouth’s many activities along Route 28, so you can find the perfect blend of action, adventure, history, and tranquility that you need, all in one central Cape Cod town. Aye aye, Captain!

Written by Ellen Cliggott, Freelance Content Marketing Writer and Editor

Photos by: Amie Medeiros

This blog is funded through the Town of Yarmouth’s Tourism Revenue Preservation Fund.

Family Fun in Yarmouth

Up and down Route 28 in Yarmouth, there are a multitude of activities for a fun day with your family. Some offer indoor options for the occasional rainy day, and others involve fresh air and sunshine. Many places are open late on summer evenings if your kids get a second wind after dinner! Read on to learn more.

High Energy Fun

Wicked Waves Cape Cod is the largest water park in Massachusetts and has features to delight people of all ages, including giant slides, a wave pool, and the Roaming River. It’s a perfect place for families. Right next door is the Cape Cod Inflatable Park with 18 rides, and when the kids are napping, the Surf House is an adults-only pool bar with a Flow Rider stand-up surfing machine!

Skull Island Adventure Golf and Sports World is not just one of the Cape’s most entertaining mini-golf courses. It also features a driving range, an arcade, and a go-kart track! They have new single and double seat electric go-karts so you can drive with your kids or let them take the wheel.

Pirates on Cape Cod? Arr, Matey!

The Whydah Pirate Museum combines science and history to create a very special experience. The Museum opened in Yarmouth in 2016, and contains artifacts from the pirate ship Whydah, which was shipwrecked off the coast of Cape Cod in 1717. The wreck was discovered in 1984 by Barry Clifford, who also discovered the Titanic. More artifacts are recovered from it every year, meaning that the Museum is ever-changing as new discoveries are made. You’ll want to spend an hour or two here and the level of information is geared for older children and adults.

To continue the pirate theme of your day in Yarmouth, Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf has two 18-hole mini golf courses with a variety of hole designs, two pirate ships, and fascinating details about pirates along the way. The courses are fun and often challenging. Some holes require careful aim and others, such as a hole where your ball drops down to the next level, require good luck!

Free Family Activities

Did you know that one out of every six current Major League Baseball players formerly played in the Cape Cod Baseball League? It’s true! You can see some of the best college players in the country right here in Yarmouth, several times a week from mid-June to early August. The Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox play at Red Wilson Field, located on the Dennis-Yarmouth High School campus. Admission and parking are free, and before the game, family entertainment includes cornhole, face painting, speed pitch, and more. All games take place in the early evening, so you can go out to eat later or get supper for the whole family at the concession stand!

For a more peaceful outing, head over to Route 6A in Yarmouth Port and visit Taylor-Bray Farm. Archaeologists have uncovered evidence that the area was inhabited by native people for 10,000 years! The Taylor family first arrived in 1639, and after seven generations, the property was sold to the Bray brothers in 1896. The Town of Yarmouth purchased the Farm to preserve it. Enjoy a walk through the woods, stroll out onto the Boardwalk into Black Flats Marsh (where you may see ospreys nesting!), and see the many animals, including a friendly goat, a pair of donkeys, a massive Scottish Highland cow, chickens, and sheep. Admission is free and the Farm is open every day from dawn to dusk, which comes late in the summer!

The Cape Cod Baseball League and Taylor-Bray Farm are both non-profit organizations and donations are welcome but not required to visit.

Rain or Shine, You’ve Got Choices

At Ryan Family Amusements in Yarmouth, the choices are amazing! Arcade games: nearly 100 favorites. Bowling – 12 ten pin lanes, eight candlepin lanes. Axe throwing. Virtual reality rides. And an inflatable air park, like a super-sized bounce house for kids and adults! If your day in Yarmouth happens to be rainy, or if your kids just really need to play, Ryan’s is the place. Plus, it includes a restaurant and bar.

For another rainy day activity, forget about online shopping – Cape Cod Toy Chest lets your whole family explore the world of toys in real life! Children can play and you can get help in finding just the right gift for the kids in your family.

When the sun comes out again, Wild Animal Lagoon is an 18-hole mini golf course populated by gorillas, elephants, and more. The course features a large fountain and a replica of a small plane that appears to have crashed into a waterfall! Kids of all ages can enjoy the golf and learn fun facts about the animals.

Create Lasting Family Memories

Whether you’re here with your family for a day or a week, you have many fun options in Yarmouth in addition to our wonderful beaches, and you’ll make family memories that last a lifetime.

Cape Cod Toy Chest

Cape Cod Toy Chest

Ryan’s Family Amusements

Skull Island Sports World

Wicked Waves

Wild Animal Lagoon

Wild Animal Lagoon

Taylor Bray Farm

Taylor Bray Farm

Taylor Bray Farm

Whydah Pirate Museum

Whydah Pirate Museum

Pirates Cove

Pirates Cove

Y-D Red Sox

Written by Ellen Cliggott, Freelance Content Marketing Writer and Editor

Photos by: Amie Medeiros *

This blog is funded through the Town of Yarmouth’s Tourism Revenue Preservation Fund.

Top 5 Summer Activities

By Andy Tomolonis

We’ve compiled this “sand-bucket list” of five fun things to do in and near Yarmouth – from beach walks to bike rides to meals on railroad wheels. Start your summer vacation with a few of these ideas, and the sizzling memories will keep you warm until next summer.

Shore delights:

Yarmouth’s beautiful beaches beckon long past Labor Day, with white sand, spectacular scenery, and warm Nantucket Sound waters (slightly cooler on the Cape Cod Bay side). Bare-footers take note: the sand is cooler in late August and September so you can wriggle your toes in comfort. After Labor Day there are no lifeguards, which means you’ll need to watch the children carefully. But regulations also ease up in the fall, allowing for dogs on leashes. Please be courteous and clean up after your pup (think about those bare-footers). Find more information about fresh- and salt-water beaches on the Chamber’s website: https://www.yarmouthcapecod.com/scenic-yarmouth/beaches/

Sand Sculpture Trail:

Like sand? How about art? Then take a tour of the nation’s largest Sand Sculpture Trail, done by Fitzysnowman’s Studios. Grab a map of the trail at the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center, the Route 6 Visitor Center, or download one from the website. And remember to take pictures at your favorite sculpture. The Chamber’s photo contest is still open through Labor Day, and you could win great prizes from local merchants. Learn more at https://www.yarmouthcapecod.com/sand-sculpture-trail-photo-contest/

Inflate your spirit:

Cape Cod Inflatable Park – along with its adjoining Challenge Zone obstacle course and H20 waterpark. Tame Pavlin the Bull, stick yourself to the Castle Wall or try the Triple Bungee. Too old for trapezes, wrecking balls and slam dunks? That’s OK. Parents who want to do nothing but relax, while the kids bounce from ride to ride are admitted free to the Challenge Zone and Inflatable Park. Check the website for information on rides, parking, food, lodgings and prices. https://capecodinflatablepark.com/

Pedal the Rail Trail:

The iconic Cape Cod Rail Trail – a favorite spot for cycling, jogging, strolling, and rollerblading – extends all the way to West Yarmouth. Put your pedals to the mettle with a long ride from Higgins Crowell Road to Lecount Hollow Road in Wellfleet (and back, whew!) … or take it easy with the kids on a shorter section. The Rail Trail course is generally level and smooth, which makes for easy riding, running, or rolling. The new section includes three bridges – one spanning Route 134 in South Dennis, another stretching across Station Avenue in South Yarmouth, and the George Allaire Bridge over Bass River and into Dennis. Find more info at the Cape Cod Rail Trail website: https://www.capecodbikeguide.com/railtrail.asp

Dine on the Rails:

Hungry for scenery? Board the Cape Cod Dinner Train in the neighboring town of Hyannis for a five-course meal and a three-hour evening ride through cranberry bogs, marshes, woodlands and quaint Cape Cod villages. Along with the scenery, history, and old-fashioned charm, guests will listen to romantic music by candlelight and dine on a sumptuous meal. There’s also a brunch and luncheon trains, along with scenic (non-dining) tours. Find more information about the dinner train and other rail rides at https://www.capetrain.com/.

Andy Tomolonis is a nonfiction author, travel writer and freelance journalist.

Things to Do with Kids on Cape Cod

man and woman with two children in beach attire

You’re planning a vacation on Cape Cod with the whole family, but other than spending time on the beach, you’re not sure how you’re going to pass the time. Your kids want to stay plugged into their devices. You want to focus on family time and creating memories to last a lifetime.

First, book a stay in Yarmouth, MA for convenient access to activities throughout the Cape. Then check out our list of fun things to do when you are visiting Cape Cod with children of any age.

1. Explore the area by land or sea

With water water everywhere, you can enjoy a nautical adventure with a sightseeing cruise or a ferry to one of the nearby islands. Or take a drive through quaint towns and villages–an opportunity to encourage younger ones to take a nap while you soak in some of the picturesque views.

2. Go whale watching

Seeing whales in their natural habitat is awe-inspiring. While there’s no guarantee how many whales you will see on your excursion, the boat ride alone will take a significant part of your day. Whale watching trips are generally close to four hours, and you’ll want to leave yourself enough time beforehand for boarding.

3. Reel them in with some fishing

The variety of water bodies on Cape Cod provide a wide range of fishing options. Search out a lake, pond, or riverside fishing hole or take to the high seas for a day of trawling on the open waters. Even if you prefer catch-and-release, a day spent fishing teaches patience and persistence. Plus, it can give you time to slow down, relax, and talk with your kids about anything, everything, or nothing it all.

4. Get out

Burn off some energy with outdoor adventures. Take in the scenery biking, kayaking, sailing or taking a trek on the dunes. Let the kids take the wheel on a go-kart track or cool off at the water park.

5. Play a round or two

On Cape Cod, you’ll find expertly designed golf courses of all sizes. Not only can you take the whole family mini golfing on a putt-putt course, but you can play 9 or 18 holes with your older children on links with incredible scenic views.

6. Step back in time

Explore Cape Cod’s rich history and culture at a variety of museums and historical centers. Visit the homes of notable literary figures, check out sites that recreate the region’s legends and lore, and give your children an education without their even realizing it.

7. Indulge in a sweet treat

Regardless of how else you spend the day taking a break for ice cream makes everything a little sweeter. Treat the kids to an afternoon snack or delicious dessert. Or, for teens who sleep in all morning, surprise them with ice cream for a late breakfast. It’s sure to create memories they’ll hang on to for years to come.

8. Cheer for the home team

No tickets are needed to turn out to root for your favorite Cape Cod Baseball League players. Bring the whole family to watch some of the best collegiate players take to the diamond. You never know when you’ll see a future phenom, like former Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox pitcher Chris Sale.

9. Spend time on the beach

Yes, this one is kind of obvious, but it’s an essential part of a stay on Cape Cod. There are so many beautiful beaches with options on both the bay and ocean sides. Not only can you go swimming, but you can walk or play along the water’s edge or just listen to the waves going in and out. Teaching your children how to unplug and just live in the moment is an important lesson for the years ahead.

Kids grow from toddlers to teens all too fast. But with our suggestion of ways to entertain your family on the Cape, you’re sure to find plenty of reasons to keep coming back year after year. If you are looking for more general ideas, more than just kids take a look at our other list of Things to Do on Cape Cod for inspiration!

Biking in Yarmouth Cap Cod

What do you ride for? When you put your foot on the pedal, kick up the kickstand, and push off, what do you ride for? Is it the joy of the outdoors? The thrill of exploring new turf? The pleasure of spending quality time? Well, with whatever purpose you ride, you ought to be prepared. Biking is one of the many great things to do in Yarmouth, and we’ve compiled all the info you need for bike riding in Yarmouth.

Where to Ride

Yarmouth is home to many bike trails running through differing terrains and scenery. The Cape Cod Rail Trail currently spans 27.5 miles, with plans to extend even further. Starting in Yarmouth and ending in Wellfleet, the paved road follows an old freight rail that was in operation until 1960. The route passes through beautiful landscapes and various points of interest.

You can also take bikes into permitted areas in Yarmouth’s many conservation areas, like the Bud Carter Conservation Area. Bud Carter is home to Yarmouth’s highest point, 118 feet above sea level.

Whether you’re riding along the beach, the town, or a designated trail, you can be sure that you’ve never taken a bike ride as you’ve taken in Yarmouth.

What to Ride

If you didn’t pack your own ride, you’re gonna need some wheels. The bike you’ll need depends on where you want to go and what you want to do. If you’re looking to travail the dirt trails around the lakes and conservation areas, you’ll want a mountain bike or something with fatter tires. If you’re riding along a paved road, a road bike might just do. If you’re taking a scenic ride around the beach with a pal, you might just be fixing for a tandem bike—or not. The good folks at Bike Zone in South Yarmouth off Route 6 or Barbara’s Bike Shop in South Dennis near the Bass River, will fix you up with the perfect ride and send you off with all the equipment you’ll need.

How to Ride

Before you push off, there are a few key things you should know about the biking laws in Massachusetts. Follow these rules and regulations to keep yourself and others safe from harm: Cyclists are required to obey all local and state traffic laws and regulations

Cyclists are required to obey all local and state traffic laws and regulations
All cyclists under 16 must wear a helmet
Verbally alert other cyclists and pedestrians when passing
Use hand signals to let others know you plan to turn or stop
You may not park your bike on a street, road, bikeway, or sidewalk where it will be in the way of others

Click here for more information about Massachusetts biking laws.

Click here to learn more about road safety for cyclists.

Now you have all the resources and information you need for bicycling in Yarmouth. Get on your bikes and ride!

Top 5 Best of Yarmouth: Walks & Hikes

Gray’s Beach

One of the best ways to appreciate the nature and history of Yarmouth is enjoying a walk down one of our historical lanes or hiking on one of our nature trails. On foot, you have the time to enjoy the natural beauty of the seashore, marshes, botanical trails, or the 18th and 19th century architecture of the sea captain’s homes and the churches that are linked to the founding of the town.

No matter the time of year, we all want to get outside and enjoy Cape Cod’s salty air with a nice walk. Lucky for us, Yarmouth has many beautiful hiking paths on Conservation Land, sidewalks for strolling, and a great stretch of shoreline for those seaside walks. Here are our favorites!

By Cindi Griffin, Cape Interactive Media

Botanical Trails

#1 The Botanical Trails at the Historical Society of Yarmouth

A favorite walk among residents of Yarmouth is hidden just behind the Yarmouth Port Post Office off of Route 6A. The Botanical Trails, or Nature Trails, of the Historical Society of Yarmouth, boast a nature lovers dream of plants and tree specimens that add a bit of variety to a traditional walk through the woods. If you’re a first timer, this is one walk worth taking with the Trail Map and Nature Trail Guide so you can see where you are, and know when to stop and look for notable flora, fauna and geological points of interest. You can pick up the guide at the gatehouse at the beginning of the trail and, no matter the time of year, it’s a good idea to apply your bug repellent. The trail winds around Miller Pond, one of Cape Cod’s many kettle ponds formed by glacial ice deposits, and has some variety of terrain that is great for sure-footed adults and older children.

At the end of the trail you’ll see the lovely little Kelley Chapel, a non-denominational chapel built in 1873 and donated to the Historical Society in 1960 when it was moved from the Georgetown area along Bass River in South Yarmouth. Kelley Chapel is available mid-spring through December for special events and weddings.

Gray’s Beach

#2 The Callery-Darling Conservation Trails at Gray’s Beach

The Callery-Darling trails that wind through the marshes of Yarmouth Port, have some of the best payoffs of any hike in the Mid-Cape area. Follow the trail that takes you through the Center Street Marshes (entrance located on west side of the road), and you’ll find a whimsical old fashioned swing, and a spectacular view of Barnstable’s Sandy Neck. On the east side, the trails wind through the Chase Garden Creek Marsh, with views overlooking the Grey’s Beach and Chapin Memorial Beach in Dennis. MAP/GUIDE.

Captains’ Mile

#3 The Captains’ Mile

Getting to know the historical significance of the Old King’s Highway and it’s early residents, with a nice stroll along the “Captains’ Mile” on Route 6A in Yarmouth Port. MAP/GUIDE. The black and gold relief carved plaques featuring a schooner ship signify each captain’s home on the Captains’ Mile, which are now mainly private residents. To see inside, visit the Captain Bangs Hallet House at 11 Strawberry Lane on the north side of the village green. If you’re into supernatural history, you can also download the Ghosts, Myths and Legends guide to accompany you on your tour. GUIDE.

#4 Old South Yarmouth and Bass River Village Walking Tour

On the south side of Yarmouth is another historical walking tour through Bass River Village. On top of the Greek Revival architecture we see so prominently on the north side, there are homes with charming Victorian and Italianate flourishes and a history in keeping with Yarmouth’s seafaring founders. MAP/GUIDE.

Crab Creek

Bass River Beach

#5 South Shore Drive

One of the longest stretches of shoreline (about 1.3 miles) in Yarmouth runs from Bass River Beach (aka “Smuggler’s Beach”) along South Shore Drive to Thacher Park Beach. Lined with oceanfront hotels, beach cottages, private residences, public and resident-only beaches, South Shore Drive also has a sidewalk that’s perfect for walkers and joggers who want to take in the fresh ocean breeze. Those interested in a longer walk, can park at the Bass River Beach lot (see in season fees) and walk the beach, with several options to double-back and return up to the paved sidewalk via South Middle Beach, Parker’s River Beach, Seaview Beach or Thacher Park Beach, which is quite convenient since the beautiful soft sand of the Nantucket Sound beaches are a little more difficult for running and walking than you might expect. If you want an even longer walk, keep following the sidewalk past Bass River Beach down South Street, which also connects to Old Main Street. Along the way, you’ll enjoy seeing many beautiful homes, gardens and points of interest. If you work up an appetite, there’s a new gelateria, Caffe Gelato Bertini, next to the Great Island Bakery on South Street, and the Skipper Restaurant and Chowder House, which also serves ice cream, on South Shore Drive.

Things to do in Yarmouth, Cape Cod

There are plenty of “THINGS TO DO” to keep you busy here in Yarmouth and on Cape Cod! Click on the images below for a complete listing.

FREE ACTIVITIES in Yarmouth

From hiking trails to visiting cranberry bogs, Yarmouth has a variety of free activities to do. Please browse our list of free activities in Yarmouth below.

MUST-SEE PLACES in Yarmouth Cape Cod

Yarmouth boasts many historic and scenic attractions. Checkout our list of must-see places below:

FAMILY ACTIVITIES in Yarmouth Cape Cod

Are you looking for things to do in Cape Cod with your family? Yarmouth offers many fun activities for you and your loved ones to enjoy! Please browse our list below for details or also see our list of things to do with kids on Cape Cod

RAINY DAY ACTIVITIES ON CAPE COD

When Mother Nature disrupts your beach plans, having a rainy-day activity in your back pocket is a must! Check out our list below for fun things to do in Yarmouth when it rains.