Barnstable, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Barnstable (pop. 39,973) includes Hyannis, Hyannisport, Osterville, Centerville, Craigville, Cotuit, Marstons Mills, and West Barnstable. It is the largest of cape towns. Hyannis vacation rentals are available as both private home and condominiums. A Hyannis condo vacation rental might cost between $650 and $3,250 per week while a home rental can vary from $200 a night to $3,400 per week.

GolfHyannis Golf Club at Iyanough Hills: Championship course, pro Mike Bowden, 18 holes, par 71, open year round. 3 practice greens Olde Barnstable Fairgrounds GC: opened in 1992, only municipal GC in Barnstable par 71; located in Marston Mills, year round.
Points of Interest: John F. Kennedy Museum, JFK Memorial, Baptist Meeting House, Cape Cod Scenic Railroad, Harbor Walk, Kennedy Compound area, Kalmus Park & Sound Beaches, Ferries to the Islands.
About Barnstable & Hyannis: Barnstable is comprised of seven villages, of which Hyannis is the largest. Hyannis is also the largest town and economic center of Cape Cod. Hyannis Harbor is bustling with activity-ferries to the islands, fishing and sailing charters, and the Kennedy Monument. Main Street is home to shops, restaurants, and a few nightclubs. Hyannis Port, home to the Kennedy Compound, is a quiet & residential part of Hyannis. Craigville Beach on the Nantucket Sound, popular with younger people, is in neighboring Centerville. Hyannis is a good choice for those who want to be centrally located and enjoy a bit of everything the Cape has to offer in an upbeat, popular location. Barnstable is rustic in comparison to Hyannis. Historic inns & antique stores line Route 6A in this north side town, which is also home to Sandy Neck Beach and Barnstable Harbor on the Cape Cod Bay. Despite its quaint appearance, Barnstable is close to the myriad of activities and conveniences offered by Hyannis. If you want to stay in a smaller type inn or bed & breakfast, enjoy the calmer waters of bayside beaches, take a day trip to Nantucket, and play a round of kitchy miniature golf, Barnstable, with its proximity to Hyannis, is a good destination for you.
History
Incorporated on March 5, 1638, Barnstable was first settled as an agricultural community by the Reverends Hull and Lothrop from the North Shore. For several generations it remained this way until some seafaring citizens settled in and industry became sea-oriented.
Today the village of Hyannis is the hub of Cape Cod. Having the necessities of life for the year-rounder and a variety of activities for the summer tourist, everyone has to go to Hyannis at one time or another.
Special Events
Daff O'Ville Days are held every April in Osterville. This village-wide celebration includes such events as fashion shows, plant clinics, children's events and antique car shows.
In May the annual Figawi Sailboat race is held. This is the largest sailboat race on the East Coast and attracts over 200 sailboats. The race is from Hyannis to Nantucket and back and is held on Memorial Day Weekend.
Beaches
- Covell Beach: Craigville Beach Road, Craigville
- Craigville Beach: Craigville Beach Road, Craigville
- Millway Beach: Off Route 6A, Barnstable
- Sandy Neck Beach: Off Route 6A, West Barnstable
- Kalmus Park Beach: Ocean Street, Hyannis
- Orrin Keyes Beach: Sea Street, Hyannis
- Veterans Park: Ocean Street, Hyannis
- Hamblin's Pond: Route 149, Marstons Mills
- Hathaway's Pond: Route 149, Marstons Mills
- Burgess Park: Route 149, Marstons Mills
Museums
- John F. Kennedy Museum, 397 Main Street, Hyannis: 508-362-5230
- Centerville Historical Society, 513 Main Street, Centerville: 508-775-0331
- Historical Society of Cotuit & Santuit, 1148 Main Street, Cotuit: 508-428-0461
- Osterville Historical Society, West Bay Road, Osterville: 508-428-5861
Libraries
- Centerville Public Library, 252 Main Street, Centerville: 508-775-1787
- Hyannis Public Library, 401 Main Street, Hyannis: 508-775-2280
- Marstons Mills Public Library, Main Street, Marstons Mills: 508-428-5175
- Osterville Free Library, Wianno Avenue, Osterville: 508-428-5757
- Sturgis Library, Main Street, Barnstable: 508-362-6636
- Whelden Memorial Library, Meetinghouse Way, West Barnstable: 508-362-2262