Cape Cod Maritime Museum

The basics

As well as taking in exhibits at Cape Cod Maritime Museum, you can also enjoy a year-long calendar of events and special lectures; take a summertime cruise aboard the six-seater Catboat SARAH, a replica of an 1886 Crosby Catboat; or watch the ongoing multi-year restoration of a donated Race Point surfboat by a team of restoration specialists. Lastly, anyone interested in exploring a traditional fixed-seat rowing gig can book a spot in a volunteer-led rowing session around Lewis Bay.

Things to know before you go

• A visit to the museum generally takes about an hour. While admission tickets can be booked online, walk-ins are also welcome.

• Students, senior citizens, veterans, and children aged 3-5 receive discounted entry. First Responders, people on active military duty, and children and infants under the age of three can enter for free.

• The museum admits groups of 10 to 50 people at a reduced rate per person, so be sure to inquire ahead.

• If you’re cruising on the SARAH catboat, bring waterproof bags for your belongings and a jacket or windbreaker. Even though it only operates in summer, the coast can still get chilly. Reservations are required for both the catboat and rowing hours.

• The museum hosts hands-on workshops aimed at younger travelers, including a volunteer-led boat-building course for middle schoolers.

How to get there

Cape Cod Maritime Museum is conveniently located on the harbor in scenic Hyannis. Hyannis is reachable by two ferry lines—Hy-Line Cruises and Steamship Authority—in about an hour. Hy-Line Cruises also operates a ferry between Hyannis and Martha’s Vineyard. For those coming by car, there’s street parking and public parking lots near the museum on Main Street in Hyannis and North and South Streets.

When to get there

July and August are peak months for the beach, as that’s when you’re guaranteed the warmest temperatures. But if you’re keen to avoid crowds, aim for the shoulder seasons in June and September. May and June are particularly attractive for gardening aficionados as that’s when the most flowers bloom, while September and October typically offer pleasant weather with a fraction of the crowds.

From fried clams to craft beer: what to eat and drink in Hyannis

You’ll find plenty of food options down by the harbor in Hyannis—from simple seafood shacks to fine-dining restaurants. However you like your seafood served, a few must-try local delicacies include lobster rolls, steamed or broiled lobster, and fried clams, plus shellfish like oysters and scallops. Top it off with a foamy pint from Cape Cod Beer, a craft microbrewery in Hyannis beloved by locals, and you’ll leave feeling like a born-and-bred Islander.