How to Select the Perfect Vacation Rental in Cape Cod

Cape Cod has always been one of the top travel destinations for those in search of a cultured coast. Stretching for more than 500 miles of coastline, modern day visitors to the cape never go without as world class dining, historical treasures, and a seaside adventure can be found a short distance away. Snap the best picture of the Humpback whales leaping from the depths on a cruise from the former popular whaling town, Provincetown. Take oyster shucking lessons in Wellfleet, visit the Nauset Beach and Lighthouse in Eastham, or charter a sailboat for a cruise along Hyannis Bay. With vacation rental homes ranging from cabins along remote beaches, to a condo right above Commercial Street in Provincetown, you will be able to find a vacation rental property as close, or as far away from the action as you would like. There isn’t a bad view to be had on Cape Cod.

Follow these tips to make sure you pick the perfect Cape Cod vacation rental for your travel plans.

1. Where to stay for whale watching.Provincetown is where local whaling roots go deep. To get the most out of your adventure, find a Provincetown beachfront condo near the wharf, or along Commercial Street if you’re looking for a variety dining and entertainment options. The season runs from mid-April through October, and similar cruises leave from Barnstable and Hyannis Harbors. Once prey in these waters, the whales of Cape Cod are no longer hunted, and are now a protected marvel for guests and locals alike. The best odds of seeing a National Geographic worthy whale leap out of the ocean is by taking an excursion from MacMillan Wharf in Provincetown to, the recently voted “Best Place to See Aquatic Life,” Stellwagon Bank Marine Sanctuary. This former hunting ground has been rededicated as a national marine sanctuary for humpback whales, finback whales, mike whales, and other aquatic life.
2. Where to stay for Kennedy Cape Cod Experience.The Kennedy Compound refers to the former home of President John F.Kennedy, and the two neighboring houses located on the shores of the Nantucket Bay in Hyannis. Because the compound is still used by the Kennedys today, it is not open to the public. The only way to catch a glimpse is while taking a ferry to or from Martha’s Vineyard. Never to fear! Also located in Hyannis is the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum, the John F. Kennedy memorial, and the Hyannis Kennedy Legacy Trail, which is a self-guided tour to ten of the family’s favorite spots in Downtown Hyannis, with little known facts about the Kennedys and their lives on the Cape. Find a vacation rental beach house in Hyannisport, or a cottage along the Harbor to truly live like a Kennedy.
3. Where to stay for Wellfleet Oysterfest.To not miss out on any of the sweetness and brine, look for a home, cottage, or condo vacation rental property in the downtown metro area near Main Street and Holbrook Ave, but if you’re looking to stay beachside, look along the beach areas of Newcomb Hollow, LeCount Hollow, Cahoon Hollow, White Crest, and Marconi. Do not miss one of the best seafood spots on the cape at Mac’s Seafood. The Eastern Oyster, aka the Wellfleet Oyster, is loved by shuckers all over the world for its trademark brine heavy flavor that is signature to the cold and salty Wellfleet waters. Kicking off with a 5K run, Oysterfest has shucking contests, live music, vendors, and yes, lots of oysters every October. The festival’s central hub is along Main Street, next to town hall in the heart of downtown.
4. Where to stay for Yarmouth Seaside Fest.Taking place at Josh Sears Memorial Field, we recommend looking for a vacation rental property in West or South Yarmouth around Bass River or Swan Pond. On Columbus Day weekend for over 40 years, locals and tourists alike gather to celebrate the best the Yarmouth community has to offer. Seaside Fest features boat races, a kid’s arts & crafts show, field day races, trampoline shows, pie eating contests, live music, fresh seafood, and more than 125 crafters from all over the country.
5. How to choose your own Cape Cod vacation rental experience.One of the best parts of planning a trip to Cape Cod is you can go to areas that are bustling and jam-packed with activities and excitement, drive fifteen minutes another direction, and stand on a beach so roomy it feels like you’re on a private island. Find a condo in the art district of Provincetown on the east end of Commercial Street to enjoy a lively atmosphere where you can always find a party. Feel like the Kennedys as you look over the Hyannis Harbor from your waterfront home rental while the children play in the sand. Keep it quaint with a cottage in Sandwich or Brewster, while exploring historical homesteads, gardens, and the Sandwich Glass Museum. No matter what type of experience you are looking for, Cape Cod has it waiting for you.