29 Best & Fun Things to Do in Hyannis (MA)

Looking for the best and fun things to do in Hyannis, MA?

Hyannis is known to be the latest do the seven villages of Barnstable, Massachusetts, United States, hence it is fondly called the capital of Cape Cod.

Hyannis is popular for having some of the best beaches in the area, it also holds John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum which tells the chronicles of John F. Kennedy, even till he was assassinated.

During your visit to Hyannis, also explore the Cape Cod Maritime Museum which features lots of exhibits related to boat building.

Amongst Hyannis attractions are lighthouses which tell the history the maritime heritage of the area.

Would you be in for fun activities too?, Hyannis got you covered with lots of engaging activities for a fun vacation. Here are the top fun things to do in Hyannis, MA.

Things to Do in Hyannis

1. Cape Cod Maritime Museum

The Cape Cod Maritime Museum is a great place for history enthusiasts. You will get to be knowledgeable on the nautical history of Cape Cod.

The museum displays art, models, and maritime artifacts, to show you a brief view of how people in this area carried out their seafaring activities.

A boat collection can also be found in the museum. Most of these boats can be dated back to a hundred years old.

If you want to know how the boats in this museum are built, there’s a boat workshop in the museum where you can get a direct learning experience on how the Cape Cods boats are built.

The museum is committed to interpreting and preserving Cape Cod Maritime present, past, and future.

The Cape Cod museum plays an ideal role in the recreational and economic lives of people living in Cape Cod and visitors.

Address: 135 South Street, Hyannis, MA 02601

2. New Bedford Whaling Museum

The Bedford Whaling Museum occupies a huge land space and centers its focal point on the history of New Bedford harbor.

The Museum houses 20 galleries of science exhibits and maritime art. Visitors may be allowed to hop on board the world’s largest ship model, Lagoda, and also have a view of the five complete whale skeletons.

Visitors can also find exhibits of the world’s largest scrimshaw in this museum. If you’re an art scholar, this is a great place to visit and have a glimpse of their research library. This museum attracts myriads of people from around the world.

To get a splendid view off the busy working waterfront, you can go to the observation deck. The museum features a knowledgeable inventory of books on whaling, local history topics, maritime, and other special gifts for the family.

The Bedford whaling museum showcases the artworks of notable masters and local artisans: these artworks include paintings, furniture, decorative and fine arts.

Address: 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA 02740, United States

3. The Cape Cod Museum

The goal of the Cape Cod Museum is to collect, study, conserve, interpret and display unique works of art by notable artists concerning Cape Cod and its Islands.

The museum also focuses on fostering and preserving the cultural growth and heritage of the area and people in the community via the works of past and present artists.

The museum also has a reference library, which features audiovisual materials, extensive files on Cape Cod artists, books, and many more that assist in achieving the museum’s goal.

Your kids can tag along when you visit as the museum has Treasure Hunt in their gallery. Parents and children can have fun moments discussing and sharing artworks, and the kids are given prizes to take back home.

This is one of the finest museums you can find around, and it’s a great place for art lovers to visit. This museum is a must-visit for anyone visiting Hyannis.

Address: 60 Hope Ln, Dennis, MA 02638, United States

4. Naked Oyster Bistro & Raw Bar

Naked Oyster Bistro & Raw Bar is a place to be if you like eating raw foods. Chef Florence Lowell operates the bar, and her menu is centered around supplies from local fishermen.

She also has her oyster farm situated in Barnstable Harbor. The excitement about the whole place is the raw bar, but various foods to find here include local scallops with tomato beurre blanc, for beef, a delicious Kobe burger, and a haddock and lobster with fava beans.

You can also have a taste of their favorite seafood dishes that include their oyster stew and their raw local oysters.

Their desserts are also tasty such as their chocolate bread pudding and crème brûlêe. If you’re also not really into eating raw foods, there are other foods on the menu you can try, such as shrimp offerings, salmon, mussels, clams, and tuna.

This place also has an indoor and outdoor setting. The restaurant is spacious, relaxing, and a fun place to visit.

Address: 410 Main St, Hyannis, MA 02601

5. Mrs. Mitchell’s Gifts

Mrs. Mitchell’s Gifts, Cape Cod, was opened in 1992. The founders of this shop are George and Freda Mitchell. It is an outstanding place for visitors to find Cape Cod gifts, souvenirs, and apparel.

Visiting Hyannis is never complete without a stop at Mrs. Mitchell’s Gifts to get a souvenir that’ll always give you reminisce of your holiday at Hyannis.

The Shop focuses on providing nautical-themed accessories, ranging from jewelry and clothes to home decor and toys. The shop is situated beside Main Street for easy exploration of the area.

You can enjoy an affordable and thrilling experience with kids, and there are various toys for kids to select from, including jewelry, pirates, and gemstones from this family-owned museum.

Address: 362 Main St, Hyannis, MA 02601, United States

6. Pilgrim Hall Museum

The Pilgrim Hall Museum is particularly one of the oldest public museums you can find in the nation.

The Museum features an exclusive art collection of the Possessions of Pilgrims, telling in detail the history of viable and brave men and women who did all they could to survive and shelter and cater for their kids.

In the Museum, you’ll find on display William Bradford’s Bible, the only portrait of a pilgrim ( Edward Winslow) that was painted from life, the cradle brought by expectant mother Susanna white on the Mayflower.

And also the great chair of the colony’s spiritual leader William Brewster and the earliest sampler made in America, embroidered by Myles Standish’s daughter Loara.

Another thing to learn in the museum is the story of Wampanoag, also called “People of the Dawn” The indigenous people of this area lived for 10,000 years before the area’s inhabitation by new settlers.

This museum is about 200 years old and has been committed to keeping safe the historical artifacts, artworks, documents that show the Plymouth colony of ages history.

Address: 75 Court St, Plymouth, MA 02360, United States

7. Kalmus Beach Snack Bar

The Kalmus Beach Snack Bar is not your regular beachside snack bar that provides sodas, drinks, ice cream, and others.

The Snack bar has a wide range of menus, from burgers and fries to seafood options. The snack bar is situated at the Kalmus beach and is a famous beach around the region for tourists and unique windsurfers.

There are other options like fruits and salad for visitors who are selective of what comes into their stomach. Foods to look out for when you visit include fried scallops, onion rings, and lobster rolls.

The excitement on this beach is enormous: the fresh sea breeze, warm sun, soft sand. You’ll be thrilled by the display of colorful boats on the beach.

This beach is a must-visit for anyone touring Hyannis, so you should add visiting the Kalmus beach to your fun spots to visit.

Address: 670 Ocean St, Barnstable, MA 02601

8. Kingman Yacht Center

The Kingman Yacht Center is situated in the beautiful Red Brook Harbor on the eastern shore of Buzzards Bay and is literally the biggest complete service and fully functioning marina.

This is a beautiful place to spend time with friends and family at whatever season of the year. The park provides slips and moorings for short-term tourists or visitors in a resort-style community.

You can go swimming on the white sand beach, which is a mile long, and also catch a glimpse of the scenic and astonishing views the beach has to offer.

The Park also offers repairs and maintenance, gas and diesel, marine electronics and services, over-the-road boat hauling, and many others.

The Kingman Hatch Center also has a Shop and Chandlery where you can shop for gift items, unique clothing, and artwork. You can also treat yourself to a nice meal at the Chart Room restaurant.

Address: 1 Shipyard Ln Box 408, Cataumet, MA 02534, United States

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9. Sandwich Glass Museum

The Sandwich Glass focuses on the historical information of the town and its glass industry. Displays of historical pieces and glass items explain the substantial efforts and contributions of the town to the American Industrial Revolution.

The exhibit shows over 6,000 pieces in about fifteen galleries; these pieces were created in the 19th and 20th centuries by several glass companies in Sandwich.

The museum also has a multimedia theatre, daily glass blowing demonstrations, special exhibitions, and a contemporary glass gallery.

You can find other items to purchase at their museum stores like jewelry, vases, ornaments, paperweights, and perfumes.

In summary, visitors will have a glimpse of the glassblowing craft and have conversations with the glassblowers as they display the craft in all its forms and complexity. The museum is family-friendly and a must-visit when coming to Hyannis.

Address: 129 Main St, Sandwich, MA 02563, United States

10. Zion Union Heritage Museum

The Zion Union Heritage Museum was established to preserve and honor the Cape Verdean and African American population and also the social and ethnic diversity of Cape Cod.

It’s a great place of attraction for tourists worldwide and has guests always coming around to see the rich socio-ethnic diversity of this area.

The museum houses exhibits, artwork, and collections of memorable events depicting the Cape Verdean American history and African history, from the period of the slave trade to this current day.

There’s a lot to explore and find in this area because of its rich ethnic and cultural diversity. This museum is a sure visit for anyone coming to this museum.

Address: 276 North Street, Hyannis, MA 02601

11. Keyes Memorial Beach

The Keyes Memorial Beach is also called Sea Street Beach. This is one beach out of many, as it has high popularity in the region and is a nice place to stay and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

A park encircles the beach, and the harbor has a lovely view. Here’s family-friendly and oriented. Enjoy a nice time with the whole family here on a clean and soft sand beach.

On the beach, you’ll find restrooms, showers, barbecue grills, a snack bar, picnic tables situated on a small hill when having an overview of the area.

There are lots of fishing spots if you want to do some fishing. Admission into the beach is free, but visitors are levied when it comes to parking spaces.

Address: 175 Ocean Ave., Hyannis, MA 02601

12. Cape Codder Water Park

The Cape Codder Water Park is a fun-filled spot for families to have a nice time enjoying themselves. It’s a place to keep in mind and add to your fun list of things to do in Hyannis.

The Water Park is also a great spot for children as it has so many beautiful attractions like a wave pool, a spacious Jacuzzi, a large space area for kids to play, and a wave pool.

Other things to find in the Cape Codder Park are the Heated Outdoor Park, a relaxing Cape Cod lodging, an exclusive indoor and outdoor water park, and a romantic dining room for couples.

The park also has a unique hall space for meetings, functions of various kinds, family reunions, and weddings.

The fun here is limitless, and there’s a lot for everyone to engage themselves with. Fun, relaxation there’s never a mundane moment in this place, and that’s a typical place you want to be in when you visit Hyannis.

Address: 1225 Iyannough Rd, Suite #1, Hyannis, MA 02601

13. Rideaway Adventures- Sandwich Creek Location

Rideaway Adventure should be in your top ten list of things to do in Hyannis, it offers a lot of epic experiences, and everyone who visits gets to fall in love with this place.

This place features various recreational activities like paddle boating, kayaking, yoga, biking, camping, including the legendary escapade for children at the Rideaway Adventures kids Camp.

A visit to the Rideaway ventures is sure to be a guaranteed fun-filled moment and to take your mind off mundane activities or stress-filled minds.

The staff are super friendly, and Rideaway ventures staff are fully ACA certified to ensure visitors get the best and safest experience irrespective of skill know-how on paddle boats and kayaking.

You can visit with the family and have a good biking experience together. Bikes are up for rent at Cape Cod Canal and in Mashpee.

Address: 449 MA-6A, East Sandwich, MA 02537, United States

14. Ryan Amusements

Ryan Amusements is a great place to have fun with the family. It is filled with excitement and fun and should top your list of fun things to do in Hyannis.

The huge attraction to find here is the bowling alley, which comprises ten-pin bowling, candlepin bowling. This is a place to be if you’re a lover of bowling.

If you’re not really a fan of bowling, there are still other activities to keep you going when you visit here. You can have some fun in their escape room as a group where you can try to solve the puzzles and unlock doors and mysteries.

Ryan Amusement bowling rooms also have game rooms that are well-sophisticated. There are skill games, arcade games, video games, and more.

There’s a kiddies area for children to get entertained and have fun too. There are restaurants close by to get snacks, food, and drinks.

Address: Cape Cod Mall, 769 Iyannough Road, Rte. 132, Hyannis, MA, 02601

15. Cape Cod Mall

The Cape Cod Mall is an indoor shopping center in Hyannis and has been in existence since the 1970s.

It houses several shops, and other major departmental stores, for visitors who will like to engage in shopping and have a good time purchasing unique items

The Cape Cod mall has various dining options to select from, a list of famous branches of food chains, and a 400 seat international court.

There’s a cinema in the mall if you want to see a nice movie, the cinema has a widescreen. The Mall is open for visits from Mondays to Saturdays by 10am and on Sundays from 11am to 6pm

Address: 769 Iyannough Rd, Hyannis, MA 02601-5027

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16. Hyannis Golf Course

Golfing at the Hyannis Golf Course is exciting. If you’re a golfer or want to learn how to, this is the right place to be.

The 18 hole course is properly taken care of. And if you’re sort of hungry after golfing, there is a restaurant available to give you a nice treat to nice meals and snacks.

Golfing here is open to the general public; golfers don’t need to get a membership to play on the field. The Hyannis Golf club can host up to 200 golfers at Hyannis GC and 144 golfers at Older Barnstable GC.

The Hyannis Golf club also provides everything needed for golfing: scorecards, cart cards, tee gifts, prize holes ( longest drive, closest to pin and others), box lunches, tournament scoring, rental clubs. Tournament items and banquet.

Here’s a nice place to host a private party, golf outing, celebration, private meetings, and many others.

Address: 1840 Iyannough Rd, Hyannis, Massachusetts

17. Buzzards Bay antiques

The Buzzards Bay antiques were previously called the Whatchamacallit Shop. They have been in existence since 2010 and have been known for providing unique antiques, collectibles, handmade jewelry, art, furniture, vintage signs, and glass.

The Buzzards Bay antique shop occupies 7000 sq. feet, so there are many eye-catch items to choose from when you visit.

They have 15 individual dealers specializing in collecting a particular type of antique, vintage item, or collectible. There’s always something in stock that will catch your fancy.

If you’re an antique fan, this is a place you don’t want to skip when you visit Hyannis. It is a must-see and should be on your list of fun things to do in Hyannis.

Address: 61 Main St, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532, United States

18. The Silver Seahorse

If you’re a jewelry enthusiast, the Silver Seahorse is a must-visit, their jewelry collection is outstanding, so you sure want to add it to your list of fun places to be in Hyannis.

They have so much jewelry to showcase, such as bracelets, earrings, necklaces and rings, and other gift items like pepper shakers and silver necklaces.

Nautical-themed accessories are also things to look out for when you visit. Many of their accessories are sea-related collections.

The staff are also a handful, well mannered, and are great at assisting tourists in finding the unique item that’ll suit: you can easily give a hint of whatever piece you want, and they’ll help with suggestions that best fit what you have in mind.

Address: 382 Main St, Hyannis, MA 02601

19. Hyannis Main Street Business Improvement District

There are a lot of activities to engage in Main Hyannis, therefore making it one place to top your list of fun places to visit in Hyannis.

You can walk on the pathway leading to the sea and the magnificent view of the streetscape. And also feast your eyes on the special events and entertainment.

There are over 40 eateries and restaurants you can find on Main Street, and you’ll get the best dining experience in Hyannis.

Here’s a place to have a good shopping experience, as Main Street provides you with unique boutiques and shops for your shopping needs.

There’s a whole lot to do here, and it’s really exciting. You can have a barbecue on the patio, hear Jazz over martinis, do some shopping on Nantucket Reds or sea glass jewelry.

You can also play a round of mini-golf and ride the carousel. There is lots of entertainment during the summertime on Main Street.

Address: 491A Main St, Hyannis, MA 02601, USA

20. Brazilian Grill

The Brazilian Grill is a great place to be if you love tasty meals, you should add the Brazilian grill to your list of fun things to do in Hyannis.

This place provides an outstanding Brazilian food experience as you get treated to their Rodizio and Churrasco.

The Rodizio is a type of Brazilian Barbeque. The grill offers a wide array of different cuts of pork, lamb, chicken. These meats are cooked with natural wood to conserve their natural flavors and juicy taste.

The restaurant also has fresh cheeses: salads, a full buffet of soups, side dishes, and hot entrees. The restaurant gives you a glimpse of the culture, tradition, and foods eaten in Southern Brazil.

There’s also a bar to relax and have some sweet Brazilian drinks like the Caipirinha, beer, wine, cocktails, and many others. Here’s a nice attraction to relax and have some fun.

Address: 680 Main St, Hyannis, MA 02601

21. Cape Symphony

The Cape Symphony is focused on educating and spreading happiness and joy through music. It’s a great attraction to look out for when you’re in Hyannis.

They have won the hearts of many tourists through good music, educational programs, and entertainment.

In summer, the Cape symphony organizes outdoor events that include orchestral performances for tourists and residents.

You’ll also get entertained by their beautiful classics and jazz music, and the list is numerous as there’s a lot to keep you thrilled and going during your visit.

If you’re a music enthusiast, here’s a great place to get entertained by beautiful renditions from various artists and performances.

There’s also a place to discover and rediscover your talent in music. It’s a must-visit for anyone visiting Hyannis.

Address: 1060 Falmouth Rd A, Hyannis, MA 02601, USA

22. Swing by the fascinating Red Fish Blue Fish

The Red Blue Fish is an outstanding establishment that sells beautiful home decor, glassware, artworks and crafts, candles, jewelry, and soaps.

Jane Walsh established the place in 1993, and Red Fish Blue Fish has been supportive to the community, helping with fundraisers and other events like exercise classes, jugglers, stilt walkers, live bands, and face painting.

This place houses a wide array of outstanding and innovative artworks from different parts of the world without losing its focus on displaying the works of local artists.

Most of the products are produced locally by artisans in Hyannis, and these items are unique to buy as gifts for family and loved ones. By purchasing these handcrafted products, visitors are supporting the works of these artisans.

Address: 374 Main St, Hyannis, MA 02601

23. Learn more about JFK at John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum

For history enthusiasts, this is a great place to visit and be knowledgeable about the history of John F. Kennedy. It is one of the most visited places in Cape Cod.

This museum was built in honor of John F. Kennedy. People from different places come in their numbers to glimpse how this family lived their lives.

The JFK museum consists of archival films, photographs, memorabilia of JFK, and family and documents.

Visitors who come here start their visits by watching a documentary narrated by JFK. The documentary is more like an orientation film for visitors before they start going through the exhibits.

If you’re indeed a fan of John F. Kennedy, then the museum is a must-visit for you, there’s a lot of motivation and inspiration to draw from visiting and experiencing the memories of JFK.

Address: 397 Main St, Hyannis, MA 02601, United States

24. The Steamship Authority

On your first day in the city, the best thing to do in Hyannis is to visit the Steamship Authority.

The Steamship Authority manages the biggest ferry services from Nantucket Island to Cape Cod.

The company offers regular daily travel for low rates for vehicles, people, and trucks.

These ferries depart from Hyannis Harbor, and the trips to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket is usually exciting.

Address: 69 South St, Hyannis, MA 02601, United States

25. Hathaway Pond

If you’re looking for a brief hike in Hyannis, Hathaway Pond is certainly the perfect spot.

Hathaway Pond is a great place to cool off and relax in its clean, bright warm water. This is a neighborhood pond that comprises well-manicured gardens contributing to its calmness.

Whenever you want to take a quiet walk, Hathaway Pond features a gorgeous path, and it is worth every effort.

There are picnic tables that are perfect for lunch meals with family and friends as you enjoy magnificent views.

26. St.Francis Xavier C

A charming and iconic structure in Hyannis is St.Francis Xavier Church, which is pretty popular amongst the public.

President John F. Kennedy joined a Mass in this church during the summer period, and his bench can be seen with its mark.

The church holds catholic masses on Sundays, with Brazilian and Latin Masses organized regularly.

You can stop by this beautiful church and learn more about Hyannis’s rich history.

Make sure you take a walk around the beautiful beaches and have a meal at one of the restaurants in the area.

27. 1/2 day Marine Science Tour

A full-time half-day trip, 1/2 day Marine Science Tour is a perfect choice for the entire family and friends.

1/2 day Marine Science Tour offers individuals an opportunity to find out about the region’s marine ecosystem.

You can easily find organisms that dwell underneath your feet and capture critters such as Horseshoe crabs through the use of microscope and plankton nets.

The exploration consists of drop off, pickup, ice cream, fish & chips lunch, and a coffee.

28. Historic Wigwam Village No. 2

If all you need is excitement and fun, visiting Embargo is one of the best things to do in Hyannis.

Embargo offers a unique live music presentation and tapas meals throughout the dining period.

The company is popular for serving special martinis and an extensive collection of cocktails that everyone would enjoy.

This place is popular among many locals and visitors in the region, offering them an authentic big-town feeling.

Embargo offers the most delicious tapas and sumptuous dishes, which are all you need after a stressful day.

Address: 453 Main St, Hyannis, MA 02601, United States

29. Cape Cod Central Railroad

Cape Cod Central Railroad transport passengers through cranberry bogs, marshes, dunes, and other location accessible by rails.

Visitors get to learn more about the history of the canal, including how cranberries are obtained.

The railroad is a great way to get to Hyannis. Cape Cod Central Railroad uses a rail line managed by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.

Address: 252 Main St, Hyannis, MA 02601, United States

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Plan a Trip to Hyannis

The City of Hyannis has so many beautiful attractions that every tourist will appreciate. From the list of things to do in Hyannis, you can see how adventurous and outstanding this region is.

The region is ranked in the top list of famous destinations in the US and in the list of top ten places in the world for whale watching, kayaking, windsurfing, and paddle boating.