Scenic Hyannis Harbor is a gateway to the islands of Nantucket Sound and an enticing destination in its own right. Take a boat trip from the harbor for a peaceful excursion or simply wander around the docks to find waterfront restaurants, museums and family attractions.

Approach the harbor area from the water and look east to see the abandoned lighthouse tower on Point Gammon, before pulling into a tranquil boatyard where over 180 slips moor bobbing boats. Everything from large passenger ferries to personal sailing dinghies dock in this naturally sheltered harbor area.

Let your children become buccaneers on one of the pirate ships that leave from the harbor. Themed excursions include face painting, sailing activities and water cannons.

Hop onto one of the boats that leave regularly from the harbor. Ferries travel to and from Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, two beautiful islands with historic towns and peaceful beaches. Alternatively, take a shorter excursion around the waters of the harbor area, drifting past the lighthouses of Lewis Bay or watching the sun set over the peninsula. Some operators even offer dining or wine-tasting cruises in the evening.

Listen to tales of seafaring and shipwrecks in the Cape Cod Maritime Museum. Browse exhibits dedicated to the history of boatbuilding and whaling in the region. Museum staff members share the secrets of traditional crafts, while a maritime-themed play area helps to make this a family-friendly museum.

After a day on the water or wandering through Hyannis, relax in a restaurant on the edges of the harbor. Seafood staples such as clam chowder are prepared according to time-honored traditions and the ingredients are delivered fresh from the ocean to your plate.

Hyannis Harbor is located east of Hyannis Port, a popular neighborhood for visitors to Cape Cod. The Cape Cod Central Railroad terminus is less than 10 minutes away on foot. Visit in late spring or early fall to avoid the crowds of summer while still enjoying sunny days by the ocean.