Looking for that special thing to do on your next visit to Hyannis? You’re definitely in the right place. 

Thanks to its vast natural harbor, Hyannis is Cape Cod’s largest recreational boating and second-largest commercial fishing port after Provincetown. The old USS Hyannis (YTB-817), a vessel of the United States Navy, is the hamlet’s namesake.

In Massachusetts, it is well-recognized as a favorite summer vacation spot. In Hyannis, many activities are available, including shopping, whale viewing, boating, and beach strolling. The longest pedestrian-friendly shopping street on the peninsula is Main Street.

Here are some fun things to do in Hyannis, Massachusetts.

Things to Do in Hyannis, MA

1. St. Francis Xavier Catholic Parish

Francis Xavier’s missionary accomplishments, particularly in India, Southeast Asia, and Japan, are highly regarded by the Catholic Church, other Christian churches, and the Jesuit order. He was an early associate of St. Ignatius Loyola and a member of the Society of Jesus.

St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church is a beautiful and historic building. President John F. Kennedy frequented the summertime Masses, and his bench was easily identifiable.

Regular Catholic Masses, including Latin and Brazilian liturgy services, are held on Sundays.

Visit this picturesque Church and learn about the history of Hyannis while enjoying the beautiful beaches, fresh seafood restaurants, and local eateries.

Address: 347 South St, Hyannis, MA 02601, United States

2. Kalmus Beach

On Cape Cod in Massachusetts, you will find Kalmus Beach, a gorgeous white sand beach. You have ample room to spread your towel out and take in the sunshine.

Swimming is a summertime pleasure, and the steady breezes are ideal for windsurfing. There are toilets, a snack bar, and a lifeguard on duty.

You can relax by lounging on the sand or engaging in thrilling water sports here. Regardless of whether you were going alone or with friends, you would have a great time visiting this location.

Address: Barnstable, MA 02601, United States

3. The Brazillian Grill

A large steakhouse called Brazillian Grill offers all-you-can-eat slow-cooked meats cut at the table and a salad bar.

This genuine steakhouse honors the Brazilian side of the Cape with a sizable buffet and churrasco, which is barbecued beef on skewers brought to your table by real-life gauchos.

Although the food is excellent, what sets this restaurant apart is the complete dining experience.

A must-visit place in Hyannis is The Brazilian Grill, a family-run restaurant that offers a true dining experience with traditional southern Brazilian food handed down through generations.

Address: 680 Main St, Hyannis, MA 02601, United States

4. Embargo

If martinis, tapas, pizza, and sushi sound appealing to you, along with live music and DJs every night in a sleek, modern lounge atmosphere, be sure to include this destination in your list of things to do in Hyannis. 

Embargo, a haven of fun in Hyannis, offers inventive tapas dishes all day long to live music accompaniment.

They are well known for their distinctive martinis and wide selection of cocktails, which keep the audience content and happy the entire time.

It is a favorite hangout for casual Cape Cod dining with a big-city ambiance.

Large dishes, a raw bar, top-notch tapas for a snack after work, and live music in the evenings are all features of this lovely restaurant.

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

5. Hyannis Main Street

In the tranquil Cape Cod town of Hyannis, Main Street serves as the town’s center. Aside from notable restaurants and boutiques, this area of town also houses the Cape Cod Hospital, the post office, the town hall, and a library.

The John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum preserves the background of the 35th President of the United States and the close links his family had to the region.

Additionally, this street has an interesting museum with history and mythology. Both shopping and delicious meals are available there.

There is always something to do in the Cape Cod town of Hyannis on Main Street. Explore the picturesque neighborhood while strolling along the Walkway to the Sea.

Take advantage of the many entertainment options and unique events. Dine at one of their award-winning restaurants or browse and shop at one of our distinctive shops and boutiques.

The street charms visitors with its boldly standing buildings from bygone eras.

6. The Steamship Authority 

The Steamship Authority runs the most extensive ferry service between Cape Cod and Nantucket Island. The storied Hyannis Harbor is where these Nantucket boats depart from.

A five-person board representing Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Falmouth, Barnstable, and New Bedford oversees the Steamship Authority.

A pleasant experience that one must have in Hyannis is a trip to Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard.

Additionally, it provides simple and affordable pricing for users. On large ships, even city dwellers feel safe and protected.

Address: 141 School St, Hyannis, MA 02601, United States

7. Cape Cod Central Railroad

On the Cape Cod Central Railroad, passengers go by marshes, cranberry bogs, dunes, and other places that can only be reached by rail.

On the rail, you can take in the canal’s history, discover how cranberries are harvested, or simply eat quietly during the workweek or on the weekend.

The railroads are an excellent method to travel around Hyannis. The Cape Main Line, a railroad under the administration of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, is home to the historic Cape Cod Central Railroad.

A unique and entertaining way to get to and discover Cape Cod is on a sightseeing train.

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

8. Hathaway Pond

If you’re looking for somewhere in Hyannis for a quick hike, Hathaway Pond is the ideal location.

It’s a beautiful place to cool off with a relaxing swim in warm, clear water. It is a pond in the neighborhood with well-kept gardens known for its serenity and absence of crowds. 

It has a lovely route you can take if you feel like walking. A hidden gem in all of Hyannis’ splendor is this pond. Lunch is served at picnic tables, and the scenery is stunning.

It has a lot to offer a traveler with its magnificent tourist attractions, including beaches, museums, and lakes. The lovely restaurants and cafés in Hyannis are among its best features.

The restaurants in Hyannis are charming in their special ways, offering delicious food and an exciting experience that lets you immerse yourself in the culture of the locals. Hyannis is unquestionably the place to go if you want an interesting tourist experience!

9. Cape Codder Water Park

Visitors are drawn to Cape Codder Water Park on Iyannough Road by various water attractions.

It is Cape Cod’s sole aquatic center and offers indoor and outdoor entertainment for people of all ages.

The 160-foot water slides and 50- and 80-foot water slides are part of the 30,000-square-foot Cape Codder Water Park. Additionally, it has a 300-foot river arrangement with waterfalls, rapids, and a whale facsimile that spouts water.

Saunas, a fitness center, a kiddie spray pool, and a wave pool with two-foot waves are some additional amenities at this aquatic facility. The Gazebo Café at the Cape Codder Water Park offers drinks, appetizers, sandwiches, salads, pizza, and a full bar.

Address: 1225 Iyannough Rd Suite #4, Hyannis, MA 02601, United States

10. Cape Cod Beer

A brewery with a focus on the community, Cape Cod Beer offers daily tours, tastings, and a store with gifts and growlers to go. 

Although beer connoisseurs will enjoy it, this amazing setting is also a great place to kill some time. Free brewery tours are conducted daily at 11 AM, excluding Sundays. However, samples are always available.

Several exciting activities are available here, like “yappy hours” with your pet, art courses, live music, and comedy shows.

A neighborhood farmers’ market is held at the brewery every Friday from 3 to 6 PM. The popular amber ale, which is a trademark of the beer, is exceptionally smooth.

Address: 1336 Phinneys Ln, Hyannis, MA 02601, United States

11. John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum

President Kennedy’s Rocker will temporarily remain at the JFK Hyannis Museum until The Towers of the Waldorf Astoria are renovated. The Kennedy family has spent many years vacationing at Hyannis. 

JFK liked to spend his summers here, which was masterfully documented in this museum with photos and videos from JFK’s early years through his Camelot era.

The John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum’s shows are well-designed and cover various topics. A multimedia exhibit at the museum depicts JFK’s time on Cape Cod.

He was continuously pulled to sailing on the ocean, spending time with his family, and serving as President of the United States.

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

12. The Naked Oyster

If you want inventive seafood dishes, a large wine list, and oysters from the restaurant’s own farm served in a chic setting; you’ll love the Naked Oyster. 

You may enjoy a variety of foods at this urban bistro restaurant, which is situated on the outskirts of Hyannis’ industrial park. It also has a chic atmosphere.

Short ingredient transit times are promoted at The Naked Oyster, where the restaurant’s oyster farm in Barnstable Harbor provides the restaurant’s namesake bivalves.

Shrimp, lobster, and small necks at the raw bar are all pleasant company. Some of the meals on the menu that use international tastes to spice up fresh seafood include Thai shrimp, moules frites, fish tacos, and curry scallops.

Address: 410 Main St, Hyannis, MA 02601, United States

13. Veterans Park Beach

Veterans Park Beach is a must-visit location if you appreciate the concept of a peaceful beach with showers and a snack bar, backed by a park with JFK and Korean War veteran memorials. 

Veterans Park Beach, which is the closest beach to Hyannis’ Main Street, is a popular family destination because of its playground, picnic tables, and shallow surf.

It’s a lovely spot to spend the day. This beach can satisfy your needs whether you want to swim, beach comb, or participate in beach activities.

On the beach’s northern end, which looks out over the harbor where JFK once sailed, is a memorial to him. Additionally, parking for the monument is free for 30 minutes.

Address: 480 Ocean St, Hyannis, MA 02601, United States

14. Pain D’Avignon Restaurant Boulangerie

You may find a warm European-style bakery here that serves a variety of bread and pastries in addition to inventive French bistro fare. 

Despite being somewhat out of the way, Pain D’Avignon is worth discovering for a delectable taste of Paris.

For a more leisurely breakfast, omelets and galettes (savory crêpes) can be ordered in addition to the usual pâtisserie fare.

More traditional French bistro fare such as steak frites, quiche Lorraine, and croque monsieur shine at lunch and dinner.

Address: 15 Hinckley Rd, Hyannis, MA 02601, United States

15. Cape Cod Potato Chip Factory

The Cape Cod Potato Chip Factory in Hyannis, Massachusetts, is a great place to visit when you want to pass some time in a pleasant way.  

You can take a complimentary tour to discover how the renowned Cape Cod Chips are produced. Additionally, you’ll receive a few sample bags to bring with you.

A self-guided tour of the facility consists of only looking out the windows at the chips marching across the manufacturing and packing lines.

The entire process can be lovely and should take 10 minutes to complete.

Address: 100 Breeds Hill Rd, Hyannis, MA 02601, United States

16. Tumi Ceviche Bar & Ristorante

Visit Tumi Ceviche Bar & Ristorante if traditional Peruvian cuisine, pasta, and risotto plates served casually on a patio seem intriguing. 

There are nine different varieties of ceviche (including vegetarian options), as well as different raw shellfish, seafood pasta, and other distinctive Peruvian meals.

One of its peculiarities is that the ceviche is half off before 5 PM. Peru and Italy’s traditional and contemporary cuisines have been combined in this special little eatery.

They specialize in the most well-known Peruvian ceviche in the world, homemade pasta, and steaks cooked over a wood fire. One of the restaurant’s biggest draws is the open kitchen, where patrons can watch the chefs make food.

You can sample ten kinds of ceviche, homemade pasta, ravioli, steaks, lobster cooked over a wood fire, and more when you come. You should include this location on your list of things to do in Hyannis.

Address: 592 Main St, Hyannis, MA 02601, United States

17. Hyannis HyArts Cultural District’s – Arts Barnstable

Local artists can be found in the Hyannis HyArts Cultural District in downtown Hyannis, which also features year-round artist studios and galleries, free events, and much more. 

The quaint and elegant Hyannis HyArts Cultural District can be the ideal location for art enthusiasts in Hyannis.

The colorful artist shanties next to the ferry docks, the Guyer Barn communal art area, and the Walkway to the Sea may all be seen when taking a stroll along the harborside.

The success of the Hyannis HyArts Cultural District is based on a combination of arts-focused policies that support the creative economy while offering a lively backdrop for locals and visitors throughout the year.

Address: 367 Main St, Hyannis, MA 02601, United States

18. Pizza Barbone

Pizza Barbone serves superior wood-fired pies, salads, and gelato in an airy, contemporary setting. 

Take a break from the seafood and visit Pizza Barbone, which boasts a wood-fired oven and delicious Neapolitan thin-crust pizzas.

Truffle oil smoked mozzarella, and mushrooms with rosemary are premium toppings.

Many of their dishes can be prepared vegan or gluten-free for our customers. For an extra $3, you may get their homemade vegan cashew mozzarella. 

Address: 390 Main St, Hyannis, MA 02601, United States

19. Cape Cod Melody Tent

There are seats at most 50 feet (about 15 meters) from the rotating stage in the exactly huge Cape Cod Melody Tent, which can accommodate 2300 people. This outdoor theater with 2,300 seats presents stand-up comedians and national performers. 

It presents performers like ZZ Top and Vince Gill from Memorial Day through Labor Day. South Shore Playhouse Associates is the proprietor of the tent theater.

These are the only two South Shore Music Circus-affiliated tent theaters that have been in continuous operation in the country.

Address: 41 W Main St, Hyannis, MA 02601, United States

20. Tour The Cape Cod Maritime Museum

Visit the Cape Cod Marine Museum to learn fascinating marine exploration and adventure tales: stunning displays, nautical curios and antiquities, and more.

The Cape Cod Maritime Museum emphasizes the Cape’s maritime roots, notably the region’s boat-building legacy, and is conveniently positioned close to Hyannis Harbor.

A key location for learning about the maritime traditions and history of the Cape and Islands is the Cape Cod Maritime Museum. Your attention will be piqued by changing exhibits, a permanent collection of vintage ships, model ships, and marine art.

You can observe boat builders at work or participate in their volunteer programs, educational seminars, and apprenticeships to gain first-hand knowledge.

Kids may have a great time because they can participate in interactive exhibits, construct boats, and even learn navigation.

Address: 135 South St, Hyannis, MA 02601, United States