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Welcome to Barnstable

THINGS TO SEE
PLACES TO EAT
PLACES TO STAY
WHERE TO DOCK

Barnstable Harbor can be a challenge to navigate, making high tide the right time to make your way
through the narrow main channel. Photo by Tom Croke

EXPERIENCED NEW ENGLAND BOATERS, AND ESPECIALLY FISHERMEN, HAVE LONG KNOWN THAT BARNSTABLE HARBOR SERVES AS BOTH A SAFE HAVEN AND A GATEWAY TO MANY KINDS OF WATERY ADVENTURE, BUT THERE’S MORE TO THIS CAPE COD TOWN THAN MEETS THE EYE. THE TOWN OF BARNSTABLE COMPRISES 7 VILLAGES, INCLUDING WEST BARNSTABLE AND BARNSTABLE VILLAGE. WEST BARNSTABLE BORDERS THE INNER HARBOR AND THE SPRAWLING 4,000-ACRE GREAT MARSHES, THE SECOND LARGEST SALTMARSH SYSTEM ON THE EAST COAST (THE BLACKWATER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE ON CHESAPEAKE BAY IS THE LARGEST), WHILE THE OUTER HARBOR BELONGS TO BARNSTABLE. FEATURING MAJESTIC DUNES RISING UP TO 100′ TALL IN SOME SPOTS, SANDY NECK PRESIDES OVER IT ALL, MAKING BARNSTABLE THE ULTIMATE ONE-STOP SHOP FOR SOME OF THE BEST BOATING, FISHING, NATURE-WATCHING AND CAMPING ON CAPE COD.


Barnstable Chart

When entering Barnstable Harbor from Cape Cod Bay, it’s important to follow the markers carefully, as the narrow channel is surrounded by extremely shallow flats that have caused headaches for more than a few boaters.

Barnstable Satellite View.

To starboard, shoal water extends from beautiful Sandy Neck, a barrier beach marked by the Sandy Neck Lighthouse on Beach Point. The 182-year-old lighthouse watches over a cluster of venerable shingled cottages that are part of a private summer community on the Neck. Originally built in 1826 and rebuilt in 1857, Sandy Neck Light was decommissioned in 1931. Until the spring of 2007 it was regarded as an area oddity because of the fact that its lantern room was missing, giving it a peculiar “headless” look. Residents raised more than $65,000 in private donations, resulting in construction of a new lantern room in 2008. Today the light—all 48′ of it—stands whole again, although it and the adjoining lightkeeper’s house are not open to the public.

Read the story Barnstable Fishing Information

Fortunately, Sandy Neck Beach is. It’s a favorite summer and fall outpost for boaters and nonboaters alike. Each season a legion of off-roaders stake their claim along the beach (after securing a permit from the town) in RVs and pickup trucks, either carrying or towing campers. Long before the area became a summer playground, Sandy Neck played an early role in New England whaling, which got its start here in the 1600s. Colonists would venture into the bay in small skiffs and chase the whales onto Sandy Neck, where the animals were killed and processed. Bones and other artifacts from this industry are occasionally unearthed today. During the 1930s, the harbor was a major source for soft-shell clams, with 8,000 barrels harvested in 1936 alone. Another early industry that flourished in Barnstable was saltmarsh haying. The Great Marshes’ abundant cordgrass (Spartina altiflorens) was harvested by early settlers and dried for use as feed for livestock, bedding, insulation and mulch.

If you like backwater fishing, the Barnstable marshes produce some amazing action…

Evidence of Barnstable’s colonial past can be found a short distance from the harbor. This includes the stately captains’ homes on Route 6A, also known as Old King’s Highway. Originally a Native American trail between Plymouth and Provincetown, the Highway was used daily by early settlers to move supplies. In the 18th century, the sea merchant and whaling trades transformed it into a major route to Boston.

Among the majestic dunes of Sandy Neck, a beach shack sits atop stilts.
Photo
by Tom Richardson

Back on the water, kayakers, canoeists and intrepid powerboaters can venture into the maze of tidal creeks wind through the Great Marshes in the western portion of Barnstable Harbor, behind Sandy Neck (although novices are advised to do so only on a rising tide and to get out of Dodge lest the rapidly falling water leave them marooned for the next 6 hours). It’s a good idea to carry a GPS and cell phone with you, and beware the onslaught of greenhead flies that rule the marshes in midsummer. The best times to boat or paddle the marshes are the months of May and June, and again from late August to mid-October. And if you like backwater fishing, the Barnstable marshes produces some amazing action with striped bass in June (see Barnstable Fishing Information). Barnstable’s Inner Harbor (Maraspin Creek) is accessed via a narrow (25′ wide) channel marked on either side by tall PVC pipes. Follow the markers closely, as the channel is bordered by extremely shallow flats. If unfamiliar with the harbor, you might consider entering on a rising tide, which may float you clear if you accidentally ground. A concrete state-run launch ramp with float provides trailerboat access immediately to port on Blish Point after clearing the inlet. This is a busy area in summer, with hundreds of boats and kayaks splashing and hauling on nice weekends. The small harbor features a restaurant and 3 marinas, as well as a nearby market for provisions. A whale watch boat that runs trips to Stellwagen Bank also operates out of the harbor. Be aware that there is little room for turning in the basin, so larger vessels should keep to the outer harbor.

GETTING THERE

Charts: NOAA 13251, 13250, 13246

Barnstable, Massachusetts Chart

Barnstable Harbor is located on Cape Cod Bay between the barrier beach of Sandy Neck and an extensive saltmarsh estuary between Sandwich and the Cape Cod Canal to the northeast and Wellfleet to the southeast. It’s roughly 9 nautical miles from the entrance of the Cape Cod Canal to Barnstable Harbor and approximately 11 nautical miles to Wellfleet Harbor. Enter Barnstable Harbor at red-and-white “BH” bell buoy, but it’s important to note the tide and other conditions. If it’s particularly nasty, you may want to pass on because of the entrance’s shallow water and east-west tidal currents that shift north to south in the harbor channel. A shallow, sandy bottom and strong currents make the harbor prone to shoaling. Once in the harbor channel, stay well within the markers, as the areas off Beach Point and Sandy Neck Light are very shallow and prone to strong currents. Follow the channel through Horseshoe Shoal before turning to port between Salten and Blish Points into Maraspin Creek and the harbor’s marinas and waterfront proper. Finally, while boaters would be wise to avoid Barnstable Harbor’s tricky network of creeks and marshland, kayakers and paddlers will love it. However, if embarking on an unguided trek, be sure to take along a GPS and/or a cell phone, as it’s easy to become stranded or lost in the Great Marshes’ maze of creeks.

  • Note: Caution advised when an outgoing tide from the harbor opposes strong winds from the north, northwest or northeast, which can create steep standing waves in the channel off Sandy Neck. Also, be aware that the entire harbor including the mouth off Sandy Neck is prone to shoaling, particularly after large storms. Check with the harbormaster before entering the harbor. Lastly, be aware that the main channel is bordered by shallow sand and mud flats, so follow the markers carefully.

Dockage, Moorings, & Service

All of the harbor’s marina services—including a whale-watch boat, a good restaurant and a handful of charter boats—are clustered together in Maraspin Creek.

  • Millway Marina (508-362-4904): A full-service facility specializing in engine repair. Gas, restrooms and water available.
  • Barnstable Marine Service (508-362-3811): Offers dockage, rack storage and full-service boat, engine and electronics repair, as well as gas and diesel. Ice, bait, restrooms and showers.
  • Barnstable Harbor Marina (508-790-6273): Operated by the town, this marina occasionally has slips available. Hail the harbormaster on VHF 16 to check on availability. Offers pumpout and water.

Anchorages

An unofficial anchorage in approximately 9′ of water (mean low tide) is located just west of Beacon R “12”, but be sure to anchor north of the main channel.

Launch Ramps

Blish Point State Landing on Millway Road is a paved ramp with ample parking and an attendant. The lot fills up early, especially in summer, so get there early. Note that some boats may be unable to use the ramp at low tide. Fees: $8 weekdays; $10 weekends; $100 season pass. Webcam of parking lot may be seen HERE.

  • The Scudder Lane town landing, off 6A, is a town ramp (sticker parking only), with access to the shallow western part of the harbor, but most boats can only launch and retrieve on upper stages of the tide. Also, parking is limited.
  • A small ramp providing access to the east side of the harbor is located at Grays Beach/Bass Hole in Yarmouth.
  • Sesuit Harbor, roughly 5 nautical miles east of Barnstable Harbor in the town of Dennis, has a large public ramp with ample parking.
  • Kayakers can launch at the Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary at the end of Bone Hill Road (off Rte. 6A), at the east end of the harbor.

Harbormaster

Boat & Kayak Rental

  • Millway Marina (508-362-4904): Rents 5 different powerboat models, from 18′ to 25′. Half-day rentals range from $250-$400. Full-day, $375-$600.
  • Great Marsh Kayak (508-775-6447): Offers lessons and guided kayak trips in the Great Marshes. Launch and pickup provided.

Where to Eat

  • The Mattakeese Wharf Restaurant (508-362-4511): Features fresh seafood and steaks and offers lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, right on the harbor.
  • Village Landing Restaurant (508-362-2994): A small but busy place near the harbor off Route 6A. Serves breakfast and lunch.
  • Dolphin Restaurant (508-362-6610): Located in the center of Barnstable Village on 3250 Main St.
  • Barnstable Restaurant and Tavern (508-362-2355): Located at 3176 Main St., the Barnstable dishes out traditional New England cuisine.

Provisions

Barnstable General Store (508-362-4457) offers a variety of groceries, fine wines and beer, as well as an in-store breakfast bar and deli. In West Barnstable, the Old Village Store (508-362-3701) has been around since the late nineteenth century. Supposedly the Beatles stopped here for some smokes during their 1960s North American concert tour.

Where to Stay

Barnstable is home to several bed-and-breakfasts, including:

Things to Do & See

Barnstable offers some of the best beaches, boating, hiking and fishing on the Cape.

  • Leading the way is Sandy Neck Beach (508-362-8300) and the Great Salt Marshes Conservation Area. The bayside of the 6-mile-long barrier beach consists of a public beach with lifeguards and snack bar and a campsite area that allows off-road vehicles to access the various trails on Sandy Neck. Vehicle traffic is strictly regulated on Sandy Neck, and permits required by the town are available at the ranger station—or gatehouse—at the entrance of Sandy Neck Beach.
  • Great Marsh Kayak Tours (508-775-6447): Offers guided nature and fishing tours of Barnstable Harbor and the marshes.
  •  Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary (508-362-7475): A 110-acre wildlife preserve with walking and hiking trails that abut the harbor.
  • Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises (888-942-5392): Whale watch cruises to Stellwagen Bank.

General Information

The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce (888-332-2732) is a good source for more information on Barnstable, as is Cape Cod Travel.

Photo Gallery

The restored Sandy Neck Lighthouse marks the tip of Sandy Neck Point at the entrance to the harbor. Photo/NEB, Tom Richardson.​

Town residents and vacationers crowd the popular beach on Sandy Neck.

Boats line the floating docks in the inner harbor.​

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Launch Ramps
Where to Stay
Rentals
Harbor Master and Harbor Info
Getting There
Things to Do

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HawthorneHotel.com

Salem’s famed author,
welcome hotel guests

Nathaniel’s In The Hawthorne Hotel

18 Washington Square W, Salem, MA
978-825-4311
HawthorneHotel.com

Salem’s famed author,
welcome hotel guests

Nathaniel’s In The Hawthorne Hotel

18 Washington Square W, Salem, MA
978-825-4311
HawthorneHotel.com

Salem’s famed author,
welcome hotel guests

Nathaniel’s In The Hawthorne Hotel

18 Washington Square W, Salem, MA
978-825-4311
HawthorneHotel.com

Salem’s famed author,
welcome hotel guests

Nathaniel’s In The Hawthorne Hotel

18 Washington Square W, Salem, MA
978-825-4311
HawthorneHotel.com

Salem’s famed author,
welcome hotel guests