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Cape Cod

Northeastern University

Cape Cod

From Northeastern University to the Beach: One-day Trip to Cape Cod

Total Duration: Approximately 12-13 Hours | Difficulty: Easy | Estimated Cost: $64 - $137

After a busy week at Northeastern University, you just feel an uncontrollable urge to leave Boston. A quick break, somewhere chill but cool. Cape Cod is the perfect one-day escape. It has pristine beaches and a National Park (Seashore). The quaint and quirky towns along the trail to Provincetown are elegant to see.

This one-day trip will take you to sandy beaches, lighthouses, seafood shacks, and vintage vibes. History nerds can relive New England, explore quirky towns, and unwind by the ocean. In this guide, we’ll take you through Cape Cod’s ‘you just can’t miss’ spots, add some trivia, and share tips for an unforgettable day.

Full Itinerary

Extras

7:00 AM: Departure from Northeastern University

Mode of Travel

Directions: Take the Orange Line from Ruggles Station to South Station, then board the Peter Pan Bus and head to Hyannis on Cape Cod.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Cost: $20-25 one-way.

  • Travel Option 2: Car Rental or Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)

Travel Time: About 1.5 hours by car (traffic dependent).

Parking Facility: Public parking is available in Hyannis near Main Street

Parking Fees: $10-15/day

Day 1 image

9:00 AM: Arrival in Hyannis

Arriving at Hyannis, Cape Cod feels like a warm embrace from the sea. The bustling harbor, vibrant shops, and the scent of saltwater fill you with excitement. It’s a place where coastal charm meets endless possibilities, inviting you to explore, unwind, and immerse yourself in its lively yet soothing atmosphere. From here move ahead to The Daily Paper for a heartful breakfast to kickstart your day.

Day 2 image

9:15 AM: Breakfast at The Daily Paper

📍 Route Guide

Location: 644 W Main St, Hyannis, MA

Distance: 5-minute drive from the Hyannis Transportation Centre

Insight: This place is popular for its New England breakfast options. It has a cozy atmosphere and is worth starting your day in. Want to know more about the place? Click here!

Recommended Dishes: Blueberry Pancakes, and Breakfast Sandwich

Average Cost: $10-15 (per head)

Recommended Time: 30-40 minutes

Day 3 image

10:00 AM: Visit Cape Cod Maritime Museum

📍 Route Guide


Location: 135 South St, Hyannis, MA

Distance: 5-minute drive or 10-minute walk down Main Street to South Street.

Insight: Cape Cod Maritime Museum is famous for offering a glimpse into the rich heritage of this region. The region’s history of shipbuilding, fishing, maritime tools, and historic models are perfectly displayed here.

Top Highlights: This place showcases maritime exhibits, boat tours, boatbuilding workshops, and guided tours to learn more about Cape Cod's relationship with the sea.

For more information check out the Explorer’s Guide.

Cost: $6 with Student ID.

Recommended Time: 45 minutes


Day 4 image

11:00 AM: Hyannis Harbor & Hyannis Harbor Cruises

📍 Route Guide

Location: 138 Ocean St, Hyannis, MA

Direction: 8-10 minute drive from the Maritime Museum.

Insight: A scenic boat tour around Hyannis Harbor, will offer you the views of Kennedy Compound, Historic Lighthouses, and the beauty of the Cape’s coastline.

List of Activities: There are numerous fun activities around Hyannis Harbor. Choose the activities that suit your time.

  • Hyannis Harbor Cruise

Cost: $25- $40 (per head)

Duration: 1 hour

  • Whale Watching Cruise

Cost: $60-$75 (per head)

Duration: 3 to 4 hours (each way)

  • Harbor and Lighthouse Tour

Cost: $30-$50 (per head)

Duration: 1.5 hours

For more information check out the Explorers Guide.

Pro Tip: These activities offer a variety of experiences. Make sure to check their availability in advance.

Recommended Time: 2 hours (depending on the list of activities performed)

Day 5 image

2:00 PM: Cape Cod National Seashore (Kalmus Beach)

📍Route Guide

Location: 670 Ocean St, Hyannis, MA

Direction: 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk along Ocean Street.

Insight: This is a protected place that stretches over 43,000 acres and is popular for offering pristine beaches, marshes, ponds, forests, and marine life.

Highlights: Popular beaches include Coast Guard Beach, Nauset Light Beach, and Race Point Beach.

For those interested in hiking and biking, Great Island Trail, and Nauset Marsh Trail are good options to explore.

Cost: Free to visit

Recommended Time: 1 hour

Day 6 image

3:00 PM: Main Street Shopping and Art Galleries

📍Route Guide

Location: Main Street, Hyannis, MA

Direction: 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk from the Kalmus Beach.

Insight: This place is a vibrant hub of boutique shops, artisan galleries, dining, and unique Cape Cod souvenirs. During the Summer the Street comes to life with street artists performing live music.

Cost: Free to explore (shopping optional).

Recommended Time: 1 hour

Pro Tip: Visit the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum nearby if you have some extra time.


Day 7 image

4:00 PM: Treat yourself to Katie’s Homemade Ice Cream

📍Route Guide

Location: 568 Main St, Hyannis, MA

Direction: A short walk down Main Street.

Insight: A beloved spot for the sweet tooth to enjoy some delicious homemade ice cream. Rich, creamy, and flavourful, this place is popular for a wide variety of flavors. Get to know more about their authentic flavors here!

Recommended Ice-creams: There are many options in this place but Cape Cod Sand, Moose Tracks, Maple Walnut, and Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip are the must-try from their menu.

Average Cost: $5-8 per person.

Recommended Time: 30 minutes


Day 8 image

4:30 PM: Veterans Memorial Park

📍Route Guide


Location: Ocean St, Hyannis, MA

Direction: 5-minute drive or 15-minute walk from Katie’s Ice Cream.

Insight: Veterans Memorial Park is a picturesque destination that honors the sacrifices made by military veterans. This waterfront park is a perfect place for relaxing and wrapping up your day before heading back to Boston.

Cost: Free to visit

Recommended Time: 30 minutes

Day 9 image

5:15 PM – Return to Boston

📍Route Guide

Mode of Travel

Option 1: Peter Pan Bus Lines

Directions: Take the Peter Pan Bus from Hyannis back to South Station. Switch to Orange Line and head towards the Ruggles Station.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Cost: $20-25 one-way.

Option 2: Rideshare or car rental for the return journey.

Duration: 1.5-2 hours.

Day 10 image

Trip Summary

7:00 AM: Departure from Northeastern University

9:00 AM: Arrival in Hyannis

9:15 AM: Breakfast at The Daily Paper

10:00 AM: Visit Cape Cod Maritime Museum

11:00 AM: Hyannis Harbor & Hyannis Harbor Cruises

1:00 PM: Lunch at The Black Cat Tavern

2:00 PM: Cape Cod National Seashore (Kalmus Beach)

3:00 PM: Main Street Shopping and Art Galleries

4:00 PM: Treat yourself to Katie’s Homemade Ice Cream

4:30 PM: Veterans Memorial Park

5:15 PM – Return to Boston

Packing Checklist

  • Check for weather updates in advance.
  • Don’t forget to carry Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Sanitary pads (for our beauties out there), and a First-aid kit.
  • Use student discounts for special discounts. 
  • Share a ride with friends to reduce transportation costs. 
  • Try having budget-friendly meal alternatives when possible.

Budget Breakdown

Transportation$40 - $50
Breakfast$10 -1 $15
Capecod Maritime Museum$6
Harbor Cruise$20
Lunch$20 - $30
Ice Cream$5 - $8
Total Estimated Cost$101 - $129

In a Nutshell

This one-day itinerary will provide you with a gist of how to plan your day trip from Northeastern University to Cape Cod, a charming coastal retreat. It will cover all the major hot spots and will give you the experience of an unforgettable journey.