The sun, the sand, the laid back, quaint New England atmosphere… what’s not to like about Cape Cod? There are hundreds of places to stay in towns like Falmouth, Chatham, Dennis, Yarmouth, Wellfleet, and Provincetown, but none really compare to the bed and breakfast experience. Why is that, you ask? Especially on Cape Cod, a number of factors come into play that make it the most desirable and fun experience you can have of any type of lodging.
You see, the Cape isn’t known for its great hotels. It’s not known for its great motels. It isn’t even known for its great campsites. The good land has been bought up by private owners to enjoy all by themselves. It’s an exclusive place, and the best views, unfortunately, have been snatched up by real estate.
There are two overnight options that will still allow you to see the best views on the Cape without plunking down a million dollars for an ocean view. The first option is to rent a home. Once you peruse the homes available, you’ll quickly find out that this option can quickly make your wallet as light as a feather. The other con of renting a home is that you often have to rent on a weekly basis, not just for a weekend.
The other option is a bed and breakfast. Cape Cod is loaded with bed and breakfasts, especially in towns like Brewster, Chatham, Falmouth, and Provincetown. Some towns have fewer B & B’s in favor of rental homes, like Truro and Wellfleet. The good thing about staying at a Cape Cod bed and breakfast is that they are usually centrally located and include all amenities. Everything will be done for you, where as in a home, you are expected to clean up after yourself (who wants to do that on vacation?).
The following Cape Cod bed and breakfasts were chosen for a number of criteria, which included:
1. Proximity to activities, restaurants, and beaches. Most of the Cape isn’t too far from the beach, but if it’s over 10 minutes from a public beach, it’s not included here.
2. Online reviews. Can you really book anything today without reading these? An online review will show additional photos and give an honest answer as to what people really thought of their stay.
3. The view. When you stay at a B & B on Cape Cod, aren’t you expecting some sort of nice view? Not all of these have stellar views right outside your window, but we’ve kept in mind that most of us want a pretty picture included with the morning coffee.
The Top Five Cape Cod Bed and Breakfasts:
Brewster By The Sea
Of all of the Cape Cod B & B’s, Brewster by the Sea just might have the most impeccable reputation. 
You’ll be hard pressed to find a single negative comment about this wonderous gem of a location directly on Route 6A, King’s Highway.
Guests have raved about this romantic weekend destination, and rated it #1 on Trip Advisor for the town of Brewster. With afternoon tea, home baked goods, and a luxurious breakfast that lives up to its name, you can expect to eat well and enjoy authentic New England style cuisine.
Book a room at Brewster By The Sea here.
Carpe Diem Guesthouse and Spa
It’s virtually impossible to find anyone that’s ever not enjoyed their stay at the Carpe Diem Guesthouse and Spa.
The beautiful lobby of Carpe Diem, Provincetown.
The inn boasts a beautiful backyard garden, located right in the downtown Provincetown area. You’re just steps away from whale watch tours, a walk out onto the long Wood End jetty, all of the downtown PTown shopping, and the must see local art galleries.
Don’t forget about the beaches which are also just a short ride up the road to Race Point (quite possibly the best beach on Cape Cod).
Individually decorated, clean, comfortable, rooms offer the ultimate place to rest your head at night, while the spa services give the body some much needed pampering. Breakfasts, too, are hearty and homemade. If it’s something over the top that you’re looking for, the Carpe Diem Guesthouse and Spa will offer that, but not at an over the top price.
Book a room at the Carpe Diem Guesthouse and Spa
Inn on the Sound
Rated as the top bed and breakfast in Falmouth, this is the best place to stay between Bourne and Mashpee. If you’re head to Martha’s Vineyard, this is a great place to stop or use as your base of operations.
Inn on the Sound, Falmouth, the Great Harbor room.
A view alone, however, does not make or break a stellar bed and breakfast. While you enjoy the view, you can sit out on the deck overlooking the water to view Martha’s Vineyard in the distance while snacking on cookies, or you can head into the fireplace for a cozier, rustic, New England style evening. There are a lot of little amenities here ranging from beach towels to fresh baked goods and gourmet breakfasts. You can expect to pay a little bit more for this bed and breakfast considering how memorable the experience will be, but there’s little chance you’ll walk away feeling anything but refreshed, amazed, and eager to return.
Book your stay today at Falmouth’s Inn on the Sound.
The driveway leading to Ashley Manor, Barnstable.
Ashley Manor
Located on Route 6A in Barnstable, Ashley Manor is a Cape Cod mainstay that has been a trusted bed and breakfast for years. It is minutes away from Sandy Neck Beach, the antique shops of Route 6A, just 10 minutes from Hyannis, and a mere two miles from Yarmouth Port and Bass Hole.
The inn itself was built in 1699, making it one of the oldest places to stay in America. It has been beautifully restored by the innkeepers to include fine details of the era. Each room is equipped with a fireplace, a welcome addition in the cooler autumn and winter months (even summer and spring nights can be very chilly as well). With a delicious gourmet breakfast and Jacuzzi tubs in some rooms, you’ll really be able to relax and enjoy this historic Cape Cod bed and breakfast.
Enjoy your stay at Ashley Manor and make a reservation for any season here.
Bluefish Bed and Breakfast
Located in the epicenter of Harwich, MA, the Bluefish Bed and Breakfast is a sort of well kept secret on the southern side of the Cape. 
This photo of Bluefish Bed & Breakfast is courtesy of TripAdvisorDecorated with local photography, immaculate bathrooms, large living spaces, and a breakfast to die for, this B & B isn’t just a another run of the mill inn with ho-hum food. It’s a hidden gem that you’ll be glad you found on the southern side of Cape Cod.
The inn is about two miles north of Harwich Port, and a few miles away from Dennis Port. The beautiful beaches of South Harwich and South Chatham are some of the best and warmest on the Cape, so be sure to take in those beautiful sights off of Route 28. Prices for this inn are also moderately priced compared to others in towns like nearby Chatham, making this a real bargain. The beaches here also tend to be a little bit quieter than those other towns.
Which of these places should you book your next weekend getaway or romantic vacation for two? Find out which attractions you’d like to be closest to, and then choose a B & B based on those sites. All of the bed and breakfasts mentioned above have outstanding reviews. To help plan out your trip to the Cape, you may also want to read this page on how to plan a Cape Cod road trip.
