Your first welcome to Cape Cod often is the unique bridges that grace the Cape Cod Canal. And the first town you will encounter is Bourne. The dominant feature of the town is the Cape Cod Canal which cuts the town in half allowing boats and ships to traverse to points north without having to sail around the Cape. It also offers land-lubbers some spectacular canal views and two well-maintained 8-mile bike paths that offer an enjoyable way to spend the afternoon. The majority of Bourne's beaches are clustered on Buzzards Bay.

The second town of the four that comprise the Upper Cape is Sandwich. It is a historical preserve and offers the Hoxie House, a 17th century saltbox built circa 1675. To truly appreciate the many offerings of Sandwich, exit the Mid-Cape Highway (Rt. 6) at the first exit after the Sagamore bridge. This is Rte. 130 and it will take you into the heart of this historic town.

You can choose from a plethora of options, from an educational experience at the Sandwich Glass Museum, enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the Heritage Plantation, to the peaceful setting of the Thornton W. Burgess Society, a delight for Peter Rabbit lovers. Sandwich's beaches are on Cape Cod Bay.

The third town included in the Upper Cape is the town of Falmouth, second only in geographical size to the town of Barnstable. Falmouth consists of the villages of Ashumet, Davisville, East Falmouth Village, Falmouth Village, Falmouth Heights, Hatchville, North Falmouth, Old Silver Beach, Quissett, Teaticket, Waquoit, West Falmouth, and Woods Hole.

Falmouth harbors many delights. Among them are two which are "a must see." The village of Woods Hole, internationally famous for its oceanographic institute, and the Steamship Authority where accessible ferries depart and arrive daily from the island of Martha's Vineyard.

Although geographically small, the fourth town of the Upper Cape is Mashpee, which has a rich cultural heritage. The Mashpee Indian Museum is a good place to learn about Indian history and culture. The Wampanoag Indian Tribe has many of its roots in Mashpee which to this day boasts of a significant Indian population. The town of Mashpee also contains the areas of New Seabury and Popponesset Beach. They house the majority of beaches located on Nantucket Sound.