Visiting Cape Cod without a car is possible, but where you stay becomes much more important. The peninsula is spread out, many beaches are away from town centres and public transport does not provide the same flexibility as driving.
That said, a carefully planned car-free trip can be enjoyable and saves you from summer traffic and parking.
Choose the right base
Provincetown is probably the easiest place for a largely car-free stay. The centre is walkable, beaches and cycling are accessible, and seasonal ferry connections can link the town with the Boston area.
Hyannis is another practical option because of its regional transport role and ferry connections to the islands.
Combine buses and bicycles
Regional bus services connect a number of Cape communities, while cycling can solve the last few miles in areas with suitable routes. The Cape Cod Rail Trail is particularly useful for recreation, though it is not a complete transportation network.
Ferries also expand your options, especially for Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and Provincetown.
Schedules vary by season, so a car-free trip requires more advance checking than a road trip. I would avoid changing accommodation every night and instead choose one or two well-connected bases.
You will sacrifice some spontaneity, especially for remote beaches, but you may gain a slower trip that feels much less dominated by traffic.
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