A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Mystic vs. Cape Cod for Food, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Mystic or Cape Cod?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Mystic and Cape Cod. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Mystic

Mystic is a laid back, charming, and quaint town. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a relaxing, laid-back, and wealthy beach destination. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Mystic and Cape Cod: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Mystic or Cape Cod?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Mystic than Cape Cod, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Mystic is better known for its museums and nightlife, while Cape Cod is more popular for its food, resorts, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Mystic is well known for its New England charm and local character. Also, Mystic is famous for the Mystic Seaport Museum. Cape Cod is well known for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales.

How is Mystic different from Cape Cod?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cape Cod and Mystic. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mystic or Cape Cod?

Mystic
Cape Cod

Mystic is great for its historical sights. However, Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Mystic. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Mystic or Cape Cod? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mystic
Cape Cod

Cape Cod is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Cape Cod. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Mystic. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

Is Mystic or Cape Cod Better for Nightlife?

Mystic
Cape Cod

Mystic is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Mystic has a few options to choose from. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

People don't go to Cape Cod for the nightlife. This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

Is Mystic or Cape Cod Better for Resorts?

Mystic
Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Mystic is not a resort destination.

Cape Cod has a handful of resorts to choose from. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.

Mystic is not a resort destination.


Is Mystic or Cape Cod Better for Beaches?

Mystic
Cape Cod

Mystic and Cape Cod both offer excellent beaches.

Many people visit Mystic for it's beautiful beaches. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

Cape Cod is considered a top beach destination. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point Beach.

Is Mystic or Cape Cod Better for Hiking?

Mystic
Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Mystic is not a hiking destination.

Cape Cod offers some nice hiking trails. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Mystic is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mystic or Cape Cod?

Mystic
Cape Cod

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Mystic and Cape Cod.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Mystic. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

Cape Cod is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.


Is Mystic or Cape Cod Better for Families?

Mystic
Cape Cod

Both Mystic and Cape Cod are excellent family-friendly destinations.

Mystic is a very family-friendly destination. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Cape Cod is a very kid-friendly town. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

Is Mystic or Cape Cod Better for Couples?

Mystic
Cape Cod

Cape Cod is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Cape Cod makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.

Mystic makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

Is Mystic or Cape Cod Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Mystic
Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.


Is Mystic or Cape Cod a more walkable city?

Mystic
Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a good destination for its walkability. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

Cape Cod is somewhat walkable. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

Mystic is generally not very walkable. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.

For even more information, also check out Is Mystic Worth Visiting? and Is Cape Cod Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cape Cod or Mystic?

How long in Mystic or Cape Cod?

Both Mystic and Cape Cod have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cape Cod than in Mystic. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Mystic, and 5-7 days is enough time in Cape Cod.

Families should spend more time in Cape Cod than Mystic. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Cape Cod, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Cape Cod than Mystic. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cape Cod that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cape Cod than Mystic if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Cape Cod.


  • How many days in Mystic or Cape Cod? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mystic 2-3 
    Cape Cod 5-7

One day in Mystic or Cape Cod?

The town of Mystic offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Cape Cod might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Mystic or Cape Cod?

Mystic is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mystic, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Cape Cod is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Mystic or Cape Cod?

Mystic is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cape Cod. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Mystic or Cape Cod?

Mystic is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Cape Cod is a small town with plenty to do. This beach destination offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Cape Cod or Mystic?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Mystic is $210, while the average daily cost in Cape Cod is $183. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Mystic and Cape Cod in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mystic $125
    Cape Cod $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mystic $250
    Cape Cod $184
Compare Hotels in Mystic and Cape Cod

Looking for a hotel in Mystic or Cape Cod? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Mystic


Hotels in Cape Cod


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Mystic Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mystic $56
    Cape Cod $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Mystic or Cape Cod?

Prices for flights to both Cape Cod and Mystic change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Mystic $52
    Cape Cod $60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cape Cod

For Cape Cod, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The Locally Sourced Food Tour! Wellfleet-Truro - Provincetown: $175

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mystic $24
    Cape Cod $27

Tours and Activities in Mystic

For Mystic, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Downtown Mystic Ghost Tour: $30
  • Downtown Mystic Ghost Tour: $35
  • Moonlit Mystic Graveyard Ghost Tour: $35
  • Mystic Moonlit Graveyard Ghost Tour: $30
  • Mystic Seaport Museum Adventure : $31
  • Ghosts of Christmas Past Downtown Walking Tour: $30

Tours and Activities in Cape Cod

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cape Cod.

  • 3-Hour Private Sightseeing Outdoor Escape Game in Eastham: $39
  • Cape Cod Explorer Tour: $80
  • Cape Cod Lighthouse and Highland House Museum Tour: $65
  • Cape Cod Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Cape Cod Sunset Kayak Tour: $80
  • Kayak The Creek Nature Tour: $80
  • Mayflower Excursions National Seashore & 4 pm Sunset Tour: $82
  • Mayflower Trolley Tour!: $36
  • Plymouth Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Private Open-Air Pedicab Tour in Provincetown: $117
  • Private Province Town Pedicab Tour: $149
  • The Anne Hutchinson Tour of Provincetown: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mystic $31
    Cape Cod $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Mystic

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mystic:

  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100


When comparing the travel costs between Mystic and Cape Cod, we can see that Mystic is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mystic Expensive? and Is Cape Cod Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Mystic or Cape Cod?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Mystic or Cape Cod in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mystic and Cape Cod. The summer months attract visitors to Mystic because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cape Cod this time of year.

In July, Mystic is generally a little warmer than Cape Cod. Daily temperatures in Mystic average around 73°F (23°C), and Cape Cod fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Cod this time of the year. In Mystic, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mystic usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cape Cod during summer. Mystic gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Cod receives 304 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Mystic usually receives less rain than Cape Cod. Mystic gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mystic 73°F (23°C) 
    Cape Cod 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Mystic or Cape Cod in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mystic as well as Cape Cod. The shopping scene are the main draw to Mystic this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Cape Cod for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Mystic is around the same temperature as Cape Cod in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mystic averages around 53°F (12°C) in October, and Cape Cod fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mystic this time of the year. In the autumn, Mystic often gets more sunshine than Cape Cod. Mystic gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Cod receives 194 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cape Cod. Mystic usually gets less rain in October than Cape Cod. Mystic gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mystic 53°F (12°C) 
    Cape Cod 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Mystic or Cape Cod in the Winter?

Both Cape Cod and Mystic are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Mystic for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Cape Cod in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Cape Cod can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Mystic. In the winter, Mystic is much colder than Cape Cod. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mystic in January average around 28°F (-2°C), and Cape Cod averages at about 31°F (-0°C).

Mystic usually receives more sunshine than Cape Cod during winter. Mystic gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Cod receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Cod. In January, Mystic usually receives less rain than Cape Cod. Mystic gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mystic 28°F (-2°C) 
    Cape Cod 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Mystic or Cape Cod in the Spring?

Both Cape Cod and Mystic during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Mystic in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Cape Cod for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Mystic is generally a little warmer than Cape Cod. Daily temperatures in Mystic average around 48°F (9°C), and Cape Cod fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

In Cape Cod, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mystic. In the spring, Mystic often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cape Cod. Mystic gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Cod receives 225 hours of full sun.

Cape Cod gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Mystic usually gets less rain in April than Cape Cod. Mystic gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mystic 48°F (9°C) 
    Cape Cod 45°F (7°C)

Typical Weather for Cape Cod and Mystic

Mystic Cape Cod
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jun 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Dec 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)