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As states begin phased reopenings this summer, many travelers are seeking getaways within driving distance to soak up sunshine, feel a cool ocean breeze, and spend some time with their toes in golden sands. For many East Coasters, that makes Cape Cod an appealing destination.
The Cape is just an hour away from Boston and only about a four-hour drive from New York. With over 500 miles of coastline, the Cape offers a wide range of towns to suit travelers' needs.
Those closest to Boston, like Falmouth and Sandwich, offer shorter travel times, which can mean more beach time (and less traffic, a Cape signature in summer). Towns like Dennis, Yarmouth, and Chatham are well-situated in the middle of the Cape to easily access all the area has to offer and are closest to the downtown area of lively Hyannis, where you may catch a ferry to Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard. Meanwhile, the far tip (or Outer-Cape) is where you'll find the legendary party scene of Provincetown, as well as more secluded areas like Wellfleet and Eastham. While it takes longer to access the Outer-Cape, that's also where you'll find some of the best beaches.
With alluring nature, stunning scenery, and tasty seafood, Cape Cod is also an excellent destination beyond just the busy summer season, too. For fewer crowds and better deals, consider shoulder seasons like fall when the nightly average for an Airbnb home rental is $282. In the summer, that quickly jumps into the $300 to $400 range for a modern, well-located home.
Looking for more East Coast beach getaways?With safety at the forefront for most travelers right now, it's nice to know that experts consider renting an Airbnb to be one of the safer options. Airbnb homes are mostly private accommodations, which lowers the potential risks associated with crowded hotel spaces, and many offer contactless entry when you arrive.
To better help put you at ease, some Airbnb hosts are also implementing stringent new cleaning measures. Airbnb Enhanced Clean was developed with the assistance of medical and hospitality experts and includes upgraded cleaning standards with a 5-step cleaning process, a room by room checklist, and more. Keep in mind that not all hosts are taking part in the new program, so be sure to check at the top of a listing to see if it's participating.
It's also important to note that without a vaccine for the novel coronavirus, there is no guarantee of safety. We recommend following CDC, WHO, and other reputable organizations safety guidelines, and to wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, and maintain social distancing.
Keep in mind before booking any Airbnbs that the company's current COVID-19 cancellation policy doesn't cover new bookings, so if you're unsure about your travel plans you may want to look for a listing with its own flexible policy. It's also worth checking for properties across multiple booking platforms to ensure you're getting the best deal.
We sorted through hundreds of Airbnb listings and carefully selected a range of homes throughout the area based on the following criteria:
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