Mashpee

Largest freshwater ponds, perfect for leisurely afternoons boating, swimming, or fishing.

Welcome to Mashpee

As the headquarters of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, Mashpee is a quiet and active residential town known for its distinct culture and exquisite views of the Nantucket Sound

Mashpee is an active town in Barnstable County on Cape Cod known for being the headquarters of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, with many members still calling the area home. The Old Indian Meeting House is not only the oldest church on the Cape but the oldest Native American church in the nation. And that’s only the beginning of the cultural and historical sites in Mashpee.

Beyond its history, Mashpee’s lush environment comprises rivers, babbling brooks, small ponds, and over five miles of sandy beaches like South Cape Beach, Attaquin Park Beach, and John’s Pond. This quaint and culturally-enriching community boasts plenty of amenities, especially for outdoorsy types, golfers, and boating enthusiasts. Mashpee is home to four of Cape Cod’s largest freshwater ponds, perfect for leisurely afternoons boating, swimming, or fishing. And there are at least 20 different golf courses throughout the community, three of which are world-class championship courses.

Bordered by the Nantucket Sound to the south, Barnstable to the east, Falmouth to the west, and Sandwich to the north, Mashpee has flourished into a tourist and lifestyle destination in its own merit rather than just a place to pass through to get from one town to another.

What to Love

• Almost everywhere you go, there are stunning waterfront views of the Nantucket Sound and Martha’s Vineyard
• Home to Cape Cod’s largest freshwater ponds, great for boating and fishing
• Mashpee Commons is the town’s central gathering spot with dining, shopping, and entertainment

People & Lifestyle

Given its vibrant Native American roots and classic village set-up, Mashpee is heavily characterized by its rich Wampanoag culture and preserved sites like the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge and the Quashnet Conservation Area. Over the years, Mashpee has attracted tourists, shoppers, and “foodies” pleasantly surprised by what they find.

A genuine hidden gem on the Cape, Mashpee has fostered a strong sense of community with plenty of charm, intersecting cultures, and plenty of residential options. Even though there isn’t a central downtown, Mashpee Commons functions as the heart of the town with great restaurants, unique boutiques, and professional services like the town’s post office and library.

The affluent premier golf community of New Seabury is home to The Club at New Seabury, a private country club with resort amenities and a popular place for wealthy homeowners to purchase summer residences. The club also boasts stunning views of the Nantucket Sound and access to places like Fells Pond, Daniel’s Island, and Littleneck Bay.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Dining in Mashpee is a real delight, with a variety of options available to choose from depending on your mood and tastes. Francophiles enjoy visiting Bleu, a cozy French bistro serving authentic fare. But if you’re craving Italian or Greek, Mashpee has options for those, too. Siena at Mashpee Commons is the perfect pre or post-movie spot since it’s located near the cinema. Generous portions of pizza and other classic Italian dishes are on the menu at this warm Italian eatery.

The festive Estia is a Greek restaurant where you can listen to live music while dining on modern Greek cuisine. They’re known for the coal-fired pizza, which uses the eco-friendly anthracite coal to get a perfect char on every pie. And speaking of pizza, Wicked Restaurant and Wine Bar makes the most authentic Neapolitan-style pizza around, which goes perfectly with a curated collection of wine at the wine bar.

Things to Do

As mentioned, Mashpee Commons is at the heart of the community. This shopping and lifestyle destination is highly regarded for its New England-style architecture and abundance of services, shops, and restaurants. The Commons also hosts fun events like concerts, firework shows, and more throughout the year.

While there are several gorgeous beaches in Mashpee, South Cape Beach is the most popular. As a beautiful outer Cape barrier beach, South Cape faces Martha’s Vineyard and the Nantucket Sound. With one mile of white sand beach, this idyllic spot is perfect for fishing, hiking, and swimming.

Mashpee is also home to several great museums like the Mashpee Wampanoag Museum and the Cape Cod’s Children’s Museum.

Schools

Mashpee operates its own public school system that includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. Some high school students opt to attend Cape Cod Regional Technical High in Harwich. There are also two Catholic high schools serving the area and several private academies: Falmouth Academy in Falmouth, Cape Cod Academy in Barnstable, and Tabor Academy––a private-prep boarding and day school in Marion.