Sandy Neck Beach, Barnstable, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA

Even in the off season, one would expect more visitors to Sandy Neck Beach in the Town of Barnstable on Cape Cod. But if you combine the low 40's Fahrenheit air temperature with a 15-25 knot north wind off the water, most people just sat in their cars and enjoyed the view from behind the windshield.

This 4700 acre park has beach, dune, maritime forest, and marsh areas to enjoy.

This satellite photo gives some sense of location. The green arrow points to Sandy Neck, Plymouth Harbor is visible at upper left, Provincetown at upper right, and Martha's Vineyard at lower left.

Barnstable, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA

Barnstable is the largest town on Cape Cod and includes seven separate villages: Barnstable, Centerville, Cotuit, Hyannis, Martons Mills, Osterville, and West Barnstable.

The Millway Marina in Barnstable connects to the Barnstable Harbor and Cape Cod Bay.  The large boat at dock is a popular whale watching venture.

Nose high in the air, the scent of the nearby ocean has this trusty dog on alert.

Barnstable Harbor and Millway Beach at low tide.

Perhaps a Cape Cod quirk or maybe only in the town of Barnstable - this business is not "closed" it is "shut" - go figure.  This wasn't the only store using such terminology.

Cape Cod is not just beaches, tourists, quaint villages and houses, but also has many productive farms and gardens.