Sometimes the OBs are evacuated days before a hurricane. The chances of that happening at Cape Cod are very slim.

Does someone have information on going to Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard from Hyannis or other nearby cities? How often do ferries leave, how much and how to get around once on the islands if just going for the day.

Also how far/interesting is the drive from Providence to Cape Cod/ferry stations...

Never been to the area and possibly planning a trip there. Thought Id check here first!

As a former New Yorker and current Virginian, I have grown addicted to the warmer waters of the outer banks. I have only been to Cape Cod 3 times during the summerand last August was our most recent trip. As a true beachophile, I can assert without question, that if you want to swim in the ocean, the waters of cape cod seem freezing- step in the water and feel numb freezing. In contrast, the outer banks water temp is warm and soothing and one can stay in the water for long stretches of time. While I have not experienced jellyfish probs at the OB, hurricanes are a reality. Regarding prices, it is DEFINITELY cheaper to rent in NC, especially if you are looking for an oceanfront property. There are fancier restaurants on the Cape and lobster, of course and the unmistakeable New England charm, but if you want to swim and are not looking for towns and restaurants- I vote for OB-.

The Steamship Authority runs the ferries to Nantucket and MV. This info should help: http://web1.steamshipauthority.com/ssa/

The drive from Providence is highway driving so not that fascinating. It can take 1-2 hours depending upon traffic.

The latest list from "Dr. Beach" Stephen Leatherman of the ten best beaches in the U.S. lists North Carolina's Ocracoke Island at number two.

The Doctor's website is at: http://www.drbeach.org/drbeach/

I grew up on the Cape and still consider it home (Falmouth). There is quite a bit of entertainment all along the Cape (as mentioned before, theater, baseball, swiming, restaurants, shopping -- additionally, there is a great bike path and there is a marine biological lab in Woods Hole that has some hands on activities for kids).

If you like to run, there is a 10K every year (that is very tough to actually get a number for) in Falmouth and there is the Cape Cod Marathon. It is also pretty easy to get off Cape if you decide to go into Boston for a couple of days (or even a day trip). Directly from Falmouth, there are two passenger only ferrys that travel to Martha's Vineyard and as mentioned in another post, the Steamship Authority can get you to either MV or Nantucket with or without a car (although personally, I wouldn't recommend taking a car onto the Islands unless you are renting a place for the summer or are staying way off the beaten path). On the Vineyard, you have the possibility to do some celebrity watching (everyone from Carly Simon to The Clintons to Dan Ackroid). If you are interested in surf, the Outer Cape is probably the best bet (Outer Cape is also called the Lower Cape).

My one warning for rental houses is that (at least in our area) they tend to go quickly so there might not be any guarantee that you can get a place for this summer exactly where you want to stay.

We do have some jellyfish issues in August when the water warms up but nothing fatal and usually the lifeguards carry meat tenderizer in their first aid kits (takes away the sting).

The Bay side is freezing!!! I have family who rent houses on the Bay side and we actually have contests to see who can withstand the water temperatures the longest (without having to be rushed to the ER ).

I just returned from OBX last night. I've been a frequent visitor to OBX and to Nantucket, Hyannis, and Martha's Vineyard in the past ten years.

I like them both, but prefer OBX because there is so much to do there besides just water sports. There are the wild horses of Corolla (I saw them yesterday in the surf), there is the Wright Brothers Memorial, there is excellent kayaking - I went through the Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest on Sunday and saw osprey, ruffled grouse, deer and river otters. There is Jockey's Ridge (highest sand dune on the East Coast). There are so many wildlife santuaries - Pea Island and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore are the main ones that come to mind, but there are others.

Cape Cod has its own charms too - I prefer biking in Cape Cod as I think it has the perfect summer weather for biking/hiking/running. Cape Cod has the summer village by the seaside feeling. OBX is one long strip of houses and businesses along the ocean. OBX has warmer water temperatures and cheaper prices for food and rents than what I've seen in the Cape Cod area. However, OBX is a lot of driving - there is little or no public transportation there - only some taxis.

In the long run I hope you have lots of fun no matter which one you choose!

California. Cost will be the same. Time to access will be the same. Atmosphere much better. Ventura, Avila, Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara. As a "bicoastal" person, west coast beachs have it hands down.