Dennis

Overview - Beaches - Points of Interest - Schools - Chamber of Commerce - Dennis Lodging

Overview

The quiet, beach-oriented nature of Dennis is perhaps derived from its namesake, the Reverend Josiah Dennis, pastor of Yarmouth's East Parish. 

His saltbox home, aptly called the Josiah Dennis Manse, is now a museum with rooms decorated in the style of the minister's day. Scargo Tower (pictured here), overlooking Scargo Lake, is located on Scargo Hill Rd. off Route 6A. It stands on the highest spot in the area at 160 ft above sea level. From the top of the 38-step tower, you can see Barnstable Harbor to the west and Provincetown to the east.

On Route 6A in Dennis village is the Cape Playhouse, converted in 1927 to a theater from an 1810 Unitarian Church. Humphrey Bogart, Bette Davis, Gregory Peck and Henry Fonda are among the famous stars who have graced the Playhouse stage. Also on the grounds is the Cape Museum of Fine Arts, housing a collection of 500 works by Cape-associated artists.

Nearby is Dennis’ best known shoreline, Corporation Beach. Named for a packet landing owned by a corporation of townspeople, this cove-shaped beach is bordered by dunes and sand cliffs.

Dennis has several multi-use trails, all with public access, including Crowe’s Pasture off South Street at the back of Quivett Cemetery in East Dennis and the 87-acre Fresh Pond Conservation Area off Route 134.

Beaches

Chapin Memorial Beach  Corporation Beach  Glendon Road Beach   Haigis Beach  Horsefoot Path Beach  Howes Street Beach  Inman Road Beach  Mayflower Beach Raycroft Parking Beach  Sea Street Beach (northside) Sea Street Beach (southside) South Village Road Beach West Dennis Beach

Points of Interest

• West Dennis Beach - West Dennis Beach draws huge crowds in the summer and, appropriately, its parking lot holds some 1,600 cars. This area is popular with swimmers, sunbathers and families who come to enjoy the warm waters of Nantucket Sound. Located off Lighthouse Road.
• Cape Playhouse and Cinema - Established in 1927, this is the oldest summer theater in the United States. Movie stars like Bette Davis, Henry Fonda and Gregory Peck have all performed here. Also on the grounds are a gift shop, snack bar. Nearby is the Cape Cinema, which plays eclectic, foreign and art noveau films throughout the summer. Located on Route 6A.
• Scargo Lake and Tower - Set on a steep hill, this 28-foot stone tower looks over the ocean to the north, Boston to the west and Provincetown to the east. Legend has it that the Indian Princess Scargo’s father, the tribal chief, had squaws and children dig a pond an arrow’s flight wide to save a fish given to her by a brave from a neighboring tribe. The excavated soil piled beside the lake formed Scargo Hill. Located on Scargo Hill Road off Route 6A.
• Josiah Dennis Manse - The Dennis Historical Society named this building after its original owner, Rev. Josiah Dennis (also the town’s namesake). Located on Nobscusset Rd., the restored home stores the Reverend's writing desk, manuscripts and books. It is also filled with other exhibits including precious antiques.
• Chapin Beach - With rolling dunes, much of Chapin Beach is secluded enough for quiet relaxation. Its desert-like tidal flats also allow long walks for the adventurous. Located at the end of Chapin Beach Road.
• Sesuit Harbor - Always filled with summer boat traffic, this harbor is home to several fishing charters leaving for daily excursions on Cape Cod Bay. It also boasts a full-service marina. From Route 6A take Bridge St. to Sesuit Neck Rd. and follow it towards the marina.
• Johnny Kelly Recreation Area - A 1 ½-mile stretch of multi-use trails canopied by pine trees wraps around this park filled with barbecue pits, a pavilion, playground, four basketball courts, two baseball fields and a soccer field. Named for Dennis resident Johnny Kelly, a multiple winner of the Boston Marathon, it is constantly used by people enjoying summer activities like softball, picnics, etc. Located on the corner of Old Bass River and Access Roads off Route 6.

• Mayflower, Bayview, Corporation & Cold Storage Beaches - some of the best bayside beaches lie on the Dennis shoreline. All divided by private property, these beaches are very popular with tourists. Summer water temperatures are refreshingly cool, and their tidal flats are ideal for beach sports such as volleyball or frisbee. All are located off Route 6A within a five-mile radius of each other.

Schools

• Cranberry Muffin School 
  708 Route 134, Dennis
  

• Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School 
  210 Station Avenue, S. Yarmouth
  

• Ezra Baker Elementary School 
  Main Street, S. Dennis
  

• Nathaniel H. Wixon Middle School
  Route 134, S. Dennis 
  

• Scargo School & Day Care 
  218 Main Street, S. Dennis
  

• Sunshine & Rainbow Nursery School 
  713 Route 6A, Dennis

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