The mall opened in 1970 and was renovated and expanded in the late 1990s, bringing the property to 723,605 square feet (67,225 m2) of gross leasable area.

The Cape Cod Mall was proposed in the late 1960s as a super-regional retail center for Barnstable County, due in part to rapid population growth.

On June 15, 1970, the mall was opened to the public, with an initial capacity of approximately 50 stores (30-40 were occupied at the time), and was anchored by Sears, Filene's and Woolworth's, all of which formerly had locations in downtown Hyannis on Main Street.

[1] The following year, a new wing was added on the south side of the mall, with 25 additional stores and a fourth anchor, Jordan Marsh (which previously had no presence on the Cape).

[8] Also featured in the new wing were a larger food court - with over 10 vendors, seating for approximately 500 people, and a central cathedral skylight - and a carousel.

[12][13] On September 20, 2014, three Afghanistan military officers visiting Camp Edwards went missing from the mall during an event where they were to be introduced to American culture.

[14] On August 8, 2017, Ryan Family Amusements announced that they would be opening the Ten Pin Eatery, a joint venture between Ryan Family Amusements and Chapin's Restaurant Group (a local Cape Cod restaurant chain), in the Macy's Men's, Children's, and Home Furnishings store wing.

According to the Target website the store has kids products, basics, appeal, toys, home decor, seasonal items, beach and vacation essentials, and more.