Adventurous Kate incorporates affiliate hyperlinks. If you make a purchase order by way of these hyperlinks, I’ll earn a fee at no further price to you. Thanks!
As a Massachusetts native, I’m fortunate to have spent a superb period of time on Cape Cod — or down the Cape, as we name it. This place is absolute heaven in the summertime, with charming cities, contemporary seafood, historic lighthouses and, in fact, unimaginable Cape Cod seashores!
Despite being an extended, skinny peninsula, Cape Cod’s distinctive geography provides a surprisingly numerous assortment of seashores on three our bodies of water: the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Cod Bay, and Nantucket Sound. Whether you need calm waters and facilities or are on the lookout for a wilder, extra distant escape, there are seashores in Cape Cod for each type of traveler.
There are some things it’s best to know, although.
First, Cape Cod is extraordinarily busy in the summertime, and no seashores are secrets and techniques anymore. Start your seaside days early if you wish to get a great spot.
Summer site visitors is intense right here, too. While the drive from one finish of the Cape to the opposite ought to solely take 90 minutes, it may be for much longer than that in excessive season, and I don’t suggest a day journey from Boston to the Cape through the summer time except you’re taking the ferry to Provincetown. You’ll additionally wish to plan your parking forward of time, as some seashores require permits or solely have parking for residents. Even seashores with public parking typically cost steep every day charges.
Alternatively, low season on the Cape may be completely pretty — I particularly love the autumn months right here. It received’t be swimming climate, and a few companies will likely be closed, however the attraction is as vibrant as ever.
Additionally, sharks are sometimes discovered simply offshore on the Cape. But don’t let this scare you — the overwhelming majority of Cape guests have a wonderfully secure time swimming. Be positive to observe all indicators and native warnings, keep away from swimming with seals or faculties of fish, and observe the following tips from the National Park Service.
From the Sagamore Bridge to the tip of Provincetown, listed here are my picks for the very best seashores on Cape Cod!
Planning a visit down the Cape? Be positive to take a look at my detailed information to the cities of Cape Cod, a information to the finest issues to do in Cape Cod, and my information to eclectic, enjoyable Provincetown.
This publish was revealed in May 2024 and was co-written by Adventurous Kate and Riana Ang-Canning.
Top 10 Best Beaches on Cape Cod
Nauset Beach in Orleans and Eastham
One of my favourite seashores on Cape Cod is Nauset Beach in Orleans, on the Outer Cape. And it’s not simply me who loves it; Nauset Beach is persistently acknowledged as among the best seashores on the Cape. This 10-mile seaside provides numerous area for swimming, fishing, browsing and boogie boarding.
In the summer time, Nauset Beach can get fairly busy, so I’d suggest arriving early. But within the low season, it’s an incredible place to go for a crowd-free, lengthy stroll alongside the sand as you admire the dawn.
Nauset Beach has a small car parking zone that tends to be full by 10:00 AM or so. The parking price is $30.
Race Point Beach in Provincetown
Another excellent place on Cape Cod for a seaside trip is Race Point Beach in Provincetown, on the very tip of Cape Cod. Because Race Point doesn’t sit immediately on the Atlantic Ocean, you received’t see full-strength ocean waves. And as a result of it’s dealing with north, you’ll get solar all day lengthy, good for solar worshippers!
More than nice solar and mushy sand, Race Point Beach additionally has one thing for nature lovers and historical past buffs. You can trek out to the historic Race Point Lighthouse (and even keep in a single day in the summertime months!) and spot whales within the spring.
Provincetown is without doubt one of the coolest cities in Massachusetts, and remember to plan time to discover the cultural choices right here, from galleries and museums to legendary LGBTQ nightlife.
Race Point Beach has a pretty big car parking zone that may maintain 300 autos. As a part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, a go is required to park on the seaside, and the fee is $25 per automotive.
Read More: Best Things to Do in Provincetown, Mass
Marconi Beach in Wellfleet
One of the Cape Cod National Seashore seashores, Marconi Beach is a good spot in Wellfleet recognized for its gorgeous views. With a 40-foot sand cliff behind it, Marconi Beach provides uninterrupted pure sightlines and a secluded space for swimming. There’s additionally an statement deck with a view over the Outer Cape.
Fun reality: Marconi Beach acquired its title from inventor Guglielmo Marconi who in 1903 efficiently made the primary transatlantic wi-fi communication between the US and England from a website close to this seaside.
As a part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, a go is required to park on the seaside, and the fee is $25 per automotive.
Skaket Beach in Orleans
Skaket Beach is without doubt one of the finest Cape Cod seashores for households with younger youngsters, because of its calm waters and white sandy seaside. At low tide, you possibly can stroll out for over a mile to discover tidal swimming pools and by no means have to fret concerning the water getting too excessive.
Thanks to its western place, Skaket Beach can be an incredible spot for sunsets. So even in the event you don’t have babies, that is nonetheless a beloved spot for Cape Cod guests of all ages. It’s in all probability the very best Cape Cod seaside if you wish to take an extended stroll!
Skaket Beach has a car parking zone with a $25 price.
Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown
Herring Cove Beach is without doubt one of the hottest spots in Provincetown — and for good purpose! As the one Cape Cod National Seashore seaside on the Cape Cod Bay, Herring Cove Beach provides heat waters and a relaxed surf, good for a day on the seaside with the household.
You ought to know that Herring Cove can be in style with nude beachgoers (who are likely to hold to the south aspect of the seaside) and sundown photographers, given its west-facing place. Add in a summer time snack bar, bike path, and prime location simply exterior central Provincetown, and it’s straightforward to see why Herring Cove Beach is a favourite.
As a part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, a go is required to park on the seaside, and the fee is $25 per automotive.
Coast Guard Beach in Eastham
Another in style vacation spot on Cape Cod is Eastham’s Coast Guard Beach. This seaside is right for swimming, enjoying within the mushy sand, and admiring the native wildlife. Bird lovers will wish to keep watch over the Nauset Marsh whereas seals can typically be noticed in winter off the Nauset Spit.
Keep in thoughts that Coast Guard Beach’s restricted parking space is restricted to Eastham residents and autos with handicap placards solely. If you’re visiting, park at Little Creek and take the shuttle to the seaside.
Sandy Neck Beach in West Barnstable
With 6.5 miles of shoreline, Sandy Neck Beach is the longest seaside in Barnstable and is dwelling to over 4,700 acres of sand dunes, marshes, maritime forests, and wetlands. The dunes may be as much as 100 ft tall and may be explored on numerous cross-trail hikes.
In addition to mountain climbing, Sandy Neck Beach can be nice for swimming (although it’s best to know that the water temperature is cooler right here within the Atlantic) and saltwater fishing. You may also hold a watch out for the foxes and shorebirds that decision this seaside dwelling.
Sandy Neck Beach doesn’t provide one-day parking passes between Memorial Day and Labor Day — solely annual passes, that are a whopping $220 for non-residents.
Mayflower Beach in Dennis
Mayflower Beach is a well-liked vacation spot on the Mid Cape because of its shallow waters, stunning white sand, and facilities that make spending the day right here a breeze, like a picnic space, public restrooms, and paid parking.
When the tide is out, you possibly can stroll for miles on Mayflower Beach’s tidal flats. Even when the tide is in, the shoreline at Mayflower Beach is expansive and the waters are fairly calm. While this seaside can get busy in excessive season, it’s nonetheless price including to your Cape Cod bucket record!
There are three parking heaps alongside the sting of the seaside, and every day prices are $20 for weekdays and $25 for weekends. Weekly parking charges are $75.
South Cape Beach in Mashpee
South Cape Beach State Park is a scenic and secluded seaside, good for spending a calming day on the water. From the car parking zone, you’ll stroll over a boardwalk to the mile of soppy sand awaiting you.
Besides swimming, there’s heaps extra to discover at South Cape Beach State Park. Check out the lookout (good for sundown!) or head out on one of many mountain climbing trails, such because the Great Flat Pond Loop. You may even launch a ship from South Cape Beach and spend your time kayaking round stunning Waquoit Bay.
As a Massachusetts state park, every day parking charges are $12 for Massachusetts residents and $40 for non-Massachusetts residents. Note that residency is set by the automobile license plate.
Head of the Meadow Beach in Truro
Rounding out my prime ten Cape Cod seashores is Head of the Meadow Beach in North Truro, a brief drive from Provincetown. This seaside has one thing for everybody: a pure sand bar and tide pool good for teenagers, nice waves for browsing and boogie boarding, and many area on the sand for everybody to unfold out.
The Outer Cape, the place Head of the Meadow Beach is situated, is well-known for shipwrecks because of its hidden sand bars and excessive surf. In reality, at low tide, you possibly can nonetheless see the stays of the ship Frances, which sank close to Head of the Meadow Beach in 1872.
As a part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, a go is required to park on the seaside, and the fee is $25 per automotive. The car parking zone has 160 areas.
More Great Beaches on Cape Cod
Above are my prime seashores however there are a lot extra divine seashores on Cape Cod. Below are just a few extra glorious seaside choices you possibly can add to your itinerary, grouped based mostly on their location throughout the cities of Cape Cod.
Beaches on the Outer Cape
With the exception of Provincetown, many of the cities on the Outer Cape are quieter and fewer busy with vacationers than cities on different elements of the Cape.
Many of those Outer Cape seashores additionally characteristic dramatic sand dunes, which supply scenic views, particularly throughout dawn or sundown.
Here are a few of Outer Cape seashores to take a look at:
- Bound Brook Island Beach in Wellfleet: Bound Brook Island Beach is without doubt one of the finest secluded seashores on Cape Cod. Head right here in the event you’re seeking to ditch the crowds and luxuriate in somewhat peace and quiet.
- Thumpertown Beach in Eastham: Thumpertown is only a small seaside, notably at excessive tide, and accessed through a steep set of stairs. At low tide, you’ll discover tide swimming pools and sand bars to discover.
- Longnook Beach in Truro: Longnook Beach is finest recognized for the large sand dunes behind it, which require you to stroll down a steep slim path to entry the seaside. Once on the seaside, you’ll discover nice waves for boogie-boarding and a picturesque setting.
- Cold Storage Beach in Truro: You’ll discover Cold Storage Beach on the Cape Cod Bay in Truro. Being on the bay, the waters listed here are calmer and nice for swimming. You may also get pleasure from stunning views of the Outer Cape from this seaside.
- Newcomb Hollow Beach in Wellfleet: Newcomb Hollow Beach is a well-liked spot in the summertime, however you’ll should work onerous to get to it. A seaside parking sticker is required to park within the lot and then you definately’ll must go up and down steep sand dunes earlier than you make it to the water.
- Breakwater Beach in Wellfleet: With loads of parking, grass-covered sand dunes, and views over Cape Cod Bay’s tidal flats, Breakwater Beach is a well-liked selection for vacationers and locals through the summer time.
- Ballston Beach in Truro: Over on the Atlantic Ocean aspect, Ballston Beach is liked by surfers and bodyboarders because of its good surf and gorgeous views. In reality, the hills behind the seaside impressed a lot of American painter Edward Hopper’s paintings.
- Cahoon Hollow Beach in Wellfleet: Bordered by tall sand dunes and residential to the well-known Beachcomber Restaurant, Cahoon Hollow Beach is a well-liked place on Cape Cod. While it will possibly get busy, most individuals discover the seaside’s magnificence and enjoyable ambiance price it!
Beaches on the Lower Cape
The Lower Cape cities of Brewster, Harwich, and Chatham are all recognized for his or her distinct Cape Cod attraction and picturesque settings, which undoubtedly prolong to their seashores. The seashores listed under are among the extra in style ones on the Cape however they’re additionally bigger, so that you received’t really feel squished on the sand.
There are nice choices on the Lower Cape for everybody, from skilled surfers and passionate anglers to households with younger children and nature walkers. Here are just a few prime picks:
- Paine’s Creek Beach in Brewster: Paine’s Creek Beach provides one thing for each model of seaside trip. Depending on the tide, it’s the right place to go swimming, kayaking, fishing, exploring the tidal flats or just to soak up the sundown.
- Red River Beach in Harwich: Red River Beach is without doubt one of the hottest seashores in Harwich. Luckily, it’s additionally one among Harwich’s largest seashores, so there’s numerous area to swim, boogie board, or paddle on the water.
- Hardings Beach in Chatham: Located in Nantucket Sound, Hardings Beach is without doubt one of the finest locations for households. There are loads of of services, together with showers and meals vans, and many area to play seaside bocce or construct a sand citadel. Plus, the water is calm and heat.
- Chatham Lighthouse Beach in Chatham: Chatham Lighthouse Beach is the most important seaside on the town and is called for the lighthouse it sits underneath, Chatham Light. The seaside provides loads of nature walks but in addition boasts a powerful present, which means swimming is restricted in some sections. The indicators will inform you the place to swim and the place to keep away from.
Beaches on the Mid Cape
Over on the Mid Cape you’ll discover Barnstable, the most important city on the Cape with heaps to do, and Yarmouth, a spot recognized for its attraction and pure settings. If you wish to spend most of your trip on the seaside, the Mid Cape city of Dennis is without doubt one of the finest choices for households, with numerous kid-friendly services all through the city.
These are just a few seashores to go to in the event you’re staying on the Mid Cape:
- Craigville Beach in Barnstable: A preferred spot in Barnstable, Craigville Beach is finest recognized for its white sand and clear waters (plus its proximity to scrumptious ice cream at Four Seas!). Get there early to keep away from the crowds.
- Seagull Beach in Yarmouth: Another in style seaside on the Mid Cape, Seagull Beach is a good spot for swimming and windsurfing. It additionally has a big car parking zone, which means you received’t should drive round ceaselessly to discover a spot.
- Crowes Pasture Beach in Dennis: Crowes Pasture Beach is in contrast to every other seaside on Cape Cod. This space is a hidden gem with rocky shores and forest trails finest found on the again of an off-road automobile.
- West Dennis Beach in Dennis: West Dennis is a superb place to base throughout your Cape Cod trip, so it’s no marvel that West Dennis Beach is so in style. The seaside is nice for swimming and kiteboarding, plus there’s a playground for households and a big car parking zone.
- Chapin Memorial Beach in Dennis: Chapin Memorial Beach is in style amongst four-wheel drive homeowners (be aware {that a} particular allow is required to drive on the seaside) and people seeking to discover tide swimming pools and low sand dunes.
- Long Beach in Barnstable: Barnstable’s Long Beach is true to its title — this seaside may be very elongated with water on either side. Even although it’s a preferred spot on the Cape, its massive dimension means you’ll hardly ever really feel crowded.
Beaches on the Upper Cape
Towns on the Upper Cape are the closest to the mainland, making them a greater possibility for Cape day-trippers. Both Falmouth and Bourne are well-known for his or her seashores and for being family-friendly choices on Cape Cod.
Here are just a few extra nice seashores on the Upper Cape:
- Old Silver Beach in Falmouth: Old Silver Beach in Buzzards Bay is without doubt one of the hottest seashores in Falmouth, recognized for its clear waters and views throughout the bay.
- Scusset Beach in Bourne: Scusset Beach provides 1.5 miles of shoreline, plus a jetty the place you possibly can watch ships go and an connected RV park and campsite. It’s additionally set earlier than the extra in style Sagamore Beach in Bourne, which means you possibly can keep away from the Sagamore Beach site visitors!
- Chapoquoit Beach in Falmouth: Chapoquoit Beach, or Chappy because it’s recognized to locals, is without doubt one of the quieter seashores in Falmouth and is beloved by native households. Enjoy exploring the tidal swimming pools, swimming within the clear waters, and taking within the views of Buzzards Bay.
More on Cape Cod:
More on Martha’s Vineyard:
More on Massachusetts:
What’s your favourite seaside on the Cape? Share away!