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As a Massachusetts native, I’m lucky to have spent a good amount of time on Cape Cod — or down the Cape, as we call it. This place is absolute heaven in the summer, with charming towns, fresh seafood, historic lighthouses and, of course, incredible Cape Cod beaches!
Despite being a long, skinny peninsula, Cape Cod’s unique geography offers a surprisingly diverse collection of beaches on three bodies of water: the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Cod Bay, and Nantucket Sound. Whether you want calm waters and amenities or are looking for a wilder, more remote escape, there are beaches in Cape Cod for every kind of traveler.
There are a few things you should know, though.
First, Cape Cod is extremely busy in the summer, and no beaches are secrets anymore. Start your beach days early if you want to get a good spot.
Summer traffic is intense here, too. While the drive from one end of the Cape to the other should only take 90 minutes, it can be much longer than that in high season, and I don’t recommend a day trip from Boston to the Cape during the summer unless you’re taking the ferry to Provincetown. You’ll also want to plan your parking ahead of time, as some beaches require permits or only have parking for residents. Even beaches with public parking often charge steep daily rates.
Alternatively, off-season on the Cape can be absolutely lovely — I especially love the fall months here. It won’t be swimming weather, and some businesses will be closed, but the charm is as vibrant as ever.
Additionally, sharks are often found just offshore on the Cape. But don’t let this scare you — the vast majority of Cape visitors have a perfectly safe time swimming. Be sure to follow all signs and local warnings, avoid swimming with seals or schools of fish, and follow these tips from the National Park Service.
From the Sagamore Bridge to the tip of Provincetown, here are my picks for the best beaches on Cape Cod!
Planning a trip down the Cape? Be sure to check out my detailed guide to the towns of Cape Cod, a guide to the best things to do in Cape Cod, and my guide to eclectic, fun Provincetown.
This post was published 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 favorite beaches on Cape Cod is Nauset Beach in Orleans, on the Outer Cape. And it’s not just me who loves it; Nauset Beach is consistently recognized as one of the best beaches on the Cape. This 10-mile beach offers lots of space for swimming, fishing, surfing and boogie boarding.
In the summer, Nauset Beach can get quite busy, so I’d recommend arriving early. But in the off-season, it’s an amazing place to go for a crowd-free, long walk along the sand as you admire the sunrise.
Nauset Beach has a small parking lot that tends to be full by 10:00 AM or so. The parking fee is $30.
Race Point Beach in Provincetown
Another great place on Cape Cod for a beach vacation is Race Point Beach in Provincetown, on the very tip of Cape Cod. Because Race Point doesn’t sit directly on the Atlantic Ocean, you won’t see full-strength ocean waves. And because it’s facing north, you’ll get sun all day long, perfect for sun worshippers!
More than great sun and soft sand, Race Point Beach also has something for nature lovers and history buffs. You can trek out to the historic Race Point Lighthouse (and even stay overnight in the summer months!) and spot whales in the spring.
Provincetown is one of the coolest towns in Massachusetts, and be sure to plan time to explore the cultural offerings here, from galleries and museums to legendary LGBTQ nightlife.
Race Point Beach has a fairly large parking lot that can hold 300 vehicles. As part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, a pass is required to park at the beach, and the cost is $25 per car.
Read More: Best Things to Do in Provincetown, Mass
Marconi Beach in Wellfleet
One of the Cape Cod National Seashore beaches, Marconi Beach is a great spot in Wellfleet known for its stunning views. With a 40-foot sand cliff behind it, Marconi Beach offers uninterrupted natural sightlines and a secluded area for swimming. There’s also an observation deck with a view over the Outer Cape.
Fun fact: Marconi Beach got its name from inventor Guglielmo Marconi who in 1903 successfully made the first transatlantic wireless communication between the US and England from a site near this beach.
As part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, a pass is required to park at the beach, and the cost is $25 per car.
Skaket Beach in Orleans
Skaket Beach is one of the best Cape Cod beaches for families with young children, thanks to its calm waters and white sandy beach. At low tide, you can walk out for over a mile to explore tidal pools and never have to worry about the water getting too high.
Thanks to its western position, Skaket Beach is also an amazing spot for sunsets. So even if you don’t have small children, this is still a beloved spot for Cape Cod visitors of all ages. It’s probably the best Cape Cod beach if you want to take a long walk!
Skaket Beach has a parking lot with a $25 fee.
Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown
Herring Cove Beach is one of the most popular spots in Provincetown — and for good reason! As the only Cape Cod National Seashore beach on the Cape Cod Bay, Herring Cove Beach offers warm waters and a calm surf, perfect for a day at the beach with the family.
You should know that Herring Cove is also popular with nude beachgoers (who tend to keep to the south side of the beach) and sunset photographers, given its west-facing position. Add in a summer snack bar, bike trail, and prime location just outside central Provincetown, and it’s easy to see why Herring Cove Beach is a favorite.
As part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, a pass is required to park at the beach, and the cost is $25 per car.
Coast Guard Beach in Eastham
Another popular destination on Cape Cod is Eastham’s Coast Guard Beach. This beach is ideal for swimming, playing in the soft sand, and admiring the local wildlife. Bird lovers will want to keep an eye on the Nauset Marsh while seals can often be spotted in winter off the Nauset Spit.
Keep in mind that Coast Guard Beach’s limited parking area is restricted to Eastham residents and vehicles with handicap placards only. If you’re visiting, park at Little Creek and take the shuttle to the beach.
Sandy Neck Beach in West Barnstable
With 6.5 miles of coastline, Sandy Neck Beach is the longest beach in Barnstable and is home to over 4,700 acres of sand dunes, marshes, maritime forests, and wetlands. The dunes can be up to 100 feet tall and can be explored on various cross-trail hikes.
In addition to hiking, Sandy Neck Beach is also great for swimming (though you should know that the water temperature is cooler here in the Atlantic) and saltwater fishing. You can also keep an eye out for the foxes and shorebirds that call this beach home.
Sandy Neck Beach does not offer one-day parking passes between Memorial Day and Labor Day — only annual passes, which are a whopping $220 for non-residents.
Mayflower Beach in Dennis
Mayflower Beach is a popular destination on the Mid Cape thanks to its shallow waters, beautiful white sand, and amenities that make spending the day here a breeze, like a picnic area, public restrooms, and paid parking.
When the tide is out, you can walk 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 quite calm. While this beach can get busy in high season, it’s still worth adding to your Cape Cod bucket list!
There are three parking lots along the edge of the beach, and daily costs are $20 for weekdays and $25 for weekends. Weekly parking fees are $75.
South Cape Beach in Mashpee
South Cape Beach State Park is a scenic and secluded beach, perfect for spending a relaxing day on the water. From the parking lot, you’ll walk over a boardwalk to the mile of soft sand awaiting you.
Besides swimming, there’s lots more to explore at South Cape Beach State Park. Check out the lookout (perfect for sunset!) or head out on one of the hiking trails, such as the Great Flat Pond Loop. You can even launch a boat from South Cape Beach and spend your time kayaking around beautiful Waquoit Bay.
As a Massachusetts state park, daily parking fees are $12 for Massachusetts residents and $40 for non-Massachusetts residents. Note that residency is determined by the vehicle license plate.
Head of the Meadow Beach in Truro
Rounding out my top ten Cape Cod beaches is Head of the Meadow Beach in North Truro, a short drive from Provincetown. This beach has something for everyone: a natural sand bar and tide pool perfect for kids, great waves for surfing and boogie boarding, and lots of space on the sand for everyone to spread out.
The Outer Cape, where Head of the Meadow Beach is located, is well known for shipwrecks due to its hidden sand bars and high surf. In fact, at low tide, you can still see the remains of the ship Frances, which sank near Head of the Meadow Beach in 1872.
As part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, a pass is required to park at the beach, and the cost is $25 per car. The parking lot has 160 spaces.
More Great Beaches on Cape Cod
Above are my top beaches but there are plenty more divine beaches on Cape Cod. Below are a few more excellent beach options you can add to your itinerary, grouped based on their location within the towns of Cape Cod.
Beaches on the Outer Cape
With the exception of Provincetown, most of the towns on the Outer Cape are quieter and less busy with tourists than towns on other parts of the Cape.
Many of these Outer Cape beaches also feature dramatic sand dunes, which offer scenic views, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Here are some of Outer Cape beaches to check out:
- Bound Brook Island Beach in Wellfleet: Bound Brook Island Beach is one of the best secluded beaches on Cape Cod. Head here if you’re looking to ditch the crowds and enjoy a little peace and quiet.
- Thumpertown Beach in Eastham: Thumpertown is just a small beach, particularly at high tide, and accessed via a steep set of stairs. At low tide, you’ll find tide pools and sand bars to explore.
- Longnook Beach in Truro: Longnook Beach is best known for the massive sand dunes behind it, which require you to walk down a steep narrow path to access the beach. Once at the beach, you’ll find great waves for boogie-boarding and a picturesque setting.
- Cold Storage Beach in Truro: You’ll find Cold Storage Beach on the Cape Cod Bay in Truro. Being on the bay, the waters here are calmer and great for swimming. You can also enjoy beautiful views of the Outer Cape from this beach.
- Newcomb Hollow Beach in Wellfleet: Newcomb Hollow Beach is a popular spot in the summer, but you’ll have to work hard to get to it. A beach parking sticker is required to park in the lot and then you’ll need to go up and down steep sand dunes before you make it to the water.
- Breakwater Beach in Wellfleet: With plenty of parking, grass-covered sand dunes, and views over Cape Cod Bay’s tidal flats, Breakwater Beach is a popular choice for tourists and locals during the summer.
- Ballston Beach in Truro: Over on the Atlantic Ocean side, Ballston Beach is loved by surfers and bodyboarders thanks to its good surf and stunning views. In fact, the hills behind the beach inspired much of American painter Edward Hopper’s artwork.
- Cahoon Hollow Beach in Wellfleet: Bordered by tall sand dunes and home to the famous Beachcomber Restaurant, Cahoon Hollow Beach is a popular place on Cape Cod. While it can get busy, most people find the beach’s beauty and fun atmosphere worth it!
Beaches on the Lower Cape
The Lower Cape towns of Brewster, Harwich, and Chatham are all known for their distinct Cape Cod charm and picturesque settings, which definitely extend to their beaches. The beaches listed below are some of the more popular ones on the Cape but they’re also larger, so you won’t feel squished on the sand.
There are great options on the Lower Cape for everyone, from experienced surfers and passionate anglers to families with young kids and nature walkers. Here are a few top picks:
- Paine’s Creek Beach in Brewster: Paine’s Creek Beach offers something for every style of beach vacation. Depending on the tide, it’s the perfect place to go swimming, kayaking, fishing, exploring the tidal flats or simply to take in the sunset.
- Red River Beach in Harwich: Red River Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Harwich. Luckily, it’s also one of Harwich’s largest beaches, so there’s lots of space to swim, boogie board, or paddle on the water.
- Hardings Beach in Chatham: Located in Nantucket Sound, Hardings Beach is one of the best places for families. There are plenty of of facilities, including showers and food trucks, and lots of space to play beach bocce or build a sand castle. Plus, the water is calm and warm.
- Chatham Lighthouse Beach in Chatham: Chatham Lighthouse Beach is the largest beach in town and is named for the lighthouse it sits under, Chatham Light. The beach offers plenty of nature walks but also boasts a strong current, meaning swimming is restricted in some sections. The signs will tell you where to swim and where to avoid.
Beaches on the Mid Cape
Over on the Mid Cape you’ll find Barnstable, the largest town on the Cape with lots to do, and Yarmouth, a place known for its charm and natural settings. If you want to spend most of your vacation at the beach, the Mid Cape town of Dennis is one of the best options for families, with lots of kid-friendly facilities throughout the town.
These are a few beaches to visit if you’re staying on the Mid Cape:
- Craigville Beach in Barnstable: A popular spot in Barnstable, Craigville Beach is best known for its white sand and clear waters (plus its proximity to delicious ice cream at Four Seas!). Get there early to avoid the crowds.
- Seagull Beach in Yarmouth: Another popular beach on the Mid Cape, Seagull Beach is a great spot for swimming and windsurfing. It also has a large parking lot, meaning you won’t have to drive around forever to find a spot.
- Crowes Pasture Beach in Dennis: Crowes Pasture Beach is unlike any other beach on Cape Cod. This area is a hidden gem with rocky shores and forest trails best discovered on the back of an off-road vehicle.
- West Dennis Beach in Dennis: West Dennis is an excellent place to base during your Cape Cod vacation, so it’s no wonder that West Dennis Beach is so popular. The beach is great for swimming and kiteboarding, plus there’s a playground for families and a large parking lot.
- Chapin Memorial Beach in Dennis: Chapin Memorial Beach is popular amongst four-wheel drive owners (note that a special permit is needed to drive on the beach) and those looking to explore tide pools and low sand dunes.
- Long Beach in Barnstable: Barnstable’s Long Beach is true to its name — this beach is very elongated with water on both sides. Even though it’s a popular spot on the Cape, its large size means you’ll rarely feel crowded.
Beaches on the Upper Cape
Towns on the Upper Cape are the closest to the mainland, making them a better option for Cape day-trippers. Both Falmouth and Bourne are well known for their beaches and for being family-friendly options on Cape Cod.
Here are a few more great beaches on the Upper Cape:
- Old Silver Beach in Falmouth: Old Silver Beach in Buzzards Bay is one of the most popular beaches in Falmouth, known for its clear waters and views across the bay.
- Scusset Beach in Bourne: Scusset Beach offers 1.5 miles of coastline, plus a jetty where you can watch ships pass and an attached RV park and campsite. It’s also set before the more popular Sagamore Beach in Bourne, meaning you can avoid the Sagamore Beach traffic!
- Chapoquoit Beach in Falmouth: Chapoquoit Beach, or Chappy as it’s known to locals, is one of the quieter beaches in Falmouth and is beloved by local families. Enjoy exploring the tidal pools, swimming in the clear waters, and taking in the views of Buzzards Bay.
More on Cape Cod:
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More on Massachusetts:
What’s your favorite beach on the Cape? Share away!
