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3. Best beaches for water sports 4. Best beaches for nature lovers 5. Best beaches for relaxation 8. Best beaches for scenic views |
Cape Cod, Massachusetts (USA) is renowned for its picturesque coastline and an array of beautiful beaches.
Indeed, its beach scene is uniquely diverse due to its distinctive geographical layout, featuring beaches that face calm waters (Cape Cod Bay, Buzzards Bay, Vineyard Sound, and Nantucket Sound) as well as the Atlantic Ocean. This dual exposure provides visitors with a variety of experiences within a relatively small area.
Beaches on the Cape Cod Bay side typically offer warm waters and gentle tides, making them perfect for families and those seeking opportunities for low-tide explorations. In contrast, beaches facing the Atlantic Ocean are known for their powerful waves and dynamic surf, attracting surfers and adventure seekers.
Whether you're a family looking for a safe and enjoyable day at the beach, a surfer seeking the best waves, or a beachgoer who simply wants to relax and enjoy the scenery, Cape Cod has a beach that caters to your needs. This guide to 16 of Cape Cod’s top beaches (along with 10 bonus staff picks) is designed to help you find it!
Best beaches for families
#1 Herring Cove Beach, Provincetown
Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown is a favorite among families. The calm waters make it ideal for children to play safely, and the presence of lifeguards provides an extra layer of security on the beach. The beach also features picnic areas and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience for the whole family. Parking, changing facilities, and restrooms are all wheelchair accessible.
#2 Mayflower Beach, Dennis
Mayflower Beach in Dennis is another excellent choice for families. Its wide stretch of soft sand and shallow waters are perfect for young children to splash around in. The beach is equipped with snack bars and other facilities, making it easy to spend an entire day enjoying the sun and surf.
Learn more about family-friendly activities in Cape Cod
Best beaches for surfing
#3 Coast Guard Beach, Eastham
Coast Guard Beach in Eastham is known for its consistent waves, making it a top Outer Cape spot for surfers. The beach offers surfboard rentals nearby, allowing visitors to gear up and hit the waves easily. With an ample parking area and amenities, it's a convenient and thrilling destination for surfing enthusiasts.
#4 Nauset Beach, Orleans
Nauset Beach in Orleans (not to be confused with Nauset Light Beach in Eastham) is popular among local surfers for its challenging waves. The beach is home to nearby surf schools, making it an excellent location for seasoned surfers as well as beginners looking to improve their skills.
Best beaches for water sports
#5 Kalmus Beach, Hyannis
Kalmus Beach in Hyannis is a hotspot for windsurfing and kite surfing. With equipment rentals available on-site, it's easy for visitors to try these exhilarating activities. The beach has designated areas for different water sports, ensuring that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.
#6 West Dennis Beach, Dennis
West Dennis Beach offers fantastic opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding. The long stretch of beach is also perfect for windsurfing, making it a versatile destination for water sports enthusiasts.
Best beaches for nature lovers
#7 Race Point Beach, Provincetown
Race Point Beach in Provincetown is a haven for nature lovers. The spectacular sand dunes and the chance to spot wildlife such as seals and whales make it a unique destination. Hiking trails nearby are a perfect starting point to begin exploring the Cape Cod National Seashore.
#8 Sandy Neck Beach, Barnstable
Sandy Neck Beach in Barnstable is set in a natural environment with dunes and marshes, making it an excellent spot for bird-watching. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the tranquility and the opportunity to observe local wildlife.
Best beaches for relaxation
#9 Old Silver Beach, Falmouth
Old Silver Beach in Falmouth is perfect for those looking to relax. The soft white sandy beach and calm, warm waters create a serene atmosphere ideal for unwinding. The scenic views add to the beach's relaxing charm.
#10 Skaket Beach, Orleans
Skaket Beach in Orleans is known for its gentle tides and stunning sunsets. This quiet and less crowded beach offers a peaceful retreat, making it a great place for sunbathing and enjoying nature's beauty.
Best beaches for fishing
#11 Scusset Beach, Sandwich
Scusset Beach in Sandwich is a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. The beach features a well-known fishing pier and offers surf fishing opportunities. With picnic areas and facilities, it provides a comfortable environment for a day of fishing.
#12 Harding's Beach, Chatham
Harding's Beach in Chatham offers both shore and boat fishing opportunities. The scenic and quiet atmosphere, combined with two parking lots, makes it a preferred destination for fishing aficionados.
Best beaches for nightlife
#13 Town Neck Beach, Sandwich
Town Neck Beach in Sandwich is ideal for those who enjoy evening activities. The beach allows bonfires, creating a perfect and open setting for nighttime gatherings. Its proximity to local bars and restaurants adds to the appeal for a lively night out.
#14 Ballston Beach, Truro
Ballston Beach in Truro is known for its stunning stargazing opportunities and tranquil night-time beach walks. It's a fantastic location for those who appreciate a serene and beautiful evening by the sea.
Learn more about unique activities to enjoy in Cape Cod
Best beaches for scenic views
#15 Marconi Beach, Wellfleet
Marconi Beach in Wellfleet offers high dunes with panoramic views that are perfect for photography enthusiasts. The beach also features parking with easy access down a boardwalk, and informational displays on local history, adding an educational aspect to the visit.
#16 Head of the Meadow Beach, Truro
Head of the Meadow Beach in Truro boasts stunning vistas and a quiet, serene atmosphere. The picturesque landscapes make it an ideal spot for those looking to take in the natural beauty of Cape Cod.
Bonus beach selection: 10 staff favorites
Not surprisingly, our staff is chock-full of beachgoers! Here are 10 of their favorites:
- Red River Beach (Harwich): Ideal for families with its calm waters and ample amenities.
- Lighthouse Beach (Chatham): Picturesque views of the iconic Chatham Lighthouse and seals.
- First Encounter Beach (Eastham): Known for its historical significance and stunning sunsets.
- Cold Storage Beach (Dennis): A tranquil, less crowded experience with clear waters.
- Long Beach (Barnstable): A long stretch of sand and shoreline perfect for long walks and relaxation.
- South Cape Beach (Mashpee): Combines scenic beauty with opportunities for state park hiking and bird watching.
- Rock Harbor Beach (Eastham): Breathtaking sunsets, scenic harbor, and calm, shallow waters.
- Craigville Beach (Barnstable): Popular for its wide sandy area and excellent swimming conditions.
- Cahoon Hollow Beach (Wellfleet): Known for its dramatic cliffs and vibrant beach bar scene.
- Crosby Landing Breach, a great spot to experience the sandbars and tidal pools of the Brewster Tidal Flats (the largest tidal flats in North America)!
Travel tips for beach visitors
- Cape Cod's beaches offer a diverse range of experiences, from family-friendly environments to thrilling water sports and serene nature spots. That said, many beaches have limited shade, so bring plenty of water, sunscreen, hats, and beach umbrellas to protect against the sun.
- Be aware of tide schedules, especially at beaches with dramatic tidal shifts like Skaket Beach. Always swim near lifeguards when possible, and heed any warning signs regarding rip currents or other hazards.
- If you’re planning to visit during peak season (throughout the summer through to Labor Day), you’ll want to book a vacation rental well in advance.
- And finally, Cape Cod is home to various wildlife, including seals and shorebirds. Maintain a respectful distance and follow any posted guidelines to protect these animals and their habitats.
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About the Author
In 2015, driven by his own challenges as a homeowner dealing with a rental management company and a desire for a better solution, Luke Chapman founded Del Mar Vacations. His goal was to simplify the process of managing and caring for rental homes and their guests, offering a comprehensive, full-service solution. As a lifelong Cape Codder, Luke's deep-rooted love and knowledge of the area infuse every aspect of his business. Through this blog, he shares his insider tips and local insights, aiming to transform each visitor's trip into an unforgettable Cape Cod adventure.