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As a Massachusetts native, I’m fortunate to have spent 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!
Regardless of being a protracted, skinny peninsula, Cape Cod’s distinctive geography affords a surprisingly numerous assortment of seashores on three our bodies of water: the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Cod Bay, and Nantucket Sound. Whether or not 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 form of traveler.
There are some things it is best to know, although.
First, Cape Cod is extraordinarily busy in the summertime, and no seashores are secrets and techniques anymore. Begin your seaside days early if you wish to get a great spot.
Summer time site visitors is intense right here, too. Whereas 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 advocate a day journey from Boston to the Cape through the summer time except you’re taking the ferry to Provincetown. You’ll additionally need 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 gained’t be swimming climate, and a few companies shall be closed, however the attraction is as vibrant as ever.
Moreover, sharks are sometimes discovered simply offshore on the Cape. However don’t let this scare you — the overwhelming majority of Cape guests have a wonderfully secure time swimming. Make sure to observe all indicators and native warnings, keep away from swimming with seals or faculties of fish, and observe the following tips from the Nationwide 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? Make sure 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 Might 2024 and was co-written by Adventurous Kate and Riana Ang-Canning.
High 10 Greatest Seashores on Cape Cod
Nauset Seaside in Orleans and Eastham
Certainly one of my favourite seashores on Cape Cod is Nauset Seaside in Orleans, on the Outer Cape. And it’s not simply me who loves it; Nauset Seaside is constantly acknowledged as among the best seashores on the Cape. This 10-mile seaside affords plenty of area for swimming, fishing, browsing and boogie boarding.
In the summertime, Nauset Seaside can get fairly busy, so I’d advocate arriving early. However 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 Seaside has a small car parking zone that tends to be full by 10:00 AM or so. The parking price is $30.
Race Level Seaside in Provincetown
One other excellent place on Cape Cod for a seaside trip is Race Level Seaside in Provincetown, on the very tip of Cape Cod. As a result of Race Level doesn’t sit instantly on the Atlantic Ocean, you gained’t see full-strength ocean waves. And since it’s going through north, you’ll get solar all day lengthy, good for solar worshippers!
Greater than nice solar and tender sand, Race Level Seaside additionally has one thing for nature lovers and historical past buffs. You’ll be able to trek out to the historic Race Level Lighthouse (and even keep in a single day in the summertime months!) and spot whales within the spring.
Provincetown is likely one of the coolest cities in Massachusetts, and make sure to plan time to discover the cultural choices right here, from galleries and museums to legendary LGBTQ nightlife.
Race Level Seaside has a pretty big car parking zone that may maintain 300 automobiles. As a part of the Cape Cod Nationwide Seashore, a go is required to park on the seaside, and the associated fee is $25 per automotive.
Learn Extra: Greatest Issues to Do in Provincetown, Mass
Marconi Seaside in Wellfleet
One of many Cape Cod Nationwide Seashore seashores, Marconi Seaside is a good spot in Wellfleet identified for its beautiful views. With a 40-foot sand cliff behind it, Marconi Seaside affords uninterrupted pure sightlines and a secluded space for swimming. There’s additionally an remark deck with a view over the Outer Cape.
Enjoyable reality: Marconi Seaside bought its identify from inventor Guglielmo Marconi who in 1903 efficiently made the primary transatlantic wi-fi communication between the US and England from a web site close to this seaside.
As a part of the Cape Cod Nationwide Seashore, a go is required to park on the seaside, and the associated fee is $25 per automotive.
Skaket Seaside in Orleans
Skaket Seaside is likely one of the finest Cape Cod seashores for households with younger kids, 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.
Due to its western place, Skaket Seaside can be an incredible spot for sunsets. So even when you don’t have young children, that is nonetheless a beloved spot for Cape Cod guests of all ages. It’s most likely the very best Cape Cod seaside if you wish to take a protracted stroll!
Skaket Seaside has a car parking zone with a $25 price.
Herring Cove Seaside in Provincetown
Herring Cove Seaside is likely one of the hottest spots in Provincetown — and for good motive! As the one Cape Cod Nationwide Seashore seaside on the Cape Cod Bay, Herring Cove Seaside affords heat waters and a peaceful surf, good for a day on the seaside with the household.
It’s best to know that Herring Cove can be widespread with nude beachgoers (who are inclined to preserve to the south facet 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 simple to see why Herring Cove Seaside is a favourite.
As a part of the Cape Cod Nationwide Seashore, a go is required to park on the seaside, and the associated fee is $25 per automotive.
Coast Guard Seaside in Eastham
One other widespread vacation spot on Cape Cod is Eastham’s Coast Guard Seaside. This seaside is good for swimming, taking part in within the tender sand, and admiring the native wildlife. Fowl lovers will need to keep watch over the Nauset Marsh whereas seals can typically be noticed in winter off the Nauset Spit.
Take into account that Coast Guard Seaside’s restricted parking space is restricted to Eastham residents and automobiles with handicap placards solely. In case you’re visiting, park at Little Creek and take the shuttle to the seaside.
Sandy Neck Seaside in West Barnstable
With 6.5 miles of shoreline, Sandy Neck Seaside 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 toes tall and may be explored on varied cross-trail hikes.
Along with climbing, Sandy Neck Seaside can be nice for swimming (although it is best to know that the water temperature is cooler right here within the Atlantic) and saltwater fishing. It’s also possible to preserve a watch out for the foxes and shorebirds that decision this seaside dwelling.
Sandy Neck Seaside doesn’t supply one-day parking passes between Memorial Day and Labor Day — solely annual passes, that are a whopping $220 for non-residents.
Mayflower Seaside in Dennis
Mayflower Seaside is a well-liked vacation spot on the Mid Cape because of its shallow waters, lovely 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 Seaside’s tidal flats. Even when the tide is in, the shoreline at Mayflower Seaside is expansive and the waters are fairly calm. Whereas this seaside can get busy in excessive season, it’s nonetheless value including to your Cape Cod bucket record!
There are three parking tons 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 Seaside in Mashpee
South Cape Seaside State Park is a scenic and secluded seaside, good for spending a soothing day on the water. From the car parking zone, you’ll stroll over a boardwalk to the mile of sentimental sand awaiting you.
Moreover swimming, there’s tons extra to discover at South Cape Seaside State Park. Try the lookout (good for sundown!) or head out on one of many climbing trails, such because the Nice Flat Pond Loop. You’ll be able to even launch a ship from South Cape Seaside and spend your time kayaking round lovely Waquoit Bay.
As a Massachusetts state park, every day parking charges are $12 for Massachusetts residents and $40 for non-Massachusetts residents. Notice that residency is decided by the car license plate.
Head of the Meadow Seaside in Truro
Rounding out my prime ten Cape Cod seashores is Head of the Meadow Seaside 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 Seaside is situated, is well-known for shipwrecks on account of its hidden sand bars and excessive surf. The truth is, at low tide, you possibly can nonetheless see the stays of the ship Frances, which sank close to Head of the Meadow Seaside in 1872.
As a part of the Cape Cod Nationwide Seashore, a go is required to park on the seaside, and the associated fee is $25 per automotive. The car parking zone has 160 areas.
Extra Nice Seashores on Cape Cod
Above are my prime seashores however there are loads extra divine seashores on Cape Cod. Under are just a few extra glorious seaside choices you possibly can add to your itinerary, grouped primarily based on their location inside the cities of Cape Cod.
Seashores on the Outer Cape
Except Provincetown, a lot of the cities on the Outer Cape are quieter and fewer busy with vacationers than cities on different components of the Cape.
Many of those Outer Cape seashores additionally characteristic dramatic sand dunes, which supply scenic views, particularly throughout dawn or sundown.
Listed here are a few of Outer Cape seashores to take a look at:
- Sure Brook Island Seaside in Wellfleet: Sure Brook Island Seaside is likely one of the finest secluded seashores on Cape Cod. Head right here when you’re trying to ditch the crowds and revel in a bit of peace and quiet.
- Thumpertown Seaside 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 Seaside in Truro: Longnook Seaside is finest identified for the large sand dunes behind it, which require you to stroll down a steep slender path to entry the seaside. As soon as on the seaside, you’ll discover nice waves for boogie-boarding and a picturesque setting.
- Chilly Storage Seaside in Truro: You’ll discover Chilly Storage Seaside on the Cape Cod Bay in Truro. Being on the bay, the waters listed here are calmer and nice for swimming. It’s also possible to take pleasure in lovely views of the Outer Cape from this seaside.
- Newcomb Hole Seaside in Wellfleet: Newcomb Hole Seaside is a well-liked spot in the summertime, however you’ll must work exhausting to get to it. A seaside parking sticker is required to park within the lot and then you definitely’ll have to go up and down steep sand dunes earlier than you make it to the water.
- Breakwater Seaside in Wellfleet: With loads of parking, grass-covered sand dunes, and views over Cape Cod Bay’s tidal flats, Breakwater Seaside is a well-liked selection for vacationers and locals through the summer time.
- Ballston Seaside in Truro: Over on the Atlantic Ocean facet, Ballston Seaside is beloved by surfers and bodyboarders because of its good surf and beautiful views. The truth is, the hills behind the seaside impressed a lot of American painter Edward Hopper’s paintings.
- Cahoon Hole Seaside in Wellfleet: Bordered by tall sand dunes and residential to the well-known Beachcomber Restaurant, Cahoon Hole Seaside is a well-liked place on Cape Cod. Whereas it may get busy, most individuals discover the seaside’s magnificence and enjoyable ambiance value it!
Seashores on the Decrease Cape
The Decrease Cape cities of Brewster, Harwich, and Chatham are all identified for his or her distinct Cape Cod attraction and picturesque settings, which positively prolong to their seashores. The seashores listed under are among the extra widespread ones on the Cape however they’re additionally bigger, so that you gained’t really feel squished on the sand.
There are nice choices on the Decrease Cape for everybody, from skilled surfers and passionate anglers to households with younger youngsters and nature walkers. Listed here are just a few prime picks:
- Paine’s Creek Seaside in Brewster: Paine’s Creek Seaside affords one thing for each type of seaside trip. Relying on the tide, it’s the right place to go swimming, kayaking, fishing, exploring the tidal flats or just to absorb the sundown.
- Pink River Seaside in Harwich: Pink River Seaside is likely one of the hottest seashores in Harwich. Fortunately, it’s additionally considered one of Harwich’s largest seashores, so there’s plenty of area to swim, boogie board, or paddle on the water.
- Hardings Seaside in Chatham: Positioned in Nantucket Sound, Hardings Seaside is likely one of the finest locations for households. There are many of services, together with showers and meals vehicles, and many area to play seaside bocce or construct a sand citadel. Plus, the water is calm and heat.
- Chatham Lighthouse Seaside in Chatham: Chatham Lighthouse Seaside is the most important seaside on the town and is known as for the lighthouse it sits underneath, Chatham Mild. The seaside affords loads of nature walks but in addition boasts a powerful present, that means swimming is restricted in some sections. The indicators will inform you the place to swim and the place to keep away from.
Seashores on the Mid Cape
Over on the Mid Cape you’ll discover Barnstable, the most important city on the Cape with tons to do, and Yarmouth, a spot identified 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 likely one of the finest choices for households, with plenty of kid-friendly services all through the city.
These are just a few seashores to go to when you’re staying on the Mid Cape:
- Craigville Seaside in Barnstable: A well-liked spot in Barnstable, Craigville Seaside is finest identified for its white sand and clear waters (plus its proximity to scrumptious ice cream at 4 Seas!). Get there early to keep away from the crowds.
- Seagull Seaside in Yarmouth: One other widespread seaside on the Mid Cape, Seagull Seaside is a good spot for swimming and windsurfing. It additionally has a big car parking zone, that means you gained’t must drive round endlessly to discover a spot.
- Crowes Pasture Seaside in Dennis: Crowes Pasture Seaside is in contrast to another 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 car.
- West Dennis Seaside in Dennis: West Dennis is a wonderful place to base throughout your Cape Cod trip, so it’s no marvel that West Dennis Seaside is so widespread. The seaside is nice for swimming and kiteboarding, plus there’s a playground for households and a big car parking zone.
- Chapin Memorial Seaside in Dennis: Chapin Memorial Seaside is widespread amongst four-wheel drive house owners (observe {that a} particular allow is required to drive on the seaside) and people trying to discover tide swimming pools and low sand dunes.
- Lengthy Seaside in Barnstable: Barnstable’s Lengthy Seaside is true to its identify — this seaside may be very elongated with water on each side. Regardless that it’s a well-liked spot on the Cape, its massive measurement means you’ll not often really feel crowded.
Seashores on the Higher Cape
Cities on the Higher Cape are the closest to the mainland, making them a greater possibility for Cape day-trippers. Each Falmouth and Bourne are well-known for his or her seashores and for being family-friendly choices on Cape Cod.
Listed here are just a few extra nice seashores on the Higher Cape:
- Previous Silver Seaside in Falmouth: Previous Silver Seaside in Buzzards Bay is likely one of the hottest seashores in Falmouth, identified for its clear waters and views throughout the bay.
- Scusset Seaside in Bourne: Scusset Seaside affords 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 widespread Sagamore Seaside in Bourne, that means you possibly can keep away from the Sagamore Seaside site visitors!
- Chapoquoit Seaside in Falmouth: Chapoquoit Seaside, or Chappy because it’s identified to locals, is likely one of the quieter seashores in Falmouth and is beloved by native households. Take pleasure in exploring the tidal swimming pools, swimming within the clear waters, and taking within the views of Buzzards Bay.
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What’s your favourite seaside on the Cape? Share away!
