The coastal landscape of Cape Cod offers its visitors a literal smorgasbord of breathtaking beaches where you can chill out on white sandy beaches, hit the waves for a fun day of water sports, or simply catch a magnificent sunrise or sunset. Without a doubt, the choices will be many- choosing the best beach will just depend on what you’re looking for. So, to help you narrow your choices down, or plan your beach hopping agenda, we compiled a list of the best beaches on Cape Cod along with some highlights on why they made the list.
Lighthouse Beach in Chatham– (also known as South beach) Located on Shore Road by the lighthouse, this beautiful beach will take your breath away the moment your feet hit the sand! The lighthouse, itself, is generally closed to the public; but during certain times throughout the summer you’ll be able to explore this landmark free of charge. Always bustling with activity, the expansive beach has plenty of room to accommodate people of all ages looking for a fabulous view and clean sparkling sand. Because of its ‘less than favorable’ currents, and major drop offs from sand to sea-you should always swim with caution. There are no lifeguards on duty, but the beach is monitored regularly by beach patrols. Lighthouse beach is ideal for those who want to grab a chair and read a good book, go seal watching or just take a romantic stroll along the shoreline. Unfortunately, parking here is limited to a half hour- but no worries, it’s a short walk from downtown Chatham or you can catch a shuttle bus that runs to the beach daily.
Coast Guard Beach in Eastham- Located on Ocean View Drive in Eastham, Coast Guard Beach is often recognized as being one of America’s top 10 beaches. It is a rather large beach with expansive dunes, sizeable waves, and marshlands for those who love to explore. If you are into volleyball, you can usually find a game on this spacious white sandy beach; and the large waves make it an ideal spot for boogie board and surfing enthusiasts. You’ll also want to watch for the arrival seals, because at Coast Guard Beach, they’re considered honorary locals around here by the Cape’s residents. Restrooms are available and parking is limited- but, you can catch a free beach shuttle that runs every 5-10 minutes from Little Creek parking just down the road.
Cahoon Beach in Wellfleet- Located on Cahoon Hollow Road, it’s one of the most popular beaches in the area. The Cahoon’s dramatic landscape features massive dunes forming two paths which lead its visitors from the parking lot down to the Atlantic. Not recommended for older adults or those with small children because of the steep slope pathway, it is, however, equipped with a rope that will help guide you to the beach area. Known for being a bit of a ’windy’ beach with awesome waves, the Cahoon is a hot spot for teens to 30 somethings. You’ll want to stop by the Wellfleet Beachcomber while you’re here- a seaside restaurant and bar that offers great food, adult beverages and live music located next to the beach parking lot. We recommend you arrive early to get a spot at the Cahoon because the parking lots here usually fill up by late morning. Restrooms are available and lifeguards are always on duty at this vibrant beach in Wellfleet.
Nauset Beach in Orleans– Located in East Orleans on what locals refer to as the outer ‘elbow’ of the Cape, this impressive beach offers awesome waters for surfing and boogie boarding. You’ll want to arrive at this popular beach early, because its massive parking lot fills up quickly when the sun is shining! Nauset beach offers its visitors spectacular sunrises, intense waves and cool ocean waters on a 10 mile stretch of beach that seems never ending. If swimming, surfing and sunning isn’t your thing, you’ll love casting your line here for some excellent bass and blues fishing. By obtaining a special permit, you can also have a blast riding your off-road vehicle up and down the sandy shores of the beach. Restrooms, a snack bar and boardwalk are just a few of the amenities you’ll enjoy while visiting Nauset Beach.
Red River Beach in Harwich-Located on Uncle Venie’s Road in Harwich, Red River is one of the most popular beaches in this area on the Cape. Visitors here can enjoy a long and spacious beach that is fantastic for swimming, playing in waves and shell collecting (water shoes are recommended because of the overabundance of shells you’ll find on this beach). Despite its popularity, Red River is one of the more uncrowded beaches on the Cape and parking is ample. Featuring several rock jetties, it is the ideal spot for explorers of all ages. They even offer a canoe/kayak launch, along with a boat ramp at the end of the parking lot. The smaller waves here make it an ideal beach for those families with smaller children. Lifeguards are on duty and there’s a great snack shack to grab a bite when you need a break from the surf and sun!
Corporation Beach in Dennis- Located on Corporation Road, this popular crescent shape beach is known for its warm calm water- which makes it the perfect beach for families with small children. Nestled in Cape Cod Bay, the curve of this magnificent beach forms a tidal pool that will entice your ‘inner’ explorer. It’s a favorite spot at low tide because when the water recedes, it exposes flat sandbars that are ideal for taking long leisurely strolls along the coastline. Because of its close proximity to Sesuit Harbor, you’ll also be able to catch a glimpse of sailboats and pleasure boats as they head out to deeper waters. Ample parking and restrooms are available and they even offer an in-season snack bar, as well as a fabulously fun playground with water views for the kids!
Craigville Beach in Barnstable– Located off Craigville Beach Road, this beach is a favorite of tourists visiting the Barnstable area. Also known as “muscle beach’ because of its ‘buff’ patrons, it’s a popular hot spot for teens and college students. But, don’t let that stop you from vising this fabulous beach, because with its long wide strand of beach on Nantucket Sound there’s room for beachcombers of all ages. With a massive area of beach to spread out and ample room for parking, you are going to be in awe of the view, clean sandy beaches and cool waters of the surf. There’s no ‘official’ snack bar here but plenty of dining options across the street- where you can even rent chairs and umbrellas for the day. If you are travelling with children, be sure to pack a kite because the wind conditions at this beach location are idea for flying. Craigville offers a number of amenities which include seasonal lifeguards, restrooms, showers- and you can even sign up and take a swimming lesson here.
Sandwich Town Beach in Sandwich – Nestled on the tip of this quaint Cape Cod community, Sandwich Town beach offers slightly warmer waters than the Atlantic side; which makes it an excellent place to enjoy a relaxing swim. Sandwich Town is known as a bit of a ‘rocky’ beach, because its shoreline is comprised of a mix of sand and pebbles. Calmer waters promote an ideal setting for those seeking an adventure in exploring the wondrous aquatic life of the Cape. For snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts it provides the perfect underwater terrain- a clay reef scattered with ship wreckage off shore. Typically uncrowded, Sandwich Town also has an impressive stretch of boardwalk for entering the beach that provides a picturesque vantage point for birdwatching or enjoying the wildlife of the surrounding marshes. You’ll find lifeguards during the season and conveniently placed restrooms at this idyllic spot on the Cape. It’s one of the locals’ favorites and we’re sure after one visit, it will quickly become yours too!
Crowe’s Pasture Beach in Dennis –Located in South Dennis, Crowe’s Pasture is a secluded hidden gem on the Cape. If you are looking for a beach with spectacular views and a unique aquatic wonder world growing just beneath the waves…this is the place for you! As part of the Crowe’s Pasture Conservation, this area of the Cape is landscaped with marshes, woods and magnificent sand dunes. The conservation itself is not difficult to find, but the beach is a bit obscure- no worries though, the attendants will steer you in the right direction of your mile walk to the beach-which is totally worth it! If you are travelling with your pooch, they’ll be welcome on this beach; and if you obtain an off road-permit, you’ll be able to cruise along the beach from sun-up to sun-down. For those who love to go ‘oyster hunting’, be sure to visit Crowe’s at low tide so you can walk out and explore some of the coolest oyster beds you’ll find anywhere on the Cape.
Bound Brook Island Beach in Wellfleet– Located on Bound Brook Island Road, this awe-inspiring beach is one of the best kept secrets on the Cape. You won’t want to miss visiting this spectacular secluded beach because, once you arrive, the view will take your breath away and leave you speechless. It’s a favorite of locals because of its peaceful isolation and brilliant landscape. The path to the beach is surrounded by shimmering grass reeds and rolling sand dunes. Once you arrive at the beach you’ll come out to Cape Cod Bay, which overlooks the coast all the way down to Provincetown- making you feel you are in the middle of nowhere. As the tide rolls out, sandbars expose tide pools that will thrill the explorer in you. You won’t run into many people at Bound Brook which makes this one of the best beaches on the Cape- especially if you want to enjoy a fabulous day while escaping the crowd.