The best beaches on Cape Cod

Cape Cod and its beaches have long been a popular getaway for summering Bostonians, offering miles of unspoiled sand, sea, and sun. There’s a variety of different Cape Cod beaches to choose from, mainly due to the region’s distinctive flexed-arm shape. Along the inner Cape Cod Bay, you’ll find calm waters ideal for gentle swimming, while the outer beaches facing the open Atlantic boast dramatic sand dunes and bigger waves for the adventurous. Explore our curated selection of the best beaches on Cape Cod for your perfect coastal escape.

01

Coast Guard Beach

Nestled within the Cape Cod National Seashore, Coast Guard Beach offers one of the most iconic beach experiences on the Cape. Its vast expanse of golden sand stretches along the Atlantic Ocean, making it a favorite spot for surfers and bodyboarders who flock here to ride its consistent waves. The beach is equipped with seasonal restrooms and a wheelchair-accessible ramp, ensuring accessibility for all visitors.

Located near the quaint town of Eastham, Coast Guard Beach is part of a protected area that maintains its pristine natural beauty. This beach is also a haven for birdwatchers, as the adjacent Nauset Marsh provides a home to diverse shorebirds and waterfowl. Beyond the sand and surf, the area is steeped in history, with the old Coast Guard station serving as a reminder of the region’s maritime heritage.

From mid-June to Labor Day, there’s no visitor parking directly at the beach, but a convenient shuttle runs from a nearby lot off Doane Road, offering a scenic ride through lush landscapes.

02

Craigville Beach

Craigville Beach, stretching elegantly along Nantucket Sound, is the quintessential Cape Cod beach destination, enticing visitors with its wide sandy shores and gentle waves. This lively spot is a favorite among both locals and visitors, attracting everyone from young families building sandcastles to kitesurfers taking to the skies on breezy days. Craigville’s vibrant atmosphere makes it a perfect place to soak up the sun and enjoy the area’s natural beauty.

Craigville Beach is well-equipped with all the amenities you could need for a day by the sea, including restrooms, showers, and rental shops for those last-minute essentials. Its boardwalk ensures that everyone, including visitors with disabilities, can access the sun and surf with ease. Located in Centerville on the southern Cape, the beach is easily accessible, with a paid parking lot right at the beachfront.

After a day of beach fun, indulge in local seafood at one of the nearby clam shacks that offer Cape Cod classics like fried clams and lobster rolls. For a cultural diversion, head over to the Centerville Historical Museum. This fascinating institution offers a glimpse into the area’s past with its 14-room space housing 18,000 objects, images, and artifacts.

03

Nauset Beach

Nauset Beach, a ten-mile-long stretch of flat sand, is ideal for building sandcastles, sunbathing, bodyboarding, and fishing. This picturesque beach attracts families and photographers, the latter often arriving early to capture the stunning sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean.

Located near the town of Orleans within the Cape Cod National Seashore, Nauset Beach features a cash-only visitor parking lot with 900 spaces, ensuring ample access even on busy summer days. While sightings of great white sharks have been reported in the waters, leading to occasional no-swimming orders, visitors can stay informed using the Sharktivity app for real-time updates and alerts.

Beyond the beach, the surrounding dunes and salt marshes provide opportunities for exploration and wildlife observation, adding to the allure of this coastal gem.

04

Marconi Beach

Marconi Beach, a classic Cape Cod destination, is named after inventor Guglielmo Marconi, who famously sent the first transatlantic radio transmission from this site to the UK in 1903. This wide, flat beach is nestled between surfable waves and a towering dune, offering a picturesque setting for beachgoers. The beach is equipped with restrooms and showers, but you should plan for a short drive back to Route 6 for food and drinks.

To reach Marconi Beach, follow the brown signs for Marconi from Route 6 in South Wellfleet. The beach offers plenty of paid parking, though accessing the sand requires descending a steep flight of stairs. Once on the shore, the panoramic views of the Atlantic and the Cape Cod coastline are truly breathtaking. Beyond the beach, visitors can explore nearby trails that wind through the dunes and offer additional vantage points of the ocean.

05

Race Point Beach

Race Point Beach is about as far out on the arm of the Cape as you can go, situated in northern Provincetown. Known for the Provincetown Carnival held each August, this city is vibrant and full of life. Yet, Race Point Beach itself presents a tranquil escape where soft sands meet the challenge of rough waves, and its remote location ensures fewer crowds. It’s a favorite among strong swimmers and surfers who relish the dynamic waters, but it’s equally inviting for those seeking peaceful sunbathing, scenic walks, and leisurely bike rides along the shore.

Nestled conveniently north of Provincetown Airport, the beach is equipped with changing rooms, restrooms, and showers that are available seasonally. The paid parking lot right at the beachfront ensures easy access, allowing you to enjoy the stunning Cape Cod scenery without hassle.

06

Old Silver Beach

Old Silver Beach, tucked along Buzzards Bay at the “elbow” of Cape Cod, is a favored destination for families and beachgoers seeking a calm retreat. With its warm, gentle waters and proximity to local accommodations and dining spots, this beach provides an ideal setting for a relaxing swim and a cozy place to lay your towel.

Unlike the wild North Atlantic shores, Old Silver Beach boasts serene conditions perfect for unwinding. Easily accessible from Route 28, the beach promises convenience, though parking at the beachfront visitors’ lot can be limited, so arriving early is recommended. After a day in the sun, enjoy a picturesque walk along the bay as the sun sets.

07

Mayflower Beach

Mayflower Beach embodies the quintessential Cape Cod experience with its soft sand and gentle, lapping waters, making it ideal for families with children. The beach enjoys gentle and sunny conditions throughout the day, and its long tides create miles of pools and coves to explore when the water recedes, offering endless opportunities for beachcombing and exploration. Visitors will find convenient amenities, including showers, restrooms, picnic tables, and a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk.

Situated along a straight stretch of the inner Cape coast in Dennis, Mayflower Beach offers a large parking lot at the beachfront, ensuring easy access for a delightful day by the sea. As the day winds down, be sure to linger until sunset. Mayflower Beach is famed for its breathtaking sunset views, where the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors, possibly offering the most stunning sunset on Cape Cod.

08

Cahoon Hollow Beach

Cahoon Hollow Beach derives its name from its unique location, sandwiched between a towering 75-foot dune and the rolling waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Its challenging access, requiring a climb over the steep dune, makes it particularly popular among younger beachgoers, surfers, and those fit for a rewarding walk. Upon reaching the top, visitors are greeted by The Beachcomber, a lively bar housed in a former U.S. Lifesaving Station, offering sundowners with breathtaking ocean views.

Located near the town of Wellfleet, Cahoon Hollow Beach features a small parking lot known to fill up quickly, so arriving early is recommended to secure a spot for your day of adventure. The effort to reach this stunning location is well rewarded by the unparalleled views and vibrant atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination on Cape Cod.

09

Sandy Neck Beach

The six-mile-long Sandy Neck Beach is characterized more by its pebbles than its sand. It’s one of the few beaches on Cape Cod that allows off-road vehicles during the early season, making it one of the few drivable stretches along the coast. Beyond the shoreline, the area offers miles of wetlands perfect for kayaking and exploring the wilder terrain within the adjacent Great Marshes.

While parking is limited, visitors can purchase a day pass at the Gatehouse, which also offers annual permits for off-road vehicles. Before visiting, be sure to check the Barnstable town website for a comprehensive list of requirements. Whether you’re navigating the rugged trails or enjoying the coastal views, Sandy Neck Beach offers a refreshing Cape Cod adventure.

With its diverse beaches, from the pebbly stretches of Sandy Neck to the towering dunes of Cahoon Hollow, Cape Cod offers a coastal experience for every type of traveler. So, book your accommodations, prepare for sun and sand, and get ready to explore the charming shores of Cape Cod.