No place says summer in New England like Cape Cod – that iconic arm that reaches out into the Atlantic, yielding 560 miles of sun-drenched, windswept coastline.
Cape Cod is the quintessential summertime destination, characterized by sand dunes covered with wild beach roses and families enjoying the surf. The diverse coastline offers numerous activities such as birding, beachcombing, biking, hiking, surfing, and sailing. Here are the 12 best beaches on Cape Cod for sun and fun.
Sharks and Parking: What You Need to Know About Visiting Cape Cod’s Beaches
Shark sightings have become more frequent along the ocean beaches, particularly on the Outer Cape (including all Cape Cod National Seashore beaches). It is important to avoid swimming where seals are present or fish are schooling. Always pay attention to warning signs and flags provided at each beach.
During the peak season, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, parking fees apply at all public beaches on Cape Cod.
Old Silver Beach is the Region’s Best Beach for Families
With its warm waters and favorable westward orientation, this Falmouth beach is favored for both swimming and sunset viewing over Buzzards Bay. Families particularly enjoy the sandbar, which offers a calm, safe area for young children, while the surrounding rocks provide opportunities for climbing and exploration.
Old Silver Beach is renowned for its fine, soft sand and clear waters – features that are somewhat rare for Cape Cod. However, its smaller size means that it can get crowded during peak summer hours.
Mayflower Beach Has Gentle Waves, Perfect for Young Children
Mayflower Beach is the most picturesque of the three beaches in Dennis that face Cape Cod Bay. The bayside position results in gentle waves at high tide and expansive sandy tidal flats at low tide, making it an ideal beach for families with small children.
Kids love to frolick in the gently sloping waters at this dune-backed beach, while the nearby rock pools are teeming with hermit crabs, clams, and other small sea creatures. Visiting in the late afternoon lets you enjoy a less crowded experience with a spectacular sunset.
Herring Cove Beach is a Wonderful Spot to Watch the Sunset
As the outermost beach on the Cape Cod National Seashore, Herring Cove boasts beautiful sandy stretches facing west – perfect for sunset viewing. Additionally, parking is free after 5 PM.
Despite its popularity, Herring Cove offers opportunities to escape the crowd. The far southern areas are quiet, making it a suitable spot for those looking for privacy (though discretion is advised, as public nudity is technically illegal here).
Cahoon Hollow Beach Has the Best Seafood Restaurant
Cahoon Hollow Beach features exhilarating waves and scenic dunes, with the added allure of seals bobbing in the water.
This beach is home to The Beachcomber, a classic beach bar situated in an old lifesaving station on a dune above the shore. It offers fresh seafood dishes such as lobster rolls and seafood platters, paired with signature cocktails.
Long Point Beach Has Stunning Views
If you enjoy adventure during your beach outings, Long Point Beach may be ideal. Located at the very tip of Cape Cod, it requires a mile-plus walk along the stone jetty from the western end of Commercial Street.
The walk not only provides breathtaking views of the surrounding seascape but also offers the chance to have an entire stretch of beach to yourself upon arrival. It is essential to wear durable shoes and to bring food and water, as timing your visit is crucial due to the jetty’s submersion at high tide.
Coast Guard Beach is Great for Birdwatching
Part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, Coast Guard Beach is a stunning location backed by rolling beach grasses. It is perfect for birders and wildlife watchers, especially along Nauset Marsh and Nauset Spit, where you can spot shorebirds and seals.
Additionally, Coast Guard Beach is well-known for surfing, especially in August when swells can reach up to 10 feet during low tide.
Race Point Beach is a Wild, Dune-Filled Spot
Located on the wilder end of the Cape, Race Point Beach exemplifies the essence of the National Seashore, featuring crashing surf and rolling dunes as far as the eye can see.
You can wander for miles in either direction, seeing nothing but sand and sea – though the Race Point Lighthouse is a destination about two miles to the west. The 5-mile paved Province Lands trail connects Race Point and Herring Cove beaches, making cycling a delightful way to explore the scenic area.
Craigville Beach is the Place to Search for Sea Glass
A wide sandy beach along Nantucket Sound, Craigville Beach is a classic Cape Cod destination. It’s a favorite among children and teens who indulge in beach games and surf play. The tide conditions vary, yet the water temperature is generally pleasant compared to the northern beaches.
This beach’s unique basin shape makes it one of the best places on the Cape to hunt for sea glass. Conclude your day with a visit to a local ice cream shop, a local institution that’s been serving homemade treats since the 1930s.
Sandy Neck Beach is Perfect for Long Strolls
Sandy Neck features a gorgeous stretch of barrier beach along Cape Cod Bay, perfect for trail walks and birdwatching across its 6.5 miles of beautiful dunes, salt marshes, and forests.
Hiking trails allow for exploration of the inland area, and don’t forget to stop by the Snack Shack for some tasty treats after your hike. While it may be called Sandy Neck, be mindful that the beach itself can be rocky, hence water shoes are recommended if swimming.
Nauset Beach is the Best Beach to Watch the Sunrise
Dune-backed and extraordinarily wide, Nauset Beach stretches uninterrupted for 10 miles along the Atlantic. This barrier beach is a prime sunset location, perfect for early risers looking to witness breathtaking views as the sun begins its ascent.
In addition to its beauty, Nauset Beach is excellent for long seaside walks, with potential sightings of seals and whales, alongside decent waves for bodysurfing and boogie boarding.
Kalmus Beach is a Top Place for Windsurfing
Offering warm waters and consistent southwesterly winds, Kalmus Beach is renowned for creating excellent windsurfing conditions. While it may not be the most picturesque beach, it ranks highly among the best locations to sail. Ensure you wear water shoes to protect your feet from seashells.
Head of the Meadow Beach is the Best Crowd-Free Beach
The nearly hour-long journey from the Cape Cod airport to Truro is well worth it for this pristine and uncrowded ocean beach. Its remote setting provides a serene atmosphere, making it the least crowded beach along the Cape Cod National Seashore.
Embrace the beauty of grass-covered dunes and a magnificent sandbar, which generally creates a safe swimming area for children thanks to its shallow and shark-free waters. Enjoy a leisurely walk to spot seals along the beach, particularly at low tide.
This article aims to guide you through Cape Cod’s most desirable beach destinations, perfect for family fun and outdoor adventures.
