Cape Cod Beaches
Vacationers who stay inThe beaches on the north and west sides of the Cape, facing Cape Cod Bay, generally have warmer water and gentle waves. The water is a little colder on the south-facing beaches along Nantucket Sound, but the waves are relatively calm. The east-facing Cape Cod beaches on the Atlantic Ocean have cooler water, higher surf, and occasionally dangerous undertows.
Visitors who rent a
The most famous Cape Cod beach is the magnificent Cape Cod National Seashore, which features huge sand dunes, crashing surf, wide sandy beaches, and fabulous views. Situated off Route 6 between Eastham and Provincetown are six separate beaches with paved parking, restrooms (most open seasonally), and showers. Lifeguards are on duty from late June through Labor Day.
Parking lots are open daily from 6:00 a.m. to midnight and visitor centers are open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Entrance fees are collected daily from late June through early September and on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day to the end of September. The entrance fee is about $15 for vehicles and $3 for pedestrians with seasonal passes available.
Nauset Light Beach is situated on the Atlantic Ocean at the end of Cable Road and Ocean View Drive in Eastham. Shuttle service is available from the high school lot on Cable Road. The broad beach is accessed by steep stairs and features big surf.
Coast Guard Beach, a mile and a half east on Nauset and Doane Roads in Eastham, is a popular swimming spot. The beach is handicap accessible and has sand-capable wheelchairs available. From mid-June to Labor Day, beach access is via shuttle bus from the Little Creek parking area located across from the Doane Area.
Marconi Beach, six miles north of the Salt Pond Visitor Center in Wellfleet, is on the Atlantic and is backed by tall sand cliffs. The Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail begins here, and the beach offers fabulous views across the Cape. History buffs will be interested to learn that this was the site of Guglielmo Marconi's first transatlantic wireless communication between the U.S. and England in 1903.
Head of the Meadow Beach in Truro is a quieter stretch of beach with a paved bike path behind the dunes. Herring Cove Beach, at the end of Route 6 in Provincetown, has a sharp drop-off just offshore. Race Point Beach in Provincetown faces north and features strong surf where the Cape Cod Bay waters meet the Atlantic Ocean waves.
Numerous other Cape Cod beaches are popular with visitors. Cape Cod beach parking fees of about $10 to $15 are charged until Labor Day and weekly or monthly parking stickers can usually be purchased at the local town hall.
On the Upper Cape, Monument Beach and Scusset Beach in Bourne have lifeguards, restrooms, and snack bars. Scusset also features a fishing pier, a breakwater, canal frontage, and a picnic area. Surf Drive Beach in Falmouth is a less crowded alternative for visitors staying in a
One of the best beaches on the Mid-Cape is Sandy Neck in Barnstable, which features calm surf, lifeguards, food concessions, and restrooms. The West Dennis Beach offers a wide expanse of beach with calm water, good sailboarding, excellent windsurfing, and full services. Other good choices located near many
Popular beaches on the Lower Cape include Lighthouse Beach in Chatham, featuring strong surf, and Breakwater Beach, with plenty of tidal pools to explore. The sheltered Cockle Cove Beach in Chatham is a great spot for kids and has lifeguards and restrooms.
