If you’re looking for some of the best beaches on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, this article is for you! Here are 11 beaches that offer a variety of different experiences. Whether you want to go surfing or just enjoy the scenery, there’s something here for everyone.
Grab your beach bag and beach essentials and head to the beach for a week in Cape Cod.
Please know that this list does not cover every beach on Cape Cod and the Islands, and there may be a beach that you love that we didn’t pick, but we have been to tons of beaches on the Cape, and these are the ones we go back to again and again. If you see one we must add, send me an email!
Best Beaches in Cape Cod
Mayflower Beach
Mayflower Beach in Dennis is a family-friendly beach. It’s a great place to go swimming and enjoy some time in the sun.
One of the best things about this beach is that it offers public restrooms on-site, so visitors don’t need to leave to find alternative choices. It also has lifeguards because it gets busy during peak season! This beach even has parking available for those who want convenience when they visit.
There are plenty of picnic tables at Mayflower Beach if you’re looking for a spot where you can have lunch with your family or friends after enjoying some time outdoors.
The water here is calm and shallow enough for children age five and younger to play without any worry, making this an excellent choice if you plan on visiting Cape Cod with young ones in tow.
Cahoon Hollow Beach
Cahoon Hollow Beach in Wellfleet has long been a popular choice for those looking to escape the summer crowds typically present at other beaches.
It’s also one of the few dog-friendly beaches in all of Cape Cod, so it’s a great place if you’re bringing your furry friend too! The parking lot here is quite large and has several restrooms available as well. Cahoon Hollow Beach sees fewer visitors on any given day than most other Cape Cod beach options, which means there will be fewer people roaming around trying to find space for their blanket or set up shop with a picnic table during peak season.
Cahoon Hollow Beach is an excellent beach for boogie boards as the waves come in nice and strong! If you have mobility issues, Cahoon Hollow is not for you as there are giant sand dunes you must walk down to get to the beach.
Plus, the renowned Beachcomber restaurant is just up the dunes from Cahoon Hollow Beach. You can enjoy a delicious and refreshing drink or meal after your hot day in the sun!
Sasquish Beach
Sasquish beach is one of the few Cape Cod beaches that’s open to public access year-round. It even has a small concession stand, which offers snacks and drinks for visitors who want some refreshment during their time on this beautiful stretch of shoreline!
It is in Plymouth, so it may not be considered a Cape Cod Beach, but it is an easy day trip from Boston and near the tip of the Cape.
Nauset Light Beach
The Nauset light lighthouse in Eastham was established here at the turn of the 20th century, so it makes sense that this would be an excellent place to go if you’re looking for something historic.
There are plenty of picnic tables alongside walking trails where you can take photos with stunning views out over Cape Cod Bay. The water is calm enough for children ages five and younger to enjoy playtime too!
Plymouth Beach
Plymouth Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Plymouth due to its location right next to downtown, with hotels nearby and restaurants on the shoreline. It is a small beach but close to Plymith Plantation Living History Museum.
It’s adjacent to tennis courts as well, which are open year-round so that you can enjoy all kinds of activities during your visit there!
Coast Guard Beach
This beach in Eastham is terrific for walking, jogging, and biking along the shoreline. This beach goes on as far as the eye can see. Beautiful sand and shallow water make this a popular beach.
Herring Cove Beach
This popular spot has plenty of activities available during your visit, including mini-golfing and restaurants nearby. It is part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, so you will need a pass to go, but the wildlife here is astonishing! Be prepared to find all different kinds of sea life when you visit Herring Cove Beach.
Surf Drive Beach
Surf Drive Beach in Falmouth is another popular beach with lifeguards. The surf here is gentle enough that even children age five years old or younger will have fun exploring in the ocean waves without getting knocked over. The beach is a little rocky so make sure to bring water shoes with your beach essentials.
Monument Beach
Monument Beach in Bourne is super close to the entrance to Cape Cod National Seashore.
A tranquil spot that’s perfect for those who love reading, relaxing and exploring nature as well as beach activities such as swimming or fishing. This area isn’t very populated so you’ll have plenty of space in which to enjoy the scenery around you! Plus lifeguards are on duty!
Hardings Beach in Chatham
This is a great spot for those who enjoy a tranquil bay side beach which makes it popular with families. . You’ll also find plenty of privacy as not many people venture out this far to enjoy these beaches so you won’t have an issue with crowds or loud public areas while visiting!
Nauset Beach
Nauset Beach in Orleans is a public beach with lifeguards, showers and restaurants.
A long strip of white sandy shoreline where people come from all around in order to enjoy some time at the ocean without crowds. Nausett also offers fantastic opportunities for surfing so if surfboards are your thing then this is one location not to miss! The sunsets here can be absolutely breathtaking too with views across the entire bay.
No matter which beach you choose to visit in Cape Cod, you are in for a treat.
Please keep in mind that most beaches have some sort of requirement to visit. Either pay for parking, needing a town parking permit, (you can normally purchase these if you are renting a house for a week.) or they have certain hours tourists can park. These rules seem to change yearly, so please check updated information before you head for the beach!
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