Most Popular Beaches

1. Nauset Light Beach

Nauset Light Beach is a favored National Seashore shoreline that's ideal for daring families seeking exciting activities such as swimming, surfing, and bodyboarding. Due to its location by the ocean, the water temperature is typically on the cooler side. The beach is broad and tidy with ample parking available in the lot, which is situated high atop the dunes, providing breathtaking views. Across the street is the renowned Nauset Lighthouse, which is even featured on Cape Cod Potato Chip packaging! Pedestrians and cyclists may also enter  with a daily fee. Active duty military personnel and their dependents with appropriate identification, as well as children under the age of 16, are not required to pay an entry fee. Bathroom amenities will be frequently sanitized, although public showers will not be available.

2. Nauset Beach

Nauset Beach, located in Orleans, is a popular destination for active travelers due to its 10-mile expanse of sand. The beach offers designated areas for swimming and boogie boarding, as well as off-road trails and sections for surfing. The waves are known for their quality, and visitors might also spot seals and sharks in the water. Additionally, Nauset Beach has a gazebo that hosts free outdoor concerts every week during July and August, which draws many summer visitors. However, keep in mind that parking fees apply on-site.

3. Mayflower Beach

Mayflower Beach is a beloved destination for those visiting Dennis, thanks to its picturesque scenery. At this Mid Cape location, travelers can enjoy walking for miles during low tide until they reach the sea, and it's an ideal spot to catch the sunset. The beach is particularly suitable for families, as it has on-duty lifeguards, picnic areas, public restrooms, and ample space for beach activities. Additionally, a boardwalk conveniently connects the parking lot to the beach. Due to its location on the bay side, Mayflower Beach typically experiences gentler waves than other beaches on Cape Cod.

4. Marconi Beach

Marconi Beach, situated within the Cape Cod National Seashore in Wellfleet, is one of the most famous beaches in Cape Cod. With its expansive sand dunes as a backdrop and resident seals, the beach provides consistent waves for surfing outside of the lifeguarded swimming area. Despite its popularity, the beach's vast expanse ensures that visitors can find ample space to relax on the sand. However, accessing the beach from the parking lot involves descending a steep staircase, which may pose challenges for travelers with mobility limitations, who may want to consider an alternative beach location.

5. Race Point Beach

Provincetown's Race Point Beach offers rough waters that make it a popular destination for surfers. However, there are also some shallow areas that are better suited for swimming. Visitors who prefer to stay on land can choose to sunbathe or bike along the adjacent Province Lands Bike Trail. Additionally, the beach is home to the Old Harbor Life-Saving Station, which dates back to the late 1800s and welcomes visitors seasonally. Race Point Beach is located 3 miles northwest of downtown Provincetown, where multiple dining and shopping options are available.

6. Veterans Park Beach

Veterans Park Beach, located in Hyannis, is an excellent choice for those seeking a seaside picnic. Despite its small size, this charming beach offers several amenities, including picnic areas, barbecue facilities, a snack shack, a playground, and ample space for playing beach games. With its proximity to Hyannis Harbor and the Hyannis Yacht Club, visitors can also enjoy watching boats sail by. Additionally, the beach boasts a well-maintained park area featuring two memorials: one commemorating the Korean War and another honoring former President John F. Kennedy. These memorials offer a refreshing break from the sand should you need it.

7. Old Silver Beach

Families often choose Old Silver Beach because of its tranquil and warm waters. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of Buzzards Bay from the beach, with the ability to see other coastal Massachusetts towns across the water. A jetty divides the beach into public and residents-only sections, each with their own parking lot, snack bar, and bathroom facilities. As Old Silver Beach is situated close to downtown Falmouth, it tends to be quite crowded, so it's advisable to arrive early.

8. Ballston Beach

If you're looking to steer clear of the crowded beaches in Cape Cod, you may want to consider visiting Ballston Beach, which is family-friendly. Located in Truro, this beach offers a less-crowded atmosphere for relaxing on the sand, with consistent waves for water sports and picturesque golden hills that make for great photo opportunities. In fact, the tranquil setting of Ballston Beach served as inspiration for the work of American painter Edward Hopper. Keep in mind that during the summer months, you will need to purchase a beach parking sticker, which is only available to those staying in Truro, to park on-site. If you do not meet the requirements for a parking sticker, it is best to plan on biking to the beach.

9. Sandy Neck Beach

Located in the Mid Cape area in Barnstable, Pebbly Sandy Neck Beach extends for 6 miles. This beach is renowned for its 4,700 acres of dunes, marshes, and forests, which provide a habitat for several animals, including the endangered piping plover bird. Sandy Neck is also home to quaint shacks and cottages, as well as walking trails. In addition, a section of this scenic beach is designated for off-road vehicles, allowing permit holders to drive onto the shore.

10. Skaket Beach

Skaket Beach, located in the town of Orleans on Cape Cod Bay, is an ideal spot for families with its warm and calm water and flat shore. During high tide, children can swim safely while parents and lifeguards keep a watchful eye. When the tide recedes, visitors can explore the exposed tide pools and expansive sandy beach. However, it's recommended to arrive early, as the parking lot tends to fill up by late morning. Alternatively, consider a late afternoon visit to witness the stunning sunset.

11. Coast Guard Beach

Coast Guard Beach, located in Eastham on the Outer Cape, is known for its breathtaking dunes and picturesque views, and it's no surprise that it's often recognized for its beauty. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities on the beach, including surfing, boogie boarding, and volleyball. The beach is also home to a historic coast guard station, which is open to the public and provides a glimpse into the area's rich maritime history. Guests can also observe the local wildlife, including birds and seals. However, non-residents must park in the Little Creek lot or bike to the beach and take advantage of the free shuttle service.