Are you planning a Cape Cod getaway? Visitors flock to Cape Cod for the beaches, seafood and lazy summer days. Beach lovers are drawn to the sandy beaches, spectacular sunsets and the surf.
Naturalists visit the Cape for bird watching, whale sightings and seal sightings. Here are the best beaches in Cape Cod.
Best Beach in Cape for Sunsets
Old Silver Beach, Falmouth, MA
Old Silver Beach is one of the best beaches on Cape Cod for spectacular sunsets. Overlooking Buzzards Bay, Old Silver Beach is known for having the most picture-perfect sunsets on Cape Cod.
Old Silver Beach is a popular swimming beach in the Cape. In the summer months, the waves are gentle and the water is warm, making it ideal for children.
Keep in mind that a portion of the beach is restricted to Falmouth residents, but there is a section of the beach that is open to non-residents.
Old Silver Beach address: Old Silver Beach, Falmouth, MA
Best Beaches in Cape Cod for Surfing
Coast Guard Beach, Eastham, MA
Coast Guard Beach is one of Cape Cod’s best beaches for surfing. It is a popular beach for boogie boarders and surfers due to the sandbars. It is also a good beach for swimming.
Coast Guard Beach is located at the start of the 30 mile (48 km) Cape Cod National Seashore. Meander towards Nauset spit in the summer to observe shorebirds in the summer and seals in the winter.
Parking for Coast Guard Beach is located at the Little Creek Parking Lot. There is a shuttle from Little Creek that will take you to the Coast Guard beach.
Coast Guard Beach address: Coast Guard Beach, Eastham, MA (Parking at Little Creek Parking lot)
Nauset Light Beach, Eastham, MA
One of Cape Cod’s top surfing beaches is Nauset Light Beach. Surfers love the offshore sandbars at Nauset Light Beach. It’s one of Cape Cod’s few beaches that attracts serious surfers.
Even if you don’t surf, Nauset Light Beach is a stunning beach on Cape Cod. Keep your eyes peeled for seal sightings! There are restrooms and lifeguards at Nauset Light Beach.
Nauset Light Beach is also home to the famous Nauset Light (yes, the lighthouse on Cape Cod potato chips).
Nauset Light Beach address: Oceanview Drive, Eastham, MA
Best Beach in Cape Cod for Swimming
Herring Cove Beach, Provincetown, MA
Herring Cove Beach is one of the best beaches on Cape Cod for swimming. It is a beautiful beach with miles of soft sand. The water is calmer and gentler at Herring Cove Beach because it faces Cape Cod Bay. It is ideal for swimming.
A popular beach for families with children, it’s perfect because of the calm water, sandy beach, and proximity to the snack bar. Stay for the spectacular sunset.
Herring Cove Beach address: Route 6, Provincetown, MA
Best Beaches in Cape Cod for Whale Watching and Seal Sightings
Head of the Meadow Beach, Truro, MA
Head of the Meadow Beach is one of the best beaches in Cape Cod for whale sightings and seal sightings. Bring binoculars and keep an eye out for seals, whales, and even sharks!
It is a beautiful beach on Cape Cod with dramatic sand dunes, miles of sandy beach, and an interesting history of being a ship graveyard.
Head of the Meadow Beach is part of Cape Cod’s National Seashore. In fact, it is one of the most remote beaches on Cape Cod.
Head of the Meadow Beach is a lifeguarded beach with parking and portable restroom facilities.
Head of the Meadow Beach address: Head of the Meadow Road, Truro, MA
Marconi Beach, Wellfleet, MA
Marconi Beach is one of the best beaches in Cape Cod for seal sightings and whale sightings. It is a stunning beach with a magnificent coastline and a stunning 40-foot sand cliff.
This picturesque beach, which is part of Cape Cod’s National Seashore, is rarely crowded.
It’s a good beach for swimming and surfing in the ocean. Marconi Beach has parking and restrooms, as well as being a lifeguarded beach. Keep an eye out for seals in the water!
Marconi Beach address: Route 6, Wellfleet, MA
Best Beaches in Cape Cod for Families
Sandy Neck Beach, West Barnstable, MA
Sandy Neck Beach is one of the beaches on Cape Cod for families. It is a stunning beach with beautiful sandy beaches and coastal dunes. There is even a section of the beach that is accessible by horseback.
Sandy Neck Beach is a great place to go bird watching and is home to a number of endangered species.
There are lifeguards, restrooms, and a concession stand at Sandy Neck Beach Park. During the summer season (from Memorial Day to Labor Day), you will need a day pass or parking permit to enter. Day passes can be purchased at the gatehouse.
Sandy Neck Beach Park address: 425 Sandy Neck Road, W. Barnstable, MA
Surf Drive Beach, Falmouth, MA
Surf Drive Beach is one of the best beaches in Cape Cod for families. It is ideal for families because it is a great beach for swimming. The water is calm and gentle.
Due to the underwater topography, Falmouth beaches are warmer compared to other Cape Cod towns, making it ideal for swimming.
On Surf Drive Beach, kids will enjoy building sandcastles with the smooth sand. There are lifeguards, restroom facilities, a concession stand and parking at Surf Drive Beach. A parking pass is required.
Surf Drive Beach address: Surf Drive, Falmouth, MA
Most Stunning Beaches in Cape Cod
Nauset Beach, Orleans, MA
Nauset Beach is often regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches on the Cape. Beachgoers enjoy miles and miles of sandy beach.
Surfing and boogie boarding is popular at Nauset Beach. It’s also a great beach for swimming. Arrive early; it can get crowded during the peak summer months.
Note: Nauset Beach is not the same beach as Nauset Light Beach (see above). Nauset Beach is located in the Town of Orleans while Nauset Light Beach is located in Eastham. Nauset Light Beach is also home to the famous Cape Cod Potato Chips lighthouse.
Nauset Beach address: 250 Beach Road, Orleans, MA
Race Point Beach, Provincetown, MA
Race Point Beach is one of the most spectacular beaches on Cape Cod. Known for its stunning sunsets and miles and miles of soft sand, Race Point Beach is one of the prettiest beaches on Cape Cod.
Pack a binocular. You might be able to get a glimpse of humpback whales! And don’t forget to check out the historic lighthouse at Race Point Beach.
Race Point Beach address: Race Point Road, Provincetown, MA
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