10 Best Beaches on Cape Cod

Cape Cod's 40+ beaches represent some of New England's most spectacular coastal scenery, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and activities. From the dramatic dunes of the National Seashore to the calm bay waters perfect for families, Cape Cod's diverse coastline provides endless opportunities for beach lovers to find their perfect stretch of sand.

The Cape's unique geography creates distinct beach experiences on different sides of the peninsula. The Atlantic Ocean side features powerful surf, cooler waters, and expansive beaches backed by towering dunes, while the Cape Cod Bay side offers warmer, calmer waters ideal for swimming and young children. Understanding these differences helps visitors choose the perfect beach for their Cape Cod adventure.

Top 10 Cape Cod Beaches

1. Coast Guard Beach (Eastham)

Consistently ranked among America's best beaches, Coast Guard Beach epitomizes Cape Cod's natural beauty with its pristine sand, powerful Atlantic surf, and the iconic Nauset Light nearby. Part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, this beach offers excellent swimming, surfing, and beachcombing opportunities.

Best For: Swimming, surfing, photography
Parking: Shuttle required during summer from Salt Pond Visitor Center
Amenities: Restrooms, outdoor showers, lifeguards (summer)

2. Nauset Beach (Orleans)

This expansive Atlantic-facing beach stretches for miles, offering plenty of space even during peak summer months. The consistent surf makes it popular with surfers, while the wide sandy expanse provides ample room for beach games and relaxation.

Best For: Surfing, beach walks, families
Parking: Large parking lot ($25/day in summer)
Amenities: Snack bar, restrooms, showers, chair/umbrella rentals

3. Race Point Beach (Provincetown)

Located at the very tip of Cape Cod, Race Point offers dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean and frequent whale sightings offshore. The beach's remote location within the National Seashore provides a sense of wilderness rare on the Cape.

Best For: Whale watching, solitude, sunset views
Parking: Free National Seashore parking
Amenities: Restrooms, outdoor showers, bike trails

4. Chatham Lighthouse Beach

This picturesque beach sits below the famous Chatham Light, offering excellent views of the lighthouse and Chatham Harbor. The beach's location at the "elbow" of Cape Cod provides unique perspectives of both the Atlantic Ocean and Nantucket Sound.

Best For: Photography, lighthouse views, seal watching
Parking: Limited street parking (arrive early)
Amenities: None on beach (facilities in town)

5. Mayflower Beach (Dennis)

This Cape Cod Bay beach features warm, calm waters perfect for families with young children. The extensive tidal flats create natural pools at low tide, providing safe play areas for kids and excellent opportunities for finding shells and sea creatures.

Best For: Families, young children, warm water swimming
Parking: Large parking area ($20/day for non-residents)
Amenities: Restrooms, snack bar, lifeguards, playground

6. Herring Cove Beach (Provincetown)

Famous for its spectacular sunsets over Cape Cod Bay, Herring Cove attracts visitors from across the Cape for evening gatherings. The beach's western exposure and calm bay waters make it ideal for swimming and sunset photography.

Best For: Sunsets, calm water swimming, evening gatherings
Parking: Free National Seashore parking
Amenities: Restrooms, showers, snack bar (seasonal)

7. Craigville Beach (Centerville)

Known as "Muscle Beach" for its active volleyball scene, Craigville offers warm Nantucket Sound waters and a lively beach atmosphere. The beach's central location makes it easily accessible from anywhere on the Cape.

Best For: Beach volleyball, warm water, social atmosphere
Parking: Large parking lot ($25/day in summer)
Amenities: Snack bar, restrooms, showers, volleyball courts

8. Marconi Beach (Wellfleet)

This National Seashore beach offers dramatic cliff views and excellent surf fishing opportunities. The beach's location near the Marconi Wireless Station site adds historical significance to its natural beauty.

Best For: Surf fishing, dramatic scenery, fewer crowds
Parking: Free National Seashore parking
Amenities: Restrooms, outdoor showers, historical exhibits

9. Corporation Beach (Dennis)

This Cape Cod Bay beach features a long boardwalk leading to warm, shallow waters perfect for families. The beach's gentle slope and calm conditions make it ideal for young swimmers and those seeking relaxation.

Best For: Families, accessibility, warm water
Parking: Ample parking ($20/day for non-residents)
Amenities: Boardwalk, restrooms, snack bar, lifeguards

10. Head of the Meadow Beach (Truro)

This lesser-known National Seashore beach offers pristine conditions with fewer crowds than its famous neighbors. The beach's remote location provides excellent opportunities for beachcombing and nature photography.

Best For: Solitude, beachcombing, nature photography
Parking: Free National Seashore parking
Amenities: Restrooms, outdoor showers

Insider Tips for Cape Cod Beach Visits

Parking and Timing

Summer parking fills quickly at popular beaches, often by 10 AM on weekends. Arrive early or consider visiting during weekdays for the best experience. Many National Seashore beaches offer free parking, while town beaches typically charge daily fees ranging from $15-25 for non-residents.

Water Temperature Guide

Cape Cod Bay beaches (west and north-facing) offer the warmest water, reaching comfortable swimming temperatures by mid-June. Atlantic Ocean beaches remain cooler throughout the summer but provide better surf and more dramatic scenery. Water temperatures peak in August and early September.

Safety Considerations

Always check local conditions before entering the water. Atlantic-facing beaches can have strong currents and undertows, especially during storms. Swim only at lifeguarded beaches when possible, and be aware of seal populations that may attract sharks to certain areas.

Seasonal Beach Experiences

Summer (June-August)

Peak season offers the warmest water temperatures, full amenities, and lifeguard coverage at major beaches. Expect crowds and higher parking fees, but also the most vibrant beach atmosphere with activities and events.

Fall (September-November)

September often provides the best beach weather with warm water, fewer crowds, and pleasant air temperatures. Fall offers excellent conditions for beach walks and photography, though amenities may be limited.

Winter/Spring (December-May)

Off-season beach visits provide solitude and dramatic storm-watching opportunities. While swimming isn't practical, winter beaches offer unique beauty and excellent conditions for photography and contemplation.

Beach Activities and Equipment

Water Sports

Cape Cod's diverse beaches support various water activities. Atlantic beaches offer excellent surfing conditions, while bay beaches provide ideal conditions for kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. Many beaches have rental facilities for equipment during summer months.

Beachcombing and Nature

Cape Cod beaches offer exceptional beachcombing opportunities, particularly after storms. Look for sea glass, shells, and driftwood along the wrack line. The area's rich marine ecosystem provides opportunities to observe shorebirds, seals, and occasionally whales from shore.

Planning Your Cape Cod Beach Adventure

The key to enjoying Cape Cod's beaches lies in matching your preferences with the right location and timing. Families with young children will love the warm, calm waters of bay beaches like Mayflower and Corporation, while adventure seekers should head to the Atlantic side for surfing and dramatic scenery.

Consider staying in [AI-Internal Link] Cape Cod accommodations that provide easy beach access, and explore other [AI-Internal Link] Cape Cod attractions to round out your coastal vacation. Many visitors combine beach days with visits to charming towns like Chatham, Provincetown, and Wellfleet.

Whether you're seeking the perfect family beach day, a romantic sunset walk, or an adventurous surf session, Cape Cod's diverse coastline offers something special for every beach lover. Plan your visit to include multiple beaches to experience the full range of what this spectacular peninsula has to offer.