Summary
An arm-shaped headland located on the east of Massachusetts, Cape Cod is frequently regarded as synonymous with ‘beach’ and provides some of the finest beach destinations, not only in the United States but globally.
Characterized by an expansive stretch of remarkable coastline, historical sites, natural attractions, and vibrant flora and fauna, Cape Cod ranks among the most-visited locations on the planet.
The Bay is categorized into four segments: the upper, middle, lower, and outer cape. Wellfleet, situated in the Outer Cape, primarily encompasses the National Seashore of Cape Cod Bay.
Although there is an abundance of activities in Cape Cod, beach-related pursuits such as swimming, kayaking, jet-skiing, boogie boarding, boating, whale watching, and fishing stand out as some of the most favored throughout the region.
Listed below are the top 15 beaches in Cape Cod Bay, detailing what each destination has to offer.
1. Craigville Beach
Recognized as the most renowned beach in Barnstable, Craigville is a public beach situated in Nantucket Sound. Additionally, there is a private beach, Covell’s Beach, located nearby. Unlike the typical private beaches in Cape Cod, Craigville offers parking accessibility to non-residents for a fee.
This expansive beach features pristine sand and scenic landscapes.
During the summer, kitesurfing emerges as one of the most popular activities in the vicinity. Swimming and sunbathing are also highly favored here.
Although the beach attracts numerous college students and teenagers, it welcomes a diverse range of tourists.
The long, exquisite stretch of beach provides several public amenities, including showers, restrooms, a boardwalk, swimming lessons, and lifeguards. Craigville Beach is wheelchair accessible. Rental shops are available for beach chairs and umbrellas.
2. Monument Beach
Nestled in the town of Bourne, Massachusetts, Monument Beach is an expansive, tropical enclave that overlooks the entrance to Cape Cod Canal. Remarkably, despite its size and location, the surroundings remain tranquil and not overcrowded.
The dock located near the beach provides stunning views of the sea, and visitors can leap into the waters in cannonball style.
The waters are calm, making it an idyllic spot for families with children. Lifeguards monitor the area for safety.
Public facilities at Monument Beach include concession stands, restrooms, a boardwalk, picnic areas, bathhouses, and ample parking.
Windsurfing and beach volleyball are popular activities enjoyed at this beach.
3. Grays Beach
Commonly referred to as Bass Hole Beach, Grays Beach is located in Yarmouth, Massachusetts, and offers a serene saltwater experience on Cape Cod Bay.
The beach is positioned at the opening of Garden Creek and features a long boardwalk that extends over a salt marsh, leading partway to the beach itself. The boardwalk provides breathtaking views of both tropical flora and fauna as well as marine life.
Though the beach is modestly sized, it includes a generous picnic area complete with a gazebo.
Grays Beach is accessible to the public and has lifeguards on duty for safety, but lacks showers or food stands. Visitors may bring their own lunches to enjoy a picnic.
Restroom facilities are available for public use.
The beach’s size and the shallow waters during low tide make it an ideal location for children to swim and play, while adults can relax on the sand.
4. Sea Gull Beach
Sea Gull Beach is situated on Sea Gull Beach Road in Yarmouth, MA, and lies just west of Parker’s area. As the largest and most famous beach in Yarmouth, Sea Gull attracts many teenagers and young adults.
A notable feature is the presence of numerous seagulls around the beach area.
The beach’s expansive area offers ample space for visitors to relax, unwind, and engage in water activities. The water at Sea Gull is remarkably calm, perfect for a refreshing dip. The sandy floor is soft and clean, making it ideal for sunbathing.
Sea Gull Beach provides extensive parking and serves as a popular location for windsurfing and beachcombing.
Facilities available at the beach include bike racks, attendants, showers, food stalls, restrooms, swimming lessons, and accessibility for disabled visitors.
5. Cahoon Hollow Beach
Situated in Wellfleet, Massachusetts, Cahoon Hollow Beach is one of the most frequented beaches in the area, particularly attracting younger visitors in their twenties and thirties.
The beach features a stunning landscape characterized by towering sand dunes on one side and the expansive Atlantic Ocean on the other. There are two long pathways that traverse a 75-foot sand dune leading from the parking lot to the beach.
The Wellfleet Beachcomber, a popular seaside establishment, draws many young patrons.
Public amenities at the beach include lifeguards, restrooms, food stalls, attendants, a volleyball area, and dual parking options. The beach tends to fill up quickly on weekends and public holidays, so arriving early is advisable.
6. Mayo Beach
Overlooking Wellfleet Harbor, Mayo Beach is situated near the Breakwater Light, presenting a pristine and charming landscape.
Parking at this beach is complimentary. A playground is located across the street at Baker’s Field, enhancing the family-friendly atmosphere.
During high tide, the waters are ideal for swimming. Beachcombing enthusiasts can find numerous seashell specimens scattered on the firm sandy floor.
Mayo Beach serves as an excellent spot for yoga practitioners who prefer seaside sessions.
Facilities provided at the beach include bike racks, restrooms, and a boardwalk. Numerous dining options are available in the adjacent dock area.
7. Ballston Beach
The picturesque Ballston Beach, located on North Pamet Road in Truro, overlooks the vast Atlantic Ocean and boasts stunning golden hills in its backdrop.
An inspiration for Truro artist Edward Hopper, Ballston is notably spacious with a fine sand floor. The waters offer favorable conditions for boogie boarding and surfing.
Residential homes are situated on both sides of the beach, yet this does not detract from Ballston’s popularity among beach enthusiasts.
Public facilities at the beach include restrooms, parking spaces, and amenities for disabled access.
8. Town Neck Beach
Positioned in Sandwich, MA, Town Neck Beach serves as an enjoyable getaway for both young individuals and adults alike. This popular Cape Cod Bay beach is complemented by a notable boardwalk frequented by visitors who wish to dive into the inviting waters.
The beach features rocky terrain accompanied by an array of dunes in the background. Town Neck’s advantageous location near the entrance of Cape Cod Canal enhances its charm with picturesque views of vessels navigating the waterway.
The tranquil waters render Town Neck an excellent choice for swimming and kayaking, with lifeguards on duty to ensure visitor safety.
The parking area is a convenient distance from the beach and is quite expansive.
Additional amenities include restrooms, beach chairs, and umbrellas.
9. East Sandwich Beach
East Sandwich Beach presents a breathtaking expanse of coastline along Cape Cod Bay, situated behind a line of grassy dunes and a row of beach cottages. Located on North Shore Road, the beach is substantial but tends to be less crowded, offering a peaceful and relaxing environment.
The sand here is soft, and the waves are gentle. Visitors can explore the surrounding rock jetties and smaller dunes.
The parking area is a short walk from the beach and traverses a small dune.
Restrooms, lounge chairs, and umbrellas are available for public use. While there are no food stalls, visitors are welcome to bring their own meals and enjoy a picnic while the children embark on building sandcastles.
10. Sandy Neck Beach
Recognized among the esteemed beaches in Cape Cod Bay, Sandy Neck is a six-mile-long beach celebrated for its off-roading trails.
The water temperature here is comparatively cooler than many other southern beaches in Cape Cod; nevertheless, it remains suitable for swimming. This barrier beach features a pebbly surface while offering spectacular ocean views.
Although off-roading is a popular activity, it is restricted early in the season due to the shoreline being a nesting area for the threatened piping plover species.
Access to Sandy Neck commences at Sandwich; however, the beach itself lies within Barnstable, permitting residents of both communities to acquire special deals on seasonal beach stickers.
11. Breakwater Beach
One of Brewster’s most renowned beaches, Breakwater Beach spans a mile along the sandy shoreline of Cape Cod Bay.
In mid-summer, the water temperature averages a pleasant 65 to 70 degrees, making it an excellent choice for swimming in the afternoon or evening.
Attractive dunes line the beach, and the sandy floor is abundant with shells and marine life—an exciting opportunity for children to explore and beachcomb around the vibrant playground. An ice cream truck often visits the area, providing a refreshing treat for both kids and adults alike.
Occasional sightings of sailboats anchor in the vicinity during low tide create additional charm.
There are, however, no lifeguards on duty at Breakwater Beach; nonetheless, public facilities such as portable toilets and refreshment vendors can be found nearby.
12. Coast Guard Beach
Frequently recognized as one of the top 10 beaches in the United States, Coast Guard Beach has garnered acclaim for its breathtaking views from numerous magazines, television channels, and reviewers.
A section of the Cape Cod National Seashore, Coast Guard portrays the quintessential depiction of Cape Cod Beaches, characterized by marshlands and magnificent dunes.
While Coast Guard Beach is well-frequented and sees a substantial flow of visitors, it is still possible to discover a quaint spot if one doesn’t mind exploring a little.
The large waves at Coast Guard Beach offer fantastic opportunities for boogie-boarding and surfing.
Parking is limited and is reserved for residents only; however, non-residents may park at the nearby Little Creek parking lot, with shuttle service running every few minutes.
A boardwalk leads directly to the beach, making it accessible for individuals with disabilities.
Lifeguards, showers, restrooms, and handicap chairs are available for visitors’ convenience.
13. Nauset Light Beach
Nauset Light Beach, another gem within the Cape Cod National Seashore, is a mile-long sandy shoreline backed by towering dunes and magnificent vistas. Located in Eastham, this beach is recognized as one of the most sought-after on the Outer Cape.
Distinguished by the prominent Nauset Lighthouse, the beach is connected to the parking area via a wooden staircase. Nauset Light Beach is particularly popular among families and features an extensive observation area within the parking facility, providing excellent views and superb opportunities for photography.
The sizable waves at this location create optimal conditions for swimming, boogie boarding, and surfing.
Public amenities at the beach consist of shower facilities, restrooms, lifeguards, as well as beach chairs and umbrellas available for visitor use.
14. Mayflower Beach
Esteemed as the most picturesque beach in Dennis, Massachusetts, Mayflower Beach not only receives wide admiration but is also a favorite among families vacationing in and around the town.
With gentle tides, an extensive coastline, lifeguards, and tide pools, Mayflower embodies features that make it one of the most ‘family-friendly’ beaches in the United States.
A boardwalk connects the expansive parking area to the beach, providing convenient access.
While there are no showers available at the beach, other public facilities, including restrooms, a picnic area, disabled-access chairs, and food vendors are readily accessible at Mayflower Beach.
This beach was recognized as one of the top beaches in the United States in 2011 by the prominent Parents Magazine.
15. Skaket Beach
Skaket Beach, located in Orleans, MA, features a vast expanse of fine sand coastline, making it one of the most beautiful beaches in Cape Cod.
This remarkable location is a favorite among sunset enthusiasts and photographers, offering stunning sunsets every evening.
The warm waters at Skaket are ideal for swimming, while the expansive flats during low tide allow for leisurely strolls along the shore. Kite flying is an active pastime in this area, where friendly tropical creatures frequent the tidal pools.
As a prime location for observing boats as they travel to and from Rock Harbor, Skaket Beach can accommodate numerous visitors daily. Its expansive parking area, which can hold 175 vehicles, facilitates easy access to the beach. However, it tends to fill quickly on weekends, sunny days, and public holidays.
A variety of public amenities are available in proximity to the beach, including lifeguards, showers, restrooms, picnic areas, disabled-access chairs, and food and drink vendors.
