Cape Cod Beaches

The Best Cape Cod Beaches chosen by AGuidetoCapeCod.com. Here are the Top 10 Cape Cod Beaches

When it comes to Fun in the Sun, it’s all about Sand, Surf and finding the Best Beaches on Cape Cod. Let’s just say there are PLENTY of great beaches on Cape Cod. Heck, other destinations would love put some of our less popular Cape Cod beaches on their Top 10 Best List. But this is Cape Cod, home to some of the best beaches in the world. So when you’re on vacation and looking to find the best Cape Cod beaches for you and your family, you need a real Top 10 list that you can trust. We have compiled our Top 10 Best Beaches List via our own Cape Cod Beach Gurus who live, play and work on Cape Cod. Our Top 10 List of Cape Cod Beaches is not biased or pay for placement, which can make the list a little misleading. We also don’t compile votes for the Best Cape Cod beaches which can also be misleading depending on the group of people who voted. We live and breathe to spend time at Cape Cod’s beaches. So take a peek at our 10 Best Beaches list below, then kick back, relax and rest assured that when your toes hit the sand you’re at one of Cape Cod’s Top 10 Best Beaches.

Top 10 Best Beaches on Cape Cod

1. Coast Guard Beach – Eastham, MA

This amazing beach is located in the heart of the Cape Cod National Seashore and is usually ranked as one of the Top 10 Beaches in the United States. Featuring dramatic cliffs and stunning natural beauty, coming to Coast Guard Beach is truly an escape from the outside world. If you plan to visit during summertime peak season the beach can get crowded, so be sure to get there early and secure your spot. Not only do we rank it in the coveted #1 spot but Dr. Beach, aka Professor Stephen Leatherman of Florida International University ranked Coast Guard Beach #8 on his Top 10 Beaches in the USA for 2014. Not to mention it was the ONLY CAPE COD BEACH to make his Top 10 List. Some of his over 50 criteria that helped Coast Guard Beach make his coveted list are the look and feel of the sand, water, weather, facilities and crowds. All of which play an important part to the overall beach experience. We use our own criteria and don’t get as quite as scientific as Dr. Beach to judge what Cape Cod beaches make our top 10 list, but we couldn’t agree more with his assessment. Coast Guard Beach is also a great swimming beach during the summer season and offers seasonal restrooms and a wheelchair accessible rampway to the beach.

Advice and Info about Coast Guard Beach:

Parking is limited. Use the Little Creek parking lot on Doanne Rd. and take the free shuttle to the beach. Shuttle runs every 5-10 minutes. There are no drop offs or pick ups allowed at the beach. This beach is popular. Be smart and get there early to secure your spot. There is a boardwalk. There can be nice waves for boogie boarding. Seals can be seen nearby. Volleyball courts, Lifeguards on duty, Showers & Restrooms available.

Directions to Coast Guard Beach:
From Route 6 turn on Nauset Rd. Follow Nauset Rd, it will turn into Doane Rd. Just past Pinecrest Dr look for the chance to turn left, this is the Little Creek Parking area with Shuttle Transportation.

2. Mayflower Beach – Dennis, MA

Mayflower Beach in Dennis comes in 2nd on our list of the Top 10 Best Beaches on Cape Cod. One of the reasons for its high ranking is how scenic it is offering clear water, small sand dunes, a boardwalk and tidal pools when the tide is out. Mayflower is a favorite among families because of the small waves and amenities like snack shack, bathrooms, showers and lifeguards. If you plan to spend the day at Mayflower Beach then we recommend that you get there early to get a parking spot and favorite spot on the sand. Mayflower beach is a favorite of both locals and vacationers alike.

Advice and Info about Mayflower Beach:

Arrive Early!! This way you can get a parking spot and find your favorite spot on the sand. To get more info on Beach parking in Dennis, MA call 508-760-6159. Parking stickers cost $20/$25 for a daily pass.

Directions to Mayflower Beach:
From Main St (Route 6A) make a left on New Boston Rd and then make a right onto Beach St. This will turn into Horsefoot Path. Make a right on Dunes Rd and the Parking Lot is on the right.

3. Sandy Neck Beach – Barnstable, MA

Sandy Neck Beach is ranked #3 on our Top Beaches List. This Cape Cod beach is very popular, but usually isn’t very crowded. At Sandy Neck Beach you can obtain a permit for your SUV or RV and drive out onto the beach. ORV permits are available at Sandy Neck gatehouse. There’s plenty of room to roam here at Sandy Neck. This beach offers lots of parking as well as restrooms, changing facilities and a concession stand. During the summer season (Memorial Day to Labor Day) the beach also has lifeguards. To park you will need a day pass and these are available for $15 (weekdays) and $20 (weekends and holidays) at the Gatehouse.

Advice and Info about Sandy Neck Beach:

The sand at Sandy Neck is soft but pebbly, so think about bringing a pair of water shoes if you have tender feet. 🙂 Even though this is a large beach and usually not as crowded as other Cape Cod Beaches on this list, we still suggest you get here early to secure a parking spot and a primo spot on the sand.

Directions to Sandy Neck Beach:
From Main St (Route 6A) take Sandy Neck Rd until it ends at the parking lot.

4. Race Point Beach – Provincetown, MA

When you visit Race Point Beach in P-Town (Provincetown, MA) it’s all about location, location, location. One of Cape Cod’s National Seashore beaches, Race Point beach is on everyone’s list of favorite beaches on Cape Cod. One reason is it’s north facing location which provides perfect sunshine all day long! Race Point is also well known for its sunsets. Because the sun sets over the water and provides an amazing show each and every night, many people just come to watch this spectacle. And if you’re staying for sunset, you might as well get a pass to have a bonfire. There really are no words to explain a day at Race Point Beach. Sunshine and surf, possible whale and seal sightings, beautiful clear blue water and soft by day, then amazing sunsets and bonfires with family and friends under an expansive sky full of stars at night. At Race Point Beach in Provincetown, the perfect day at the beach is waiting for you.

Advice and Info about Race Point Beach:

Large parking area, not as crowded as other Cape Cod beaches. Be careful when swimming, there is stronger surf here and a possible under tow. So please watch your little ones to make sure they stay safe. There dunes, lifeguards and restrooms. Parking Fee is: $15, $5 motorcycles, $3 bicycles.

Directions to Race Point Beach:
From Route 6 turn right onto Race Point Rd. Follow Race Point Rd all the way to the beach parking area. (Just past the Provincetown Municipal Airport).

5. Nauset Beach – Orleans, MA

Welcome to Nauset Beach on Cape Cod, our #5 entry of Cape Cod’s Best Beaches. Nauset Beach is very a popular public beach offering miles of white sand for your enjoyment. During peak season, there are free evening outdoor concerts on Mondays and Thursdays at the gazebo. PLEASE do not confuse Nauset Beach with Nauset Light Beach, because they are not the same beach. Nauset is popular with swimmers and boogie boarders because of the great waves. Surfing is also allowed in specific areas. You can even bring your off road vehicles with the proper permit. At Nauset Beach you will experience all that a Cape Cod beach experience should be. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets, fishing, surfing, soft sand and sunbathing, swimming, surfing and more.
Nauset Beach Web Cam – http://www.nausetbeach.org/

Advice and Info about Nauset Beach:

This is a great beach and it’s no secret. Yes there is a lot of parking but the lot can fill up. If you think to yourself, hey, it’s a perfect beach day on Cape Cod… so does everyone else, so get here early. Bring your surf boards, boogie boards and enjoy the waves. The beach is open to off-road vehicles with a special permit.

Directions to Nauset Beach:
From Main St (Route 6A) Take Beach Rd. The road will fork at Oliver’s Way be sure to stay right on Beach Rd and this will end at the Nauset Beach parking lot.

6. Chatham Light Beach – Chatham, MA

Also known as South Beach, Chatham Light Beach is very popular and always humming with activity. Plenty of space, calm water, beautiful views in all directions and soft sand make Chatham Light Beach our #6 Best Beach on Cape Cod.

Advice and Info about Chatham Light Beach:

Beach parking in the lot is limited to 1/2 hour. There is a shuttle bus available that picks up at Eldredge Service Station on Main Street.

Directions to Chatham Light Beach:
Take Route 28 (Main St) to Shore Rd and turn Right. Take Shore Rd to the parking lot.

7. Old Silver Beach – Falmouth, MA

Old Silver Beach in Falmouth, MA comes in at #7 on our Top 10 Best Cape Cod Beaches list. This popular beach is located on the western shore of Falmouth, MA and is known for its view of Buzzards Bay. The bay is a popular fishing and boating spot and was named by colonists who actually saw osprey flying and called them Buzzards. Old Silver Beach is a large beach but will get crowded. The beach is split into two sections one side for residents and one for the general public. Both sides are equally awesome and you are sure to enjoy your day at Old Silver Beach.

Advice and Info about Old Silver Beach:

Beach is split into two sections one for general public and one for residents. There are two parking lots as well. The water is mostly calm but be careful at high tide the currents can be strong. There are lifeguards on duty, a boardwalk, showers & restrooms, concession stand and a picnic area. Be sure to get there early! This beach is popular and will get crowded.

Directions to Old Silver Beach:
From Route 28A you can either take Old Dock Rd to Quaker Rd and turn Right, then follow Quaker Rd to the parking lot. Or from Route 28A take Curley Blvd to Quaker Rd and turn Left, then follow to parking.

8. Craigville Beach – Barnstable, MA

Even though we rank Craigville Beach at #8 on our Best Beaches list, don’t let this fool you. This beach has it all, lots of soft clean sand space to spread your blanket, beautiful views, plenty of parking, concession stand, beach rentals and there are even places to eat right across the street. But all these things do come with a price, this beach can get very crowded. So be sure to arrive plenty early and get a good spot.

Advice and Info about Craigville Beach:

Craigville Beach offers public parking, boardwalk, lifeguards, showers & restrooms, concession stand, beach rentals and restaurants across the street. The beach is also disabled accessible. This beach is VERY popular, if you plan to hang out here, then show up early! Daily Parking Fee $15 (weekdays), $20 (weekends/holidays)

Directions to Craigville Beach:
From Main St take Craigville Beach Rd to Craigville Beach parking lot.

9. West Dennis Beach – Dennis, MA

This is a big beach, over a mile long offering plenty of roam to enjoy a perfect Cape Cod day at the beach. West Dennis Beach is very popular and offers plenty to see and do: Wind Surfing, Kite Flying, playground for the kids, concession stand and plenty of room to toss the football around, West Dennis Beach is always bustling with activity. Even though this beach is very popular, there is so much room it never seems to crowded. But it doesn’t hurt to arrive early to make sure you get your favorite spot!

Advice and Info about West Dennis Beach:

Parking, boardwalk, lifeguards, showers & restrooms, concession stand and playground. Daily Parking Fee $20 (weekdays), $25 (weekends/holidays). The East-end parking is for residents only.

Directions to West Dennis Beach :
From Lower County Rd take Lighthouse Rd to the parking area.

10. Head of the Meadow Beach – Truro, MA

Coming in at #10 on our Best Beaches in Cape Cod list is Head of the Meadow Beach in Truro. The town of Truro is known for its secluded beaches and landscape and once you arrive at Head of the Meadow Beach you will know what we mean. If you want to surf, you can hang ten outside the main beach area. If you bring your bike, you should check out the Head of the Meadow Bike trail. Or simply find a good spot and do nothing at all. Head of the Meadow Beach never disappoints.

Advice and Info about Head of the Meadow Beach:

Lifeguards, Concession Stand, portable bathrooms are available in season. The beach is handicap accessible. Surfing is allowed outside the main beach area. There is volleyball, bike racks, bike trails and tons of natural beauty. Daily Parking Fee: $10, Weekly Parking fee: $40

Directions to Head of the Meadow Beach:
From Route 6 take Head of the Meadow Rd and follow it to the parking lot.