Craving soft sands, salty breezes, and iconic New England beach days? In this post, I’ll share the unforgettable beaches I discovered on Cape Cod—where coastal charm, natural beauty, and timeless summer traditions come together by the sea. These stunning beaches on Cape Cod, MA offer everything from calm bays to dramatic ocean surf, perfect for family fun or romantic strolls!
Highlights:
Best Beaches on Cape Cod, MA:
1. Cape Cod Map with Beaches
Zoom in on the map to discover the names of the beaches mentioned below.
2. Ballston Beach - 30 minutes from Provincetown by car
Location:
Truro, MassachusettsRecommended For:
Beach lovers, surfers, boogie boarders, and those looking to enjoy panoramic views, sunbathing, and beachfront activities.What I Love: ♥
The spacious beach, surprisingly strong waves perfect for surfing and boogie boarding, and the stunning golden hills that inspired Edward Hopper’s art.- Surf or boogie board in the strong waves that make this beach ideal for water sports.
- Relax on the soft sands, with plenty of space for sunbathing and beachfront activities.
- Enjoy the panoramic views of the beautiful golden hills that inspired famed artist Edward Hopper.
- Park at the visitor parking area or use street parking nearby, with a bicycle rack provided for convenience.
- Take a break with public restroom facilities available, though be aware that there are no showers or lifeguards on duty.
Cost:
Free beach access; parking available at a moderate fee.Best time to visit:
Summer for the best beach weather and wave conditions for surfing.Local tips:
Bring your own surfboards and water sports equipment, as rentals are not available. Don’t forget sunscreen and a beach towel for a relaxing day in the sun.Distance:
Approximately 30 minutes from Provincetown by car.How to Get to Ballston Beach:
Drive along North Pamet Road to the end of the residential district, where you’ll find the beach access point with parking available.3. Chapin Memorial Beach
Chapin Memorial Beach is an off-the-beaten-path beach in Dennis. I enjoyed its wide, white-sand shore backed by dunes and tidal marshes!
You should plan to arrive early, especially on summer weekends.
I got a parking spot just in time. By mid-morning the 66-space lot fills fast. They enforce beach stickers or daily fees.
If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll go crazy for the tide pools, shells, and crabs.
4. Cockle Cove Beach - 15 minutes from downtown Chatham by car
Location:
South Chatham, MassachusettsRecommended For:
Families, swimmers, windsurfers, kayakers, and anyone looking to enjoy a calm, accessible beach with great conditions for water activities and sunbathing.What I Love: ♥
The calm waves for swimming and water sports, the soft sands perfect for play and sunbathing, and the safe environment for all ages to enjoy the beach and nearby waters.- Swim in the warm waters of Nantucket Sound, which provide ideal conditions for swimming and windsurfing.
- Play on the soft sands, with expansive beachfront areas perfect for sunbathing and beach sports.
- Kayak or boating enthusiasts can enjoy the calm waters, with designated access areas for watercraft.
- Watch seagulls and other seabirds flying low near the beach, adding to the natural ambiance of this family-friendly beach.
- Relax in the safe and calm environment, perfect for families and visitors of all ages to enjoy a beach day.
Cost:
Free beach access; parking fees may apply during peak seasons.Best time to visit:
Summer for the best beach and water conditions, though the beach is a great spot for families year-round.Local tips:
Bring sunscreen, beach toys for the kids, and your water sports gear. Be mindful of the seagulls—they may fly low near the beach, but they are harmless.Distance:
About 15 minutes from downtown Chatham by car.How to Get to Cockle Cove Beach:
Head down Cockle Cove Road to the beach, where parking is available. It’s a short walk to the waterfront from the parking lot.5. Craigville Beach
6. Crosby Landing Beach - 15 minutes from downtown Brewster by car
Location:
Brewster, MassachusettsRecommended For:
Families, beachcombers, nature lovers, and anyone looking for a peaceful, spacious beach with safe tide pools for kids and great walking opportunities.What I Love: ♥
The safe, calm tide pools for kids to explore, the spacious sands ideal for beach walks, and the convenient access to nearby Nickerson State Park for added outdoor adventures.- Explore safe tide pools during low tide, perfect for young children to play and discover sea creatures.
- Walk the spacious sands along the beach—ideal for leisurely strolls and enjoying the natural beauty.
- Be cautious around the beach’s boardwalk, as it has some loose boards—tread carefully when walking.
- Enjoy the beach even without lifeguards, as it offers a peaceful, family-friendly environment to relax and unwind.
- Use the bike racks for convenient access to the beach by bike, with a small parking lot nearby for easy visitor access.
Cost:
Free beach access; parking may be limited during peak seasons.Best time to visit:
Summer for the best weather and opportunities to enjoy the tide pools, though the beach is great for walks and relaxation year-round.Local tips:
Bring sunscreen and be mindful of the loose boards on the boardwalk. Don’t forget to check out the nearby Nickerson State Park for additional hiking and outdoor activities.Distance:
About 15 minutes from downtown Brewster by car.How to Get to Crosby Landing Beach:
Head to Crosby Lane and follow signs to the beach. The parking lot is small but conveniently located near the beach access.Kid-friendly Beaches on Cape Cod, MA:
7. Dowses Beach - 15 minutes from downtown Osterville by car
Location:
Osterville, MassachusettsRecommended For:
Beachcombers, families, sunbathers, and anyone looking for a relaxing beach with great ocean views and accessible amenities.What I Love: ♥
The dual-sided views of the Atlantic Ocean, the excellent beachcombing conditions with seashells scattered across the sand, and the large viewing dock accessible to visitors with mobility concerns.- Explore the beach, perfect for beachcombing with plenty of seashells, although beachwalking can be tricky.
- Relax and enjoy ample space for sunbathing or playing beachfront sports.
- Stay safe with lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day, ensuring a safe and enjoyable visit.
- Walk along the rock jetties at the end of the beach, offering a great spot for waterfront observation.
- Access the beach’s large viewing dock, providing a beautiful vantage point and accessible to visitors with mobility concerns.
Cost:
Free beach access; parking is available in a large lot near the beach.Best time to visit:
Summer months for the best weather and lifeguard coverage, though it’s a peaceful spot to visit year-round.Local tips:
Bring a beach bag for seashells and enjoy the beautiful beachcombing opportunities. Be mindful of the jetties and use the viewing dock for a more relaxed experience if walking on the sand is difficult.Distance:
Approximately 15 minutes from downtown Osterville by car.How to Get to Dowses Beach:
Drive to 348 E. Bay Road, Osterville, and park in the large parking lot. From there, it’s a short walk to the beach and the viewing dock.8. Ellis Landing Beach
Location:
Brewster, MassachusettsRecommended For:
Beach-goers seeking a quiet, relaxing spot to enjoy nature, picnic, and partake in low tide activities like walking and beachcombing.What I Love: ♥
The calm and quiet atmosphere at low tide, the grassy areas perfect for picnics, and the small sand dunes that surround the beach, creating a peaceful environment.- Relax in the peaceful setting, especially during low tide, when ample room is available for beach activities and relaxation.
- Picnic in the grassy areas near the beach, offering a perfect space for visitors to unwind while enjoying the coastal views.
- Explore the small sand dunes that surround the beachfront area, adding to the beach’s serene charm.
- Visit the public restrooms for convenience, though be aware that there are no lifeguards on duty at the beach.
- Arrive early or later in the afternoon to secure a spot in the small parking lot, as it tends to fill up quickly during peak hours.
Cost:
Free beach access; parking fees may apply during peak seasons.Best time to visit:
Low tide for maximum beach space and activities; summer for the best weather and beach conditions.Local tips:
Be mindful of the private beachfront areas nearby, as these are off-limits to visitors. Arrive early or later in the day to ensure parking, especially on weekends.Distance:
About 15 minutes from downtown Brewster by car.How to Get to Ellis Landing Beach:
Drive along Ellis Landing Road to the parking lot. Walk a short distance to reach the beach and enjoy the surrounding grassy areas and sand dunes.9. First Encounter Beach - 10 minutes from downtown Eastham by car
Location:
Eastham, MassachusettsRecommended For:
History buffs, families, beach-goers, and those looking to enjoy a peaceful beach with scenic views and historical significance.What I Love: ♥
The historic significance as the site of the first meeting between the Pilgrims and indigenous tribes, the warm, tranquil waters, and the panoramic views of Cape Cod’s stunning waterfront.- Visit the historic site, named in honor of the first meeting between the Pilgrims and indigenous tribes before the settlers arrived in Plymouth.
- Relax in the tranquil waters and enjoy the spacious beach, which is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beach activities.
- Explore the expansive beachfront areas accessible during low tide, offering plenty of room for family fun and outdoor play.
- Enjoy the small sand dunes framing the day-use areas, creating a peaceful, natural setting.
- Walk along the boardwalk, which is equipped with ADA accessibility features, including beach chairs for visitors with mobility concerns.
- Cool down with an ice cream cart during the summer months—great for a sweet treat after a day at the beach.
Cost:
Free beach access; parking may be limited during peak seasons.Best time to visit:
Summer for ideal weather and beach conditions, though the beach is a peaceful spot to visit year-round for history and scenic views.Local tips:
Visit during the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds, and bring sunscreen and snacks as there is no official concession stand.Distance:
About 10 minutes from downtown Eastham by car.How to Get to First Encounter Beach:
Drive along Samoset Road in Eastham to reach the parking area, which is just a short walk from the boardwalk and beach access points.10. Howes Beach
If you’re spending time in Dennis, I think you’ll really enjoy Howes Beach. I loved how open and peaceful it felt.
You’ll find it along Cape Cod Bay, and it’s actually one of the most spacious beaches on the north shore, which means you can spread out and truly relax.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
Why is Cape Cod, MA a popular summer destination?
- Cape Cod, MA is one of New England's most famous summer vacation destinations.
- It offers a mix of unique tourist attractions, beautiful beaches, and renowned restaurants.
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What can visitors enjoy in Cape Cod?
- Travelers can explore scenic beaches, indulge in fresh seafood dining, and visit the area's many historical and cultural attractions.
Best Time to Visit Beaches on Cape Cod, MA
- June to August – Best overall time for swimming, sunbathing, and classic New England beach days.
- July & August – Peak summer with warm water, bustling beach towns, and family-friendly events.
- May & September – Pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and ideal for beach walks and shell collecting.
- October – Enjoy crisp coastal air, fall colors, and peaceful shoreline strolls.
- November to April – Off-season with quiet beaches, chilly winds, and serene seaside views.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Summer (June-August) – Peak season with warm temperatures and ideal beach weather.
Chatham Bars Inn – A luxury waterfront resort with private beach access.
Visit Nauset Beach – A stunning stretch of sand great for surfing and long walks.
Spring (March-May) – Mild weather and blooming coastal landscapes.
Wequassett Resort and Golf Club – A picturesque retreat with ocean views.
Explore Coast Guard Beach – One of Cape Cod’s most scenic and pristine beaches.
Fall (September-November) – Warm waters linger, and the crowds thin out.
The Mansion at Ocean Edge Resort – A historic stay with private beach access.
Relax at Mayflower Beach – Known for its soft sand and spectacular sunsets.
Winter (December-February) – Quiet and serene, ideal for coastal walks and sightseeing.
Inn on the Sound – A charming oceanfront inn in Falmouth.
Walk Along Race Point Beach – A peaceful spot known for its dunes and lighthouse views.
Plan Your Trip