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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.
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1. Ballston Beach
Ballston Beach is a charming, spacious beach located at the end of the residential Pamet Road district in Truro, Massachusetts, offering panoramic views of the region's beautiful golden hills, noted as inspiration for famed 20th-century artist Edward Hopper. The lovely Cape Cod beach offers soft sands and surprisingly strong waves, making for excellent surfing and boogie boarding conditions. Ample area is also available for sunbathing and beachfront activities. A bike rack is provided for visitor use, along with public restroom facilities, though visitors should note that no showers are offered and that lifeguards are not staffed on duty. A moderate amount of visitor parking is available, with street parking available nearby.
North Pamet Road, Truro, MA 02666, Phone: 508-487-6983, Map, Weather forecast
2. Cockle Cove Beach, Cape Cod
Cockle Cove Beach is a family-friendly beach in South Chatham, Massachusetts, located at the end of Cockle Cove Road. As one of a number of public beaches lining the city's southern end, the Nantucket Sound beach is known for its warm water conditions, making for prime swimming and windsurfing conditions throughout the season. Calm waves and soft sands make for safe play conditions for visitors of all ages, with narrow but expansive beachfront areas providing space for sunbathing and beach sports. The beach is also a popular spot for kayaking and boating, with access areas provided for water craft. Visitors should note that the beach is heavily populated by seagulls and other seabirds, which are harmless but may fly low near the beachfront throughout the day.
Beaches on Cape Cod: Cockle Cove Beach, 435 Cockle Cove Rd, South Chatham, MA 02659, Phone: 508-945-5180
3. Crosby Landing Beach, Cape Cod
Crosby Landing Beach is a lovely and spacious beach in Brewster, Massachusetts that offers convenient access to nearby Nickerson State Park. The beach is a great summer relaxation spot for families with kids, home to many safe, calm tide pools at low tide for young ones to play in and comb for sea creatures. Spacious sands make for great beachwalking stretches, though visitors should note that the beach's boardwalk has some loose boards and should tread carefully. No lifeguards are staffed on duty at the beach, though public restroom facilities are available for visitor use. Bike racks are also offered for visitors, with a small but close and convenient parking lot available.
276 Crosby Ln, Brewster, MA 02631, Phone: 508-896-3701, Map
4. Dowses Beach
Dowses Beach is a quaint beach in Osterville that stretches out along a large peninsular area, offering dual-sided views of the beautiful waters of the Atlantic Ocean. A very large parking lot is offered at the beach, which is heavily littered with seashells, making beachwalking difficult but making for excellent beachcombing conditions. Ample space is available for beach activities such as sunbathing and beachfront sports, with lifeguards staffed on duty between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Rock jetties at the end of the beach make for great spots for waterfront observation, with a large viewing dock accessible for visitors with mobility concerns.
348 E. Bay Road, Osterville, MA 02655, Phone: 508-420-2403, Map
5. Ellis Landing Beach
Ellis Landing Beach is a calm, quiet beach in Brewster, Massachusetts, offering ample room for visitor relaxation and activities during low tide conditions, though visitors should note that high tide makes much of the beach inaccessible. The seasonal beach is open to the public, though surrounding areas are private beachfront and may not be trespassed by tourists. Grassy areas are available for picnics and relaxation, with small sand dunes surrounding the beachfront area. Public restrooms are offered for visitors, though no lifeguards are staffed on duty. Visitors should note that the beach's public parking lot is small and are advised to arrive early during the day or later in the afternoon to secure parking.
Ellis Landing Road, Brewster, MA, Map
6. First Encounter Beach, Cape Cod
First Encounter Beach is a lovely beach in Eastham, Massachusetts and a prime Cape Cod spot for history buffs, named in honor of the first meeting spot between the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower and regional indigenous tribes prior to colonists' settlement in nearby Plymouth. The beach offers warm, tranquil waters and panoramic views of the Cape Cod waterfront, with expansive beachfront areas accessible at low tide and small sand dunes framing day-use areas. A boardwalk area is offered for visitor use, with ADA accessibility features available for visitors with mobility concerns, including handicap-accessible beach chairs. Though no official concession stand is hosted on site, ice cream is sold by carts during the summer months.
Samoset Road, Eastham, MA 02642, Phone: 508-240-5976, Map
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
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