Best Beaches in Hyannis, MA
Searching for the best beaches in Hyannis, Massachusetts to visit on your next day trip or vacation? Well, you are in the right place! Most people know that Cape Cod’s southern coast is home to some of the most inviting beaches on the East Coast, but few people realize that Hyannis totally holds its own as a vacation spot. With soft sands and calm waters, it’s the kind of place that keeps us coming back year after year.
This is exactly why I decided to share my beach spots around Hyannis so that you can use my guide as an inspiration to plan your own vacation. This guide describes the beaches I recommend from our ten day road trip, and I hope you’ll enjoy them too.
Craigville Beach, Barnstable - 20 minutes from Hyannis
Along Nantucket Sound, Craigville Beach is one of the most inviting stretches of shoreline. I think it’s one of the absolute best beaches in Hyannis! We checked into 3-star Hyannis Travel Inn for two care-free days.
We started our New England weekend getaway driving into Hyannis, MA, near Barnstable. We were feeling excited because Craigville Beach was on our list as one of the best beaches around.
Just a quick 10-minute drive from downtown Hyannis brought us to Craigville Beach Google Maps pin.First thing we did was park nearby and walk down toward the sand. Right away the ocean felt like magic and kind of a hidden gem vibe.
The beach itself was wide, with soft sand. Families setting up early, which made it feel like a joyful family experience.
We laid our towels down and just took it all in, thinking this might actually be my favorite beaches on Cape Cod so far.
Above all, you can enjoy a great swim here. The water can be cool but it's always refreshing. It feels amazing for such a popular area.
Later have a walk along the shoreline, check out the sailboats in the distance. For lunch, grab a snack locally.
As the afternoon went on, the light got softer and the water looked spectacular at sunset, honestly one of the coolest beach moments we’ve had.
Sandy Neck Beach - 15 minutes from Hyannis
Ready for a classic Cape Cod escape? This beach if one of my best beaches in Hyannis for a more rugged side of Cape Cod. The beach is a six-mile sweep of sand, heaps of dunes, and tidal flats.
About a 20-minute drive from Hyannis, we set aside a full day to soak it in. You can swim and then explore the vast tidal flats at low tide. Follow the sandy trails past rolling dunes and take photos of Sandy Neck Lighthouse.
Veterans Beach Park - Located in Hyannis
This is a cozy community beach where families gather. Veterans Beach Park had that “Cape Cod neighborhood beach” charm that instantly won me over.
Just a 5-minute drive from downtown Hyannis, you get to slip into a slower rhythm here. Enjoy the sandy stretch, kids go wading, and then visit the John F. Kennedy Memorial and the solemn Korean War Memorial.
My personal highlight was an fried shrimp roll ($26.99( at Spanky’s Clam Shack & Seaside Saloon downtown where are refueled for lunch.
Kalmus Beach - Just minutes from Main Street
Chris and I both absolutely love Kalmus Beach, and have been many times. You'll find it along Nantucket Sound, Just a quick 5-minute drive from downtown Hyannis. I loved the wide-open views here. I instantly thought our journey was worth it!
You can swim, watch windsurfers and kiteboarders, and enjoy the steady winds off Nantucket Sound.
The main stretch of Kalmus faces Lewis Bay. The south side opens to Nantucket Sound and has a completely unique vibe.
A downside? Parking for non-residents can be costly in the summer.
Orrin Keyes Beach - Just a short drive from downtown Hyannis
This beach sits righ into Hyannis’s harborfront. It doesn’t have the wide sweep of Craigville or the heaps of dunes of Sandy Neck. Instead, it’s a small stretch where locals gather and the busy hum of Hyannis Harbor forms the backdrop. It's just a few minutes from downtown Hyannis, and I spent a quiet morning here.
What I loved best:
The atmosphere (of course!) - cozy and familiar. It's almost like stumbling upon a secret spot, my favorite highlight.
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Sea Streets (Keyes) Beach - 5-minute drive from downtown Hyannis
I think this is one of the best beaches in Hyannis for an easy escape close to town. This beach (often called Keyes Memorial Beach) is ore open than little Orrin Keyes.
It’s bigger and more open than little Orrin Keyes, yet still has that local flavor.
You can park close to the beach, walk on the sand, and enjoy Lewis Bay views. The water is shallow and warm. Our son loved it.
We ended the day watching the sunset.
What I loved best:
The friendly vibe was my favorite highlight.
For me, Sea Streets Beach is one of the best beaches in Hyannis because it's relaxing and unique!
I loved that it's just minutes from Main Street. From the jetty, I paused to take in the sweeping views of Lewis Bay.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
