New England is one of the most unique regions in all of the United States of America. It was here that the famous pilgrims first set foot on American soil after stepping off the Mayflower, with New England being home to many of America’s oldest and most historic towns and cities. The region is also well-known as a global leader in education, with renowned universities like Harvard and Yale, as well as being a prime touristic spot. One of the main tourism-based areas of New England is Cape Cod. Well-known for its world class fishing, quaint villages, and gorgeous beaches, Cape Cod is a super spot to visit on any New England vacation, with Hyannis being one of the area’s most charming towns.
The biggest town in the Barnstaple area of Massachusetts, Hyannis is generally regarded as the primary transportation center of Cape Cod, providing access to the cape itself and offering ferry and plane links to nearby Nantucket Island as well. Hyannis is a very popular touristic spot on Cape Cod and is even nicknamed 'Capital of the Cape', attracting large numbers of visitors each year. Fishing and boating are very popular at Hyannis, and lots of beautiful beaches are found in the town itself and the surrounding area. So if you’re planning a New England or Cape Cod vacation, be sure to stop off at Hyannis along the way.
Best Beaches in Hyannis
Like many towns all around the Cape Cod area, Hyannis is blessed with some truly breathtaking beaches. The Barnstable area has eleven beaches overall, but nearly half of those beaches are private and mostly reserved for residents. Fortunately, there's still a lot of choice regarding public beaches in Hyannis. These beaches have a lot of good amenities and offer plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy. Read through the descriptions and guide below to learn all about Hyannis' best beaches.
- Craigville Beach
A long and large beach with a lot of good amenities, Craigville Beach is highly popular with folks of all ages but holds particular appeal for young people. The water conditions are just right for a lot of different activities here, having a nice warm temperature in the summer months for swimming, while also proposing some big waves for surfing and water sports. There's a clearly marked swimming area at Craigville Beach which can get very popular on sunny days, and the local amenities include eateries, restrooms, and showers, with lifeguards also on-duty to ensure that everyone stays safe.
- Sandy Neck Beach
If you're visiting Hyannis and looking to spend some time on the sand, Sandy Neck Beach will probably be your first port of call. This is the biggest beach in the area, running for around seven miles in total and offering some breathtaking views of Cape Cod Bay and the surrounding coastline. Big sand dunes dominate the landscape here and offer fun climbing and exploration opportunities, while the gentle, clear waters are lovely for swimming and splashing around with kids. Several food sellers can be found here, along with restrooms, showers, and other basic amenities. There's a massive parking area too, so even on the busiest days, you can always find a spot at Sandy Neck Beach.
- Veterans Beach
If you're looking for some of the prettiest views and best photography spots in Hyannis, Veterans Beach is the place to be. With a small grassy park right nearby for picnics and games, this beach is named due to the presence of a monument to the people who fought and died in the Korean War. A second monument, erected in honor of JFK, is also visible at this beach park, making it a nice spot to stroll around with friends, family, or a special someone. Veterans Beach looks out onto the Nantucket Sound and is a nice spot for shelling, with lots of precious ocean treasures washing up on the shores throughout the year.
- Kalmus Beach
This is probably the most famous beach in Hyannis. In fact, it's one of the best-known beaches in the surrounding Barnstable area and even ranks highly in full lists of best Cape Cod beaches. So what makes Kalmus Beach so special? Well, the major appeal of this beach is for windsurfing. The winds can get unusually strong around here, making Kalmus Beach a fun spot for flying kites or playing various beach games. If you're more interested in relaxing and soaking up some sun, the far end of Kalmus Beach is calmer and quieter, better-suited for swimming and sunbathing. Amenities at this Hyannis beach include restrooms, showers, and food vendors.
- Orrin Keyes Beach
Orrin Keyes Beach is one of the best beaches in Hyannis for folks who just want to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. There's a very calming vibe all around this beach, with tranquil waters to match. It's a nice spot for families to come and play around in the sand or paddle in the water, while also being perfectly suitable for sunbathing and other activities. Crowds never really build up at Orrin Keyes Beach and there are some useful amenities nearby including restrooms, showers, and a snack stand. Parking is also very easy here and lots of sailboats can be spotted passing by, making this a nice spot for keen amateur photographers.
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