Best Cape Cod Beaches

Mayflower Beach's beautiful views make it a favorite among visitors of Dennis. At this Mid Cape beach, low tide means travelers can walk for miles until they reach the water, and it's the perfect place to watch the sunset. The beach is also ideal for families; there are lifeguards on duty, as well as picnic areas, public bathrooms and ample room to spread out. Plus, the parking lot conveniently connects to the beach via a boardwalk. Because Mayflower Beach is located on the bay side, the waves are usually calmer than those at other Cape beaches.

Located within South Cape Beach State Park in Mashpee, this mile-long strip of white sand faces the Nantucket Sound, giving beachgoers an excellent view of Martha's Vineyard. In addition to sunbathing, popular activities at South Cape Beach include swimming (the water is pleasantly warm for the region), kayaking and fishing for striped bass and bluefish. Picnic areas and grills are available on-site, along with public restrooms. Plus, travelers can enjoy the park's array of hiking trails when they tire of the beach. Daily parking fees are in place during the busy summer season.

Longnook Beach on the Outer Cape is a must-visit destination for travelers who value seclusion and scenic beauty. Sitting about 10 miles southeast of Provincetown, this Truro shoreline is backed by massive dunes, giving it an air of privacy that has made it popular among nude sunbathers. To get to the beach, travelers will have to climb down a steep sand dune, so it is not advised for those with mobility concerns. There are not many facilities here, but restrooms are available and Longnook's small waves make it an ideal place for boogie boarding. Keep in mind, a beach parking sticker is required in summer.

This popular Cape Cod shoreline in the small town of Wellfleet is known for its massive sand dunes and gentle waves. Seals (and sometimes sharks) can often be spotted just offshore. Arrive in the evening to enjoy nighttime fishing or to build beach bonfires (with a valid permit) and roast marshmallows while bonding with family and friends. Remember, Newcomb Hollow's impressive cliffs mean it is accessed down a steep dune – there are no stairs – so the beach isn't handicap accessible.

One of the top beaches in Provincetown also has the distinction of being situated within the picturesque Cape Cod National Seashore, which is home to some of the best beaches on the East Coast. This well-maintained Massachusetts shoreline features a bevy of amenities, including restrooms, showers, beach wheelchairs and an accessible beach ramp. Plus, a snack bar is open seasonally, freeing up space in your bag for other beach day necessities. Sunsets are especially phenomenal here, and the Province Lands Bike Trail is located close by. What's more, a free summer concert series is put on at Herring Cove Beach between June and August every year.

With two designated parking lots – one for Truro residents and another for Cape Cod National Seashore visitors – and proximity to some of Truro's best restaurants and shops, Head of the Meadow Beach is an appealing option for everyone. During low tide, beachgoers can go for a walk, skim board or check out the beach's tidal pools – with luck, you may even see the remnants of an old shipwreck that sits just offshore. When the tide comes back in, travelers can enjoy surfing or swimming. Lifeguards are on duty at Head of the Meadow Beach throughout Cape Cod's peak summer season to ensure vacationers stay safe.

The rough waters at Provincetown's Race Point Beach are ideal for surfing, but they are not suited for inexperienced swimmers. If you'd rather stay on shore, you can sunbathe from the comfort of your beach chair or bike the adjacent Province Lands Bike Trail. Race Point Beach is also home to the Old Harbor Life-Saving Station, which dates back to the late 1800s and welcomes visitors seasonally. What's more, the beach sits 3 miles northwest of downtown Provincetown, where you'll find multiple restaurants, clam shacks and shops.

Breakwater Beach in Brewster attracts families in droves thanks to its compact size, convenient parking and quiet atmosphere. Although Breakwater Beach is small, most visitors agree it never feels too crowded. Parents can easily keep an eye on their young children while they play in the clean sand or splash in the gentle waves. Plus, the bay-facing beach showcases tidal pools at low tide, giving beachgoers the chance to look for critters and seashells while enjoying a scenic stroll.  For more in-depth nature exploration, visit the nearby Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, which offers hands-on events and exhibits related to the area's wildlife and environment.

Eastham's Coast Guard Beach in the Outer Cape regularly earns accolades for its stunning views and vegetated sand dunes. Beachgoers will find large waves for surfing and boogie boarding, and swimmers will have fun splashing in the waves. The beach's namesake – a former coast guard station – also sits on the shore, and visitors can explore the grounds of the historical building when they're not watching the beach's birds and seals. To get to the beach, non-residents must bike to or park in the Little Creek lot and use the free shuttle.

This bayside beach on the east end of Cape Cod Canal appeals to a wide range of travelers. As part of the Scusset Beach State Reservation, travelers have access to a hiking trail, a bike path, campsites and a nature center. Scusset Beach is a popular spot for saltwater fishing, offering a pier and jetty where anglers can cast a line. Meanwhile, families love the beach's calm waters and range of amenities, which include restrooms, seasonal lifeguards, a boardwalk, concessions and a designated picnic area.

Nauset Beach's 10-mile stretch of sand attracts active travelers in droves. Not only are there designated surfing sections, there are also protected areas for swimming and boogie boarding. Plus, this Orleans beach offers off-road trails for vehicles with the proper permit and there are frequent seal sightings off the coast. Nauset also features a gazebo that hosts free outdoor concerts weekly in July and August, which makes it a popular choice among summer visitors. Keep in mind, though, that fees apply for on-site parking during the peak summer season.

Upon arriving at West Dennis Beach, you'll discover a cluster of kites scattered across the sky and several windsurfers trying to conquer the waves. The beach is long, flat and easy to access – you'll find it in the Mid Cape area – and offers all kinds of amenities, including a playground, a snack bar, seasonal lifeguards and public restrooms. There is also a large parking area, so it shouldn't be difficult to park your car on-site. Remember to avoid the east end parking lot since this area is reserved for locals.

One of Cape Cod's most well-known beaches, Marconi Beach can be found in Wellfleet's section of Cape Cod National Seashore. It is backed by towering sand dunes, is home to seals and offers consistent waves for surfing as well as a lifeguard-patrolled swimming area. While the beach is popular, its large size makes it easy for beachgoers to find a spot in the sand. However, accessing the beach from the parking lot requires descending a steep staircase, so travelers with mobility issues may want to choose a different stretch of sand.

To many people, Chapin Memorial Beach's secluded atmosphere is a welcome respite from Cape Cod's summer commotion. This Dennis beach next to Mayflower Beach is best for anyone who wants to simply lay in the sun and read a book without getting distracted by hordes of people. It's also a popular spot for clamming and features tidal pools filled with sea creatures. The beach also offers amenities such as public restrooms and seasonal lifeguards

Looking out onto the tranquil Nantucket Sound, what Long Beach lacks in facilities (think: no public restrooms or concessions), it makes up for in sheer natural beauty. If your main focus on vacation is relaxing as much as possible, set your sights on Long Beach, which is known to be quieter and less crowded than the neighboring hot spot, Craigville Beach. There is plenty of room to spread out on the expansive shoreline and the soft sand is perfect for sinking your toes into. This beach's parking lot only offers a limited number of resident-only parking spaces, so plan to bike or park at Craigville.

Chapoquoit Beach, affectionately referred to as "Chappy" by residents, occupies a narrow stretch of shoreline along Buzzards Bay in West Falmouth. A set of stairs lead down to the beach, and once there, travelers will be treated to a beautiful sandy beach that is less crowded than some of Cape Cod's ocean-facing counterparts. Particularly beloved for its stunning sunsets, Chapoquoit Beach is the perfect place to enjoy a romantic evening in Cape Cod. Lifeguards are on duty in summer, and it is a great spot for windsurfing.

This unpretentious beach in Brewster is a hit with families. At high tide, Paine's Creek Beach receives an influx of swimmers looking to wade in the warm bay water, and at low tide, this is an excellent place to explore the famous Brewster Tidal Flats, the largest tidal flats in North America. This natural phenomenon occurs when the water recedes from Cape Cod Bay, revealing a trove of tidal pools and sand bars. Just be sure to arrive early in the morning or in late afternoon, as parking here is limited.

Flanked by rock jetties and backed by seagrass-covered dunes with beautiful houses, Cold Storage Beach is a superb choice for those in or near Dennis. Visitors can relax on the sand – which provides plenty of space for groups – while watching boats sail by. What's more, the beach's location on Cape Cod Bay means it offers calm water ideal for families. However, only residents with permits can park in the beach's lot before 5 p.m. in summer, so plan on parking at the lot in nearby Sesuit Harbor or Sea Street Beach in East Dennis.

Consider visiting family-friendly Ballston Beach if you want to avoid the masses of beachgoers at other Cape Cod beaches. Located in the town of Truro, this beach offers less-crowded sands for lounging, consistent waves for water sports and picturesque golden hills for photo-ops. In fact, Ballston's tranquil setting inspired work from American painter Edward Hopper. But remember, you'll need to purchase a beach parking sticker, which you can only buy if you're staying in Truro, to park on-site during the summer months. Plan on biking to the beach if you do not qualify for a parking sticker.