One of my absolute favorite and most-visited places in New England is the Cape Cod National Seashore, and it always tops of my list of best places to see in New England. Stretching for 40 miles, this area is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the region, scenic walking/hiking trails, and lighthouses. For these reasons, it’s absolutely the top thing to do when visiting the Cape.
And since you’re here, you probably know that there are six Cape Cod National Seashore beaches to choose from, all of which are relatively close to one another, so it can be tough to decide which ones are best to visit. Well, you’re in luck! I’ve been exploring Cape Cod since I was a kid, and have been to all of these beaches countless times in my adult life, too. I’m here to share which ones are my favorites, as well as my experts tips for visiting.
And with that, let’s get started!
New England Wanderlust contains affiliate links, and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from any purchases you choose to make from our links, at no additional cost to you. For more information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
What Exactly Is The Cape Cod National Seashore?
First thing’s first, you gotta know what the Cape Cod National Seashore actually is! 😉
Located on the outer Cape region, and officially declared as protected land by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, it encompasses about 43,500 acres that are home to beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes, woodlands, and natural wildlife habitats.
The primary purpose of the CCNS is to preserve and protect the natural resources and historical significance of the area, while also providing recreational opportunities for visitors to respectfully enjoy.
Is The Cape Cod National Seashore Considered A National Park?
Yes! This area is overseen by the National Parks Service, and is considered a National Park in the U.S. If you happen to have the America The Beautiful pass, it will allow you access to the CCNS.
Guide To The 6 Cape Cod National Seashore Beaches
Okay, now onto the good stuff – my guide on all six of the Cape Cod National Seashore beaches. This particular part of the post is not ranking the beaches (well, except for maybe the first one 😉), but is more for informational purchases, and my tips for visiting that particular beach. I’ll be sharing which ones I most recommend in the next section.
1. Coast Guard Beach
So I’ll just be up front with you, Coast Guard is probably my favorite National Seashore beach. It also continually makes lists of the top beaches in the U.S., is absolutely gorgeous, one of the best places for spotting seals on Cape Cod, and enjoying bigger waves for boogie boarding.
Coast Guard is the southern-most of the National Seashore beaches, and can be found in the town of Eastham. So, if you’re staying in towns like Chatham, Brewster, Dennis, Harwich, or Yarmouth, this will be the closest National Seashore beach for you to visit.
Coast Guard is also one of the most popular of the CCNS beaches, both for swimming, and for sightseeing, as this beach is connected to the popular Nauset Marsh trail, which is one of the most scenic walking trails on Cape Cod. You can park for free at the Salt Pond Visitor’s Center, and walk the Nauset Marsh trail, continuing onto Coast Guard Beach. Just before arriving to the beach, you’ll cross a scenic bridge over marshes, which is so beautiful!
This bridge is just a short distance from the main parking area at the beach, and during your visit, I recommend walking over to see it. If you exit the beach, and cross the parking lot, you’ll see signs for a biking path. Take that for a short distance, and you’ll see the bridge. It’s not far at all!
Parking: It’s good to know that starting in June, and going through September, parking right at the beach is for Eastham residents only, and you’ll need to park at the Little Creek lot just over a mile before getting to the beach. There are very clear signs directing you there, so keep an eye out. From this lot, there’s a free open-air shuttle that takes you to the beach, and it runs very frequently. Be sure to take note of the last shuttle back to the parking lot for the day!
The rest of the year, anyone can park right at the beach entrance, but note that the on-site parking lot is small.
Bathrooms are available at Coast Guard Beach.
2. Race Point Beach
Located in Provincetown, the northern-most beach on the CCNS is Race Point, which can be found at the very tip of the peninsula if you’re looking at the region on a map. Not only is Provincetown one of the best places to see along the New England coast, this beach makes it even more worth while!
This beach is another popular one for swimming, and is also a great sunset spot. It’s actually known for having one of the best coastal sunsets on Cape Cod, and I can confirm that it’s absolutely worth sticking around for!
Race Point is also home to the Old Harbor Life Saving Station, which you can find by taking the path to the beach that’s directly behind the bathroom facilities. This historic building was first constructed in nearby Chatham in 1897, and was removed to its current position at Race Point in 1977 when there were concerns that erosion would endanger the structure. This is a great place to enjoy views of both the coastline and the surrounding sand dunes!
This beach is also home to Race Point Lighthouse, which is located at the very end of the beach. You can walk the shoreline to it, but it’s quite a long walk in the sand! Most people choose to hike out via the Hatches Harbor trail, which begins in a different parking lot nearby.
Race Point is known for having more mild surf compared to the wavier beaches like Coast Guard – although, it’s still prone to some waves. Seals also make an appearance along this beach.
If you’re staying in Provincetown without a car, there’s an affordable shuttle service that runs seasonally from MacMillan Pier downtown, and takes you to both Race Point and Herring Cove beach. This beach is also accessible via the Province Lands Bike Trail.
Parking: There’s a very big lot right at the beach entrance.
There are bathroom, shower, and changing facilities at Race Point Beach.
3. Herring Cove Beach
Also located in Provincetown, Herring Cove beach is another popular one for both swimming and sunsets. It’s known for having some of the gentlest surf of the CCNS beaches, and is also home to concerts in the evenings in the summer season.
Herring Cove is a beautiful beach, and an excellent choice for families, especially if you’re staying in the outer Cape region (Provincetown, Truro, Wellfleet, and Eastham). And while I do love the sunsets at Race Point, this beach is really worth checking out at sunset, too. I’ve been to both, and enjoy them equally at sunset.
If you’re staying in Provincetown without a car, there’s an affordable shuttle service that runs seasonally from MacMillan Pier downtown, and takes you to both Race Point and Herring Cove beach. This beach is also accessible via the Province Lands Bike Trail.
Parking: There’s a very big lot at the entrance to the beach.
Bathroom and snack facilities are available at Herring Cove Beach, seasonally.
4. Head Of The Meadow Beach
Located in Truro, just south of Provincetown, Head of the Meadow Beach is absolutely beautiful, and I think the most under-rated of the CCNS beaches.
While is has some of the most limited facilities of all the beaches, it’s backdropped by beautiful sand dunes, and has long stretches of shoreline to walk on. This beach also experiences a nice tide shift that creates really cool sand bars at low tide, so you can walk a bit further out into the ocean floor than any other CCNS beach.
In fact, because of these sand bars, this beach was once called the “Ocean Graveyard,” as it’s been the site of many shipwrecks over the years. But don’t worry! This isn’t a concern nowadays 😉
Head of the Meadow is also prone to bigger waves and undertows, so this is something to be aware of when visiting with younger children.
Parking: There’s a very big lot at the entrance to the beach.
Bathroom facilities are available at Head of the Meadow beach, seasonally.
5. Nauset Lighthouse Beach
Most known for being home to the beautiful Nauset Lighthouse, Nauset Lighthouse Beach is definitely one to visit when exploring the region.
But don’t confuse it with Nauset Beach (as I did when I first visited years ago 😂). Nauset Lighthouse Beach is located in Eastham, whereas Nauset Beach is further south in Orleans, and owned by the town.
From the beach parking lot, it’s a very short walk over to the lighthouse, which stands guard over the beach. It’s free and easy to walk around the grounds of the lighthouse, and you’ll definitely want to visit since this is the lighthouse featured on the Cape Cod chips bags!
The beach itself is beautiful! It’s good to know there’s a fairly steep walk down to the beach from the parking area, though, so it may not be best for those with mobility issues. Once you get down there, though, you can enjoy a gorgeous stretch of pristine, sandy coastline.
Nauset Lighthouse Beach is backdropped by very tall sand dunes and cliffs, making this an impressive beach to visit for the scenery alone. It’s also known to have rougher surf, so keep that in mind when visiting. This beach is the second southern-most of the Cape Cod National Seashore beaches, and just over a mile from Coast Guard beach (if you wanted to visit both in the same day).
Parking: There’s a large lot at the entrance to the beach. If you’re coming just to see the lighthouse, you’ll still have to pay the beach parking fee during the summer season (see more information on this later in the post!). If you want to just visit the lighthouse, you can park at the Three Sister Lighthouse lot down the road, and walk to Nauset Light. Keep in mind at the Three Sister lot is small, and fills up quickly, but people don’t usually park there for very long.
Bathroom and shower facilities are available at Nauset Lighthouse Beach, seasonally.
6. Marconi Beach
Lastly, there’s Marconi Beach, which is also one I love to visit. Located in Wellfleet, it’s about 15 minutes north of Nauset Lighthouse Beach, and makes a strong impression at the entrance with a double staircase leading down to the coastline.
One of the best things about Marconi Beach (besides how beautiful it is!), is the fact that it’s just a few minutes from the Marconi Station Sites, which is a lesser-known overlook on Cape Cod that offers some of the best coastline views in the region. Parking at the Marconi Station Sites is also free, and it shares a parking lot with the trailhead for the Atlantic Cedar Swamp Trail.
But back to the beach! Marconi Beach is another one that’s backdropped by sand dunes, and you get an amazing view of the coastline right from the staircase at the entrance – it’s worth stopping by if you’re in the area just for the view alone! And while it’s a popular beach in Wellfleet, I’ve never found it to feel super crowded, even in the peak summer season. The photo below was taken in July, so you can see there’s still plenty of room to spread out.
Marconi Beach is also prone to having wavier surf, which is good to know when visiting.
Parking: There’s a large lot at the entrance to the beach.
Bathroom and shower facilities are available at Marconi Beach, seasonally.
So, Which Is The Best Beach To Visit?
Now that I’ve done a general round-up of all six of the Cape Cod National Seashore beaches, let’s talk about which are the best to visit. And the answer it, it really just depends, as they’re all amazing.
I know that answer isn’t entire helpful, but it’s the most honest answer I have! Each beach evokes the feeling of the National Seashore area, has something unique to offer, and they’re all absolutely beautiful. But here’s a general guideline on what beaches are best for different kinds of travelers:
Most beautiful: I think Coast Guard wins, but by a very small margin. It’s just personal preference, but of all the CCNS beaches, I think this one is the most beautiful, and one everyone should see during their visit.
Best for families: Herring Cove for the gentle surf, and possibly Head of the Meadow because of the sand bars and tidal pools (you’ll just want to be mindful of stronger waves at HOTM when the tide is high). I also like that Herring Cove has a snack facility in the summer, which is a nice perk for families.
Best for extra things to do besides the beach: Coast Guard and Nauset Lighthouse. Coast Guard is accessible to the Nauset Marsh trail and has the beautiful salt marsh bridge nearby. And of course, you can easily visit the lighthouse at Nauset Lighthouse beach!
Best beach for facilities: All of the Cape Cod National Seashore beaches have at least bathroom facilities, but the ones with the nicest bathroom and shower facilities are Race Point, Herring Cove, Marconi, and Nauset Lighthouse.
Which National Seashore Beach Is Best For Sunset?
Race Point and Herring Cove beaches in Provincetown are best for a sunset. The other four National Seashore beaches are east-facing, and are better for sunrise.
Cape Cod National Seashore Beach Parking Fees
There is a daily fee to park at, and walk onto, any of the CCNS beaches. As of 2023, the daily parking fee for a standard vehicle is $25/day per car. For a motorcycle, it’s $15/day per motorcycle, and walk-in admission is $15 per person.
Parking fees are only collected in season, and this begins weekends only from Memorial Day through late June, and then daily starting late June through Labor Day. Select beaches will collect fees on weekends and holidays through mid September, but generally, parking is free after Labor Day.
There are also select days in the summer season where it’s free to visit the CCNS, including Juneteenth, and August 4 to commemorate the Great American Outdoors Act. These free dates are subject to change at any time, so be sure to visit the CCNS website before visiting to confirm. These days are typically very crowded, so you’ll want to arrive early.
Fees are only collected until 4:30pm, so if you visit after that time, parking is completely free, even in the summer season!
It’s also good to know that your parking pass is good for the entire day, so you can visit multiple National Seashore sites on the same day with your paid pass.
Beach Fires At The National Seashore
Beach fires are allowed at all six of the CCNS beaches, but you must obtain a permit first. The Parks Service only releases a certain number of permits per day for beach fires, so it’s best to apply for one as early as you can, especially during the busy summer season and on weekends.
Permits are free, though, so this is an inexpensive way to enjoy the beaches along the National Seashore, and they make for a memorable night during your visit! I’ve personally done them a few times, and love doing it!
Depending on the beach where you want to have your beach fire, you’ll have to go to either the Salt Pond Visitor’s Center or the Province Lands Visitor’s Center to get your permit. Click here for more information on beach fires.
Are Dogs Allowed At The National Seashore Beaches?
Dogs are allowed at the National Seashore beaches, but depending on the time of year, there are some things to know:
- In season, dogs are not permitted within the lifeguarded areas on the beaches. But this is easy to bypass, as you’ll just need to walk past the lifeguarded area.
- Outside of the summer season, dogs are permitted in any area of the CCNS beaches.
- During shore bird nesting season (April-July), dogs are prohibited from protected areas, and there will be signs on the beaches saying that dogs are not allowed, even if they would otherwise be permitted. The CCNS website does a good job updating what beaches (or sections of beaches) are closed off to dogs because of nesting shorebirds, so it’s good to check before heading out with your pup.
Pets mush be leashed at all times, and as always, be sure to pick up your pet’s poo, and ensure your pet doesn’t disturb other visitors.
Are There Seals At The National Seashore Beaches?
Yes! And this stretch of coastline is one of the best places to spot them if you’re hoping to see them swim along the shoreline.
As mentioned, Coast Guard Beach is one of the best for seeing seals, and you’ll often see them swimming by. When you’re facing the water, if you turn right, and walk down the beach quite far, there’s often a group of them just hanging out close to the shore.
However, seals are known to make many appearances at all the CCNS beaches, since it’s along the Atlantic water. I’ve seen seals at every visit I’ve made to all of these beaches.
Important note about seals: The best thing to do if you see a seal while in the water is swim back to the shoreline away from them. Not only is it best for the seals to not impede on their space and habitat, it’s also for safety reasons. Sharks feed on seals, and there’s a saying that’s very much true – where there are seals, there could be sharks.
Now, I always like to remind people, you shouldn’t be afraid to swim at these beaches because of possible shark sightings, but you should definitely be aware of them. Since Cape Cod relies heavily on tourism in the summer, they do a fantastic job monitoring the waters and closing beaches if there’s a shark sighting.
But a good rule of thumb is, never go further out than other swimmers, stay close to the shoreline, and swim away from the seals. Practice these, and normal precautions, and enjoy the water!
Tips For Visiting The Cape Cod National Seashore Beaches
- The water is cold, even in the summer! Since the National Seashore beaches are located in the northeast along the Atlantic ocean, the water tends to stay pretty cold. It definitely feels good on a hot and humid summer day, though!
- Arrive early in the summer. While I’ve arrived close to noon some days in the summer and have gotten a parking spot, I’ve also seen lots fill up by this time. Gates open at 9am, and I recommend that you arrive by 10:30 to ensure you’ll get a spot.
- If you plan to visit any of the six CCNS beaches more than twice during your visit, you should purchase the annual pass because you’ll save a little money. Since it’s $25 to park per day, two days of parking will cost $50. The annual pass is $60, as of 2023.
- Be sure to use your America The Beautiful pass if you have it, as you’ll get free entry!
- There are no shaded areas at any of the beaches, so come prepared with umbrellas, tents, and canopies to stay out of the sun.
- Also plan to bring water bottles to stay hydrated, especially if visiting in the summer when it’s very hot and humid.
Here are my guides to some of the Cape Cod towns you may find helpful:
- Best Things To Do In Wellfleet, MA
- Best Things To Do In Dennis, MA
- Best Things To Do In Falmouth, MA
- Best Things To Do In Harwich, MA
- Best Things To Do In Brewster, MA
- Best Things To Do In Provincetown, MA
- Best Things To Do In Chatham, MA
- Best Things To Do In Sandwich, MA
- Best Things To Do In Eastham, MA
- Best Things To Do In Orleans, MA
And here are some more of my general Cape Cod travel guides you may enjoy:
- Best Time To Visit Cape Cod
- Best Things To Do On Cape Cod For First-Timers
- Best Towns To Stay In On Cape Cod
- What To Pack For Cape Cod
- Best Things To Do On Cape Cod For Adults
- 3 Day Cape Cod Itinerary
- Unique Things To Do On Cape Cod
- Things To Do On Cape Cod In The Fall
- Things To Do On Cape Cod In The Winter
That’s A Wrap On The Cape Cod National Seashore Beaches!
And there you have it – that’s my round-up on visiting the six Cape Cod National Seashore beaches! After years of visiting this area, these beaches continue to be some of my absolute favorites in the entire world, and each one offers stunning coastline views, and something unique to visitors. It really doesn’t matter which one you visit since they’re all worth seeing, but hopefully you can see them all on your next trip. Happy planning!
