SamCape Cod is known for its beautiful beaches and picturesque coastlines. Each Cape Cod beach holds its own special charm and uniqueness. And while it is impossible to choose which singular beach is the best due to the diversity, these are my favorite stand out beaches that are definitely worth your time to visit.
In no particular order, here are the beaches that are guaranteed to give you the best of the Cape Cod coastal experience.
- Nauset Beach
- Race Point Beach
- Mayflower Beach
- Nickerson State Park Beaches
- Coast Guard Beach
- Veterans Park Beach
- Harding’s Beach
Nauset Beach
On the ocean side of Orleans, this Cape Cod beach has a lot to offer for the whole family. With wavy shores, Nauset is the perfect place to relax in the sun or take a dip in the cold waters. And it is a fun place to grab a boogie board and enjoy riding the waves, or even give more extreme ocean sports a try!
If you keep your eyes on the water, you are almost guaranteed to see some seals playing in the water (or even great white sharks). Additionally, there are always ice cream and food trucks in the parking lot, so you can pick up lunch or a midday snack. Overall, Nauset is where to go if you want a fun filled beach day for the whole family!
Race Point Beach
Race Point Beach is one of my favorite places on Cape Cod. This Cape Cod beach feels like a relaxing sanctuary. with dunes full of piping plovers on one side, and a lively ocean full of seals and whales on the other. It is my favorite place to go to walk and connect with nature. And if you get lucky, you may spot some wildlife! The ocean here can be a little rough since it is unprotected waters, however the serenity of the area is well worth the visit. And with the center of Provincetown just down the road, there is a lot to explore in the area.
Mayflower Beach
A bayside beach in Dennis, Mayflower is the perfect place if you are looking for the relaxing Cape Cod beach experience. The bay protects much of the land from the harsh waves of the ocean, making for very calming and still waters. Additionally, the long, flat sandy shorelines cause the tides to go out quite far, creating endless beach landscape. At low tide, this is one of the best places to go for walks on the beach. With flat sands stretching for miles, and turquoise blue waters, all your problems will be left behind you. And with a snack shack on site, you can pick up lunch or a treat throughout the day.
Nickerson State Park Beaches
This Cape Cod Beach is not quite the beautiful beaches that Cape Cod is known for. However, the beaches within Nickerson State Park in Brewster are still some of my favorites. Within the park there are a bunch of ponds, and while I am not traditionally a fan of freshwater beaches, this is the one exception. There are actual sand beaches with beautiful scenery all around. The areas near shore are nearly always free of debris, and the water is crystal clear. If you go at the right time, you may be lucky enough to have your own little secret oasis. The tranquil feel of the park is just as special as the beauty of the beaches there.
Coast Guard Beach
Part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, and often voted one of the best beaches on Cape Cod, Coast Guard Beach has picturesque views of the ocean and towering dunes. With intense greenery that lines the dunes, along with the blue ocean waters make this beach the perfect place to sit back and relax, enjoying the ocean breeze. Directly behind Coast Guard Beach is the Nauset Marsh, which is another beautiful sight and benefit of visiting this location. There are walking trails to truly enjoy this area and immerse yourself in nature, making this stop the perfect place for those wanting to see all the diverse landscapes that Cape Cod has to offer.
Veteran’s Park Beach
If you are staying in the downtown Hyannis area, Veteran’s Park Beach is one of the most popular beaches. Just down the street from the harbor, Veteran’s Park Beach is a great place for a more exciting beach experience. It is well within walking distance to downtown Hyannis, however, nearly everything you need is right there at the park. Behind the beach, there is a park that has loads of greenery, picnic areas, and a playground for the kids. This is one of the beaches where ice cream and food trucks frequent, giving you quick access to food. Alternatively, it is fairly reasonable to walk into the downtown area of Hyannis to grab food if needed. This park is a great place for families, especially those already staying in the area.
Harding’s Beach
Located in Chatham, Harding’s beach is set on the oceanside, however, the water is still fairly calm. The beach is fairly spacious, as it is spread out over a decent length of land and various parking lots. You can even continue walking farther than the marked areas in order to escape the crowds a bit more. And with ice cream trucks frequenting this beach, you can add to the fun!
These beaches are some of my favorites and the ones I highly recommend visiting. But nearly all Cape Cod beaches are stunning in their own way. There is no doubt that you will have an amazing time regardless of where you choose to explore.
If you have visited Cape Cod before, what have your favorite beaches been?
