Truro Want nature? Want semi-seclusion? Head of the Meadow is a rare bird—a beautiful, wide Atlantic beach that stays strangely uncrowded. No reservations required, but you might have to wait for a seat during peak lunch hours.
Wellfleet First, a warning: Access to this wide-sand beach requires a yard trek down a steep sand dune. The journeys both down and up are well worth it, however, for an iconic Atlantic-side, wide-sand beach complete with dozens of seals popping their heads out of the water just offshore. Which, yes, means Great White warnings. The nightmare parking scene is to be avoided at all costs, especially this year when huge crowds are expected, so bike or Uber if you can.
Wellfleet John F. Kennedy himself recognized the appeals of this spot early. In , he signed a bill authorizing the creation of the Cape Cod National Seashore, the first time a national park was created out of previously private land. For a little more history, the beach is named after Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi, who in sent the first US-originating transatlantic radio transmission right from the Cape. OK, enough with the social studies.
This is a massive, gorgeous beach with towering dunes, intimidating waves, and endless views in each direction. Wellfleet Center, stationed about four miles away, is still the place to go for a proper evening meal.
North Falmouth The sand is white and fine, the water clear, warm, and azure blue, the sunsets frankly stunning. The Atlantic-side Nauset earns its accolades, with its sandcastle-ready sand, boogie board-friendly waves, and abundance of nature, from eiders to seals. Yes, gotta beware those Great Whites again. At high tide, expect to see plenty of cannon balls off the platform that sits over the water.
Although not the largest beach in Cape Cod, there is a spacious picnic area that features a shaded, covered gazebo. Next to the residents' beach sits the parking lot for Grays Beach, which is open to the public. Seasonal lifeguards and restrooms no showers are available. Since there is no food on-site, this a great spot to plan a picnic and bring all the necessary utensils.
The boardwalk makes it fairly easy to get all the inevitable paraphernalia over to the sand. Yarmouth Port is well known for its selection of bed-and-breakfasts, all providing a central location for exploring Cape Cod.
Built in the s by shipwrights, the Liberty Hill Inn is an elegant destination with rooms offered in the main house, as well as a quaint carriage house. Race Point Beach. For the determined and adventurous, driving to the end of Cape Cod takes you to an area far fewer people visit on trips to the Cape. Situated on the hook of Cape Cod is the unique and vibrant town of Provincetown , which sits majestically on a slight bluff looking out on the Atlantic and Cape Cod Bay, offering visitors all the tasty treats and funky merchandise they could wish for.
The addition of a seasonal fast ferry from Boston transports day visitors to the area in a quick 90 minutes. Whatever your means of transportation to the end of the Cape, all will be pleasantly rewarded when you arrive at Race Point Beach. Its unique location means rougher waters and some dangerous tides.
Traveling with kids? Don't worry. There are still plenty of shallow areas for less experienced swimmers and children. Another plus, the beach provides seasonal restrooms, showers, and changing rooms. Sick of beachin'? The area boasts extensive cycle and hiking paths behind the rolling dunes and sea grass off the beach.
Race Point Beach, Provincetown. A two-mile stretch about 45 minutes by foot leads walkers through spectacular dunes to Race Point Lighthouse , a local landmark that has saved many a mariner from an unwelcome introduction to sandbars surrounding the hook of the Cape. Be warned: dunes and seagrass, like all areas of the Cape and Islands, have poison ivy and a tick population, so take care. If you prefer to drive, sand permits can be purchased in town. Free lighthouse tours are offered at limited times, and the open hours can be checked online.
Wondering where to stay? The highly rated Land's End Inn offers luxurious accommodations with majestic views of the Atlantic and beaches.
Additional Provincetown accommodations can be found at the Cape Colony Inn boasting an above ground pool among its many amenities. The Seaglass Inn and Spa sits atop a scenic hill with the accompanying spectacular sea view.
For those not comfortable in the ocean and seeking a cooling swim, the inn has an outdoor pool for an enjoyable dip. Coast Guard Beach, Eastham. While there is no way to seriously rank one Cape Beach from another there is little dispute from visitors that Coast Guard Beach in Eastham is simply take-your-breath-away gorgeous. Often recognized as one of the top 10 on various lists of America's best beaches, sun worshippers find it hard to disagree.
Large, dramatic dunes back the flat, sandy beach, which is regularly full of volleyball players, swimmers, and sunseekers. This is a very popular beach, with its expansive sand dunes, adjacent marshlands, and stunning sea views. The boardwalk runs right to the beach and is equipped for disabled access.
The surf is large and attracts surfers. The younger crowd is engrossed in multiple beach activities, and the soft sand provides a cushioned landing pad for active volleyball and boogie board participants. Watch for the curious seals, who although harmless, could be a bit startling. Sunset views make Coast Guard Beach a popular spot to close out the day. There is limited parking here for residents only. Drop-off and pickup at the beach is prohibited and closely monitored.
Visitors park at the Little Creek parking lot on Doane Road and take the free shuttle to the beach. The shuttles are very convenient and run every few minutes. Facilities are somewhat limited and include lifeguards and restrooms. There is also a wheelchair ramp down to the beach.
Most of the hotels available in this area are of the motel style. Midway Motel offers free Wi-Fi and parking. It backs up to the scenic Cape Cod Rail Trail for biking and jogs. For a great pool and morning muffins, try the Eagle Way Inn. Location: 1. Look for brown and white signs. Head of the Meadow, Truro. Among many superlatives, Head of the Meadow in Truro is truly a postcard-worthy destination. The sandy dune experience can be reached with a scenic walk through stretches of tall, deep, sea-green grass.
Visitors are rewarded with a relatively unpopulated area that presents degree views of windswept sand dunes, blue rippling ponds, and rolling ocean waves.
Tiny saltbox houses are perched like sentinels on the dunes facing the ocean vista. For 40 miles, the Cape Cod coastline of the eastern elbow has limitless sand bars lining the shore. The peaceful scene on a calm and sunny day belies the fact that many ships and lives have been lost, when the ocean shows her teeth and the winds and storms drive the unlucky or unwise upon the sand.
Dawn at Head of the Meadow Beach, Truro. At low tide, you can often see the remains of the Frances , which was lost in an storm. Luckily, all aboard were rescued. Many others were not so fortunate, and shipwrecks dot the sea here. On a typical sunny day, the Head of the Meadow provides two beach retreats: one is operated by the Town of Truro, the other by the Cape Cod National Seashore.
In season, the seashore side has lifeguard protection. Surfing is allowed outside the swim zone, and the sport is quite popular here. For those in need of additional exercise, a two-mile bicycle path provides a ride through dunes, sea grass, and an ocean view one can only call awesome. Aerial view of Skaket Beach. Kite flying and tide pool exploring are two of the most popular sports practiced at Skaket Beach in Orleans.
Hugging the warmer waves of Cape Cod Bay, the soft sand of this vast beach extends far into the bay during low tide. Little ones will love walking far out from shore, peering at the remarkable creatures visible in tide pools revealed as the waves recede.
High tide provides a serene environment for playing in the waves, sand-castle building, or just lounging on the sand. A concession stand serves easy beach fare, and lifeguards are on duty during the busy summer months.
There are also showers, restrooms, and a boardwalk on-site. Parking can fill up quickly on warm, sunny days, so arrive early to ensure you find a spot. Tip: Visit during sunset for a spectacular sight — the sky's remarkable pink, orange, and purple hues are reflected in the tide pools, making for phenomenal photographs.
Old Silver Beach, Falmouth. For those looking for some sand and surf without driving to the hook of the Cape there is a delightful stretch of beach much closer to Boston in Falmouth. Old Silver Beach, lies on the western shore of Falmouth and is blessed with warm sea waters coming up into Buzzards Bay from southerly climes. The beach is best known for the dramatic views of the Cape Cod Canal, which opened to boat traffic more than a century ago.
This is the route north to the New England states as well as Canada. Separated by a jetty, the area provides two beaches for swimming, sunbathing, and recreational beach activities.
Local Falmouth residents are given parking stickers and have access to one side. The other is for the general public. Make sure to park in the correct area for visitors, as the locals are very protective of their beach jewel.
Go early, as this beach like most of the public beaches in Massachusetts fills early in the dog days of summer. While the soft sand and gentle waves are a big attraction, tourists need to be careful, as the rolling tides and warm waters can create powerful currents. Be vigilant, especially if you have little ones in tow. This classic New England beach has great amenities: a hamburger shack, Italian ice cart, water toys, even a t-shirt or two.
Photo worthy sunsets bring in extra tourists in the late afternoon to close out another summer day. Pick up a trail map at the gatehouse, and pay attention to the tides. Facilities include changing rooms, restrooms and showers.
It's named for famous Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi, who sent the first transatlantic wireless message from a station nearby in There is paid parking in the summer the permit fee to access the National Seashore. Chapin Memorial Beach is best for families. Kids will love frolicking in the gently sloping waters at this dune-backed beach in Dennis , and the rock pools are alive with all sorts of tiny sea creatures to explore.
At low tide, you can walk way out onto the sandy tidal flats. Camping on Cape Cod. Situated at the tip of the cape's curling arm, Long Point Beach in Provincetown is home to area's most serene and remote grains of sand. The beach is accessed via a two-hour walk along the stone dike at the western end of Commercial St. Bring your own water and time your walk carefully, as the dike is submerged at high tide. On the wild tip of the Cape, this Race Point Beach located in Provincetown is a breathtaking stretch of sand, crashing surf and undulating dunes as far as the eye can see.
Kick off your sandals, kids — the soft, grainy sand makes for a fun run. This is the kind of beach where you could walk for miles and see no one but the occasional angler casting for bluefish. There is paid parking in the summer the National Seashore fee. Of all Falmouth's beaches, none is finer than Old Silver Beach. This long, sandy stretch of beach attracts scores of college students, families and day-trippers from the city. A rock jetty, sandbars and tidal pools provide lots of fun diversions for kids.
The parking lot often fills up on hot days, so plan on getting there early. Facilities include changing rooms and a snack bar. There's paid parking in the summer. Looking for a warm-water swim? Craigville, like other south-side beaches, has warmer water than those on the Cape's north side.
This mile-long stretch of sand is a great swimming beach that attracts a college crowd.
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