Planning a Cape Cod Beach getaway means mornings on Cape Cod Beach stretches, afternoons exploring Cape Cod Beach towns, and evenings watching sunsets along classic Cape Cod Beach dunes. A Cape Cod Beach trip brings clammers, seaside inns, whale-watch departures, and bike rides along the Cape Cod Beach coastline.
Whether relaxing at a Cape Cod Beach cottage or checking maps for ferry crossings, this Cape Cod Beach vacation mixes classic New England charm with beachy ease.
Coast Guard Beach: Eastham’s iconic dune beach
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Coast Guard Beach sits inside Cape Cod National Seashore with wide sand, crashing surf, and iconic dunes. Lifeguards in summer make it a family favorite while shorebirds and seals frequent the surf. Parking fills early; brace for a short walk over boardwalks to reach the shoreline and spectacular views.
Low tides create tidepools near the point and photographers love sunrise colors. Bring layers—the ocean breeze chills quickly—and plan to arrive before midday in July and August. Shuttle options from nearby towns help avoid full lots, and seasonal ranger programs explain local history and dune conservation efforts.
Race Point Beach — Provincetown’s wild sand dunes
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Race Point Beach sits at the tip of Provincetown with vast dunes, crashing Atlantic surf, and an open-feel coastline where seals haul out on offshore rocks. The long shore is famous for kite flying, long beach walks, and dramatic light that draws photographers and sunset watchers from across the Cape.
Access from Province Lands Road requires a short walk across sand and boardwalks; parking fills fast during holiday weekends. Bring windproof layers and binoculars for offshore life. Seasonal rangers post nesting-area restrictions to protect piping plovers, so check posted signs and respect cordoned dunes when exploring.
Marconi Beach in Wellfleet — cliffs and surf
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Marconi Beach in Wellfleet is named for Guglielmo Marconi’s wireless station and features high, dramatic bluffs that tumble to a steep sandy shoreline. Strong surf and spectacular cliffside views make it popular with photographers and family groups, though caution is needed near edges and eroding slopes.
A short stair descent leads to sand; tides can change the available beach quickly. Parking is at the boardwalk lot and busier in summer. Local rangers place signs when cliff falls or nesting seasons affect access, and whale-watching boats sometimes pass offshore during spring migration.
Nauset Light Beach — Eastham’s surf and lighthouse
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Nauset Light Beach in Eastham fronts a famous red-and-white lighthouse that stands atop rolling dunes. The long, powerful surf attracts strong swimmers and bodyboarders while the exposed shoreline creates dramatic waves and lines for photographers. Come early for parking and take care near shifting sands and rip currents.
Access from Route 6A includes a short walk down dune paths and wooden ramps; tides influence how much sand is exposed. Watch for seasonal bird nesting areas, and plan on cooler evenings by the shore. Nearby salt-air seafood shacks make for classic Cape Cod meals after a day on the beach.
Herring Cove Beach — calm bay, sunset views
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Herring Cove Beach sits on Provincetown Harbor and offers calmer bay waters ideal for swimming, gentle paddling, and family beach days. Soft sand slopes into shallow water at low tide, and the flat horizon makes it a dependable spot for evening colors and watching ferries return to harbor.
The beach is a short drive from Commercial Street with lifeguards in peak months and easy parking at the lot. Tidal flats reveal shells at low tide; bring a small picnic and a windbreaker for cool nights. Kayak rentals and seasonal snack shacks add convenience near the shore.
Mayflower Beach in Dennis — tidal flats and sunsets
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Mayflower Beach in Dennis showcases wide tidal flats at low tide, long sandbars for wandering, and boardwalk access that meanders through dunes. The shallow waters warm quickly in summer, making it popular with wading kids and shell collectors who follow receding tides to explore pools full of sea life.
Parking often fills by midday during July and August; arrive early for the best spots and watch for lifeguard hours. Nearby family-friendly amenities include snack shacks, playgrounds, and convenient bathrooms. Evening light turns the flats golden, a favorite backdrop for casual photos and quiet strolls before dinner.
Skaket Beach—Orleans low-tide treasure for families
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Skaket Beach in Orleans sits on Cape Cod Bay, with long shallow flats exposed at low tide and spectacular views across to the Sagamore area. Calm waters and warm shallows make it a favorite for small children, sandcastle building, and collecting tiny shells along the exposed sand.
Parking is fee-based in season and fills quickly on sunny days; look for wooden walkways that protect fragile dunes. Wind tends to be lighter in the afternoon and sunsets paint the bay with pastels. Nearby snack stands and public restrooms add convenience for family beach days.
Old Silver Beach, Falmouth — warm waters and sunsets
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Old Silver Beach in Falmouth curves along Buzzards Bay with sandy shores and relatively gentle waters that warm earlier in the season. The sandy slope and clear views across the bay make sunset crowds gather at the western end, while low tides uncover smooth, shell-strewn sand perfect for evening walks.
Public access from Shore Street includes parking and restroom facilities; parking restrictions apply during summer weekends. The nearby town center offers ice cream shops and casual seafood spots for post-beach meals. Check tide charts before a planned swim, as currents can pick up near the bay mouth.
Chatham Lighthouse Beach near Monomoy — seal spotting
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Chatham Lighthouse Beach sits at the elbow of Cape Cod and offers views toward the famous Chatham Lighthouse and Monomoy Island shoals. Strong currents and shifting sandbars make the surf dramatic, and seals often bob near rocks while shorebirds patrol the intertidal pools.
Access requires a short walk from Lighthouse Beach lot and can be windy; lifeguards protect parts of the shoreline in peak months. Nearby Chatham town provides relaxed seafood restaurants and shops for after-beach dining. Boat tours run in season for closer looks at seals and migrating birds.
Sandy Neck Beach in Barnstable — miles of shoreline
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Sandy Neck Beach stretches for miles along Barnstable with dunes, marsh views, and a long ribbon of sand that separates the bay from the inland marshes. The drive and short walk across the dunes lead to roomy beaches that are popular with birders, dog walkers (seasonal rules apply), and long-distance beachgoers.
Parking fills early in summer; a permit is required for longer stays and dogs have restricted months on the outer beach. Wind can be strong, ideal for kite flyers and windsurfers. Seasonal rangers provide maps and advice about dune protection and the best observation points for migrating shorebirds.
Cahoon Hollow Beach, Wellfleet — surf and sceneries
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Cahoon Hollow Beach in Wellfleet sits between Marconi and the town center with steep dunes, good surf for bodyboarding, and a lively seasonal restaurant just above the sand. Stairs lead down to a narrow beach that widens at low tide, and tide pools hide small marine life along the rocks.
Parking is close to the access stairs but fills mid-morning; snack shacks operate in summer. Watch posted signs for nesting piping plovers in spring and summer. The restaurant near the dunes offers outdoor deck seating with ocean views; reservations can be handy on busy summer evenings.
Longnook Beach, Truro — quiet stretches and seals
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Longnook Beach in Truro offers quieter stretches of sand with broad views toward Provincetown and a good chance to spot seals and offshore life. The secluded feel comes with limited parking and a winding access path; the beach is a favorite for those seeking a less crowded shoreline.
Because parking is limited, arrive early or plan on a short walk from nearby lots. Wind can be brisk on exposed days; layers help. Local maps mark nesting areas for shorebirds during spring and summer, and visitors are urged to respect temporary closures and fenced dune restoration zones.
Chatham Bars Inn — classic seaside hotel experience
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Chatham Bars Inn sits on a private stretch of Chatham coastline offering traditional New England rooms, manicured grounds, and beachfront access with views toward Monomoy Island. The property includes a spa, seasonal pools, and dining options that emphasize local seafood and coastal flavors in an upscale seaside setting.
Guests can walk to nearby beaches or rent bikes to explore town; sunset views from the lawn draw evening crowds. Reservations are recommended for summer dining and spa treatments, and the front desk helps arrange whale-watching trips, private sails, and local fishing charters for seasonal visitors.
Wequassett Resort — elegant Harwich Port retreat
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Wequassett Resort and Golf Club sits on the Pleasant Bay shoreline in Harwich Port with gardens, marinas, and waterfront rooms that open to marsh views. Golf, sailing, and spa offerings pair with classic beachfront lounging, while in-house restaurants highlight local seafood and harvests from Cape Cod waters.
Guest amenities include pool access, private boat slips, and guided eco-cruises of the bay. Summer events and seasonal menus bring a lively marina atmosphere; book early for prime summer dates. Nearby beaches and bike trails make exploring Harwich’s coastal villages easy from this central base.
The Lobster Pot in Provincetown — iconic seafood spot
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The Lobster Pot sits right on the Provincetown waterfront and serves seafood classics with harbor views and casual nautical interiors. Steamed lobsters, chowders, and fish plates anchor the menu; outdoor tables offer great people-watching along the pier during busy summer months when ferries and tour boats pass by.
Reservations are helpful for dinner, and early diners snag sunsets from waterfront seats. Nearby Commercial Street invites a stroll after meals, and local bakeries and art shops complement a classic Provincetown afternoon. Expect lively crowds and seasonal specials that rotate with local fish and shellfish availability.
Arnold’s Lobster & Clam Bar — Eastham roadside classic
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Arnold’s Lobster & Clam Bar sits just off Route 6 in Eastham and offers picnic-style seafood with outdoor seating and harbor views. Known for fried clams, lobster rolls, and lively lines in summer, the spot pairs casual, family-friendly service with a busy deck overlooking tidal marshes and passing boats.
Expect lines during peak hours; takeout is an option for beach picnics. The menu changes with daily catches and local shellfish availability. Nearby beaches make it easy to pick up fresh fare and head to a scenic lunch spot, and seasonal hours mean checking times before driving over.
Cape Cod Rail Trail — pedal through seaside towns
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The Cape Cod Rail Trail runs for miles through Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, and Wellfleet along converted rail beds with scenic crossings, woodlands, and town center stops. Cyclists encounter bakeries, ice cream shops, and beach turnoffs along a mostly flat route that suits relaxed rides and longer pedal days alike.
Rentals and repair shops are available in major towns; plan water and snack stops during busy summer stretches. Map apps and trail signage help navigate side streets into beach villages. Weekday mornings offer quieter paths; bring sunscreen and a light lock for bike-security at town stops or beach access points.
Sandwich Boardwalk — classic Cape Cod boardwalk stroll
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The Sandwich Boardwalk provides a mile-long path over marshes to the dunes and Cape Cod Bay shoreline, starting near the old town center of Sandwich. The walk passes through salt marsh grasses and quiet wildlife viewing spots, ending at a wide beach with calm waters at low tide for shelling and picnics.
Nearby Sandwich village offers antique shops, bakeries, and a historic museum for a full afternoon itinerary. Boardwalk parking is limited on hot days; early arrival rewards quieter strolls. Bring binoculars for migrating birds and a blanket for relaxed lounging at the beach end as tides retreat.
Wellfleet Harbor — oyster houses and harborside charm
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Wellfleet Harbor buzzes with oyster boats, shucking houses, and a working waterfront that blends fishing life with summer tourism. Pilings, sailboats, and low-tide mudflats create lively harbor scenes; the nearby wharf hosts fresh seafood markets, casual restaurants, and steps leading to town galleries and shops.
Oyster farms offer tastings and raw bars during season while charter boats leave for fishing and seal tours. Walkable town streets lead to art galleries and bakeries, creating a classic Cape Cod small-town rhythm. Parking is tight in peak months; consider biking or public transit from nearby lots.
Provincetown Commercial Street — art, shops, and harbor life
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Commercial Street in Provincetown runs along the harbor with colorful shops, galleries, and cafes just steps from the water. Street performers, window displays, and a lively pedestrian scene make afternoon wandering a highlight, while ferries arrive and depart nearby adding maritime character to the bustling waterfront.
Visit local bakeries for morning pastries and stop into galleries for maritime art and prints. Evenings see restaurants fill for fresh-caught dinners and live music at nearby venues. For quiet beach time, hop to nearby Herring Cove or Race Point after shopping to balance art-filled streets with ocean air.
Long Point Light — remote lighthouse at Provincetown tip
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Long Point Light sits at the distant tip of Provincetown accessible by boat or long walk across the sandy dunes to Long Point spit. The isolated lighthouse and keeper’s cottages mark a windswept landscape with seals, shorebirds, and strong currents slicing off the point that challenge even experienced boaters.
Private tour operators and seasonal ferries drop visitors nearby for guided walks; be prepared for rough landing and check schedules. Bring sturdy shoes and protective layers for fierce winds, and respect roped-off nesting areas during bird season. The view back toward Provincetown Harbor is a reward after the remote approach.