Cape Cod's Beaches
With almost 600 miles of coastline, Cape Cod has a beach for everyone.
There are roughly 600 miles of Cape Cod coastline and more than 100 beaches that vary in popularity among locals and visitors. They also run the gamut of personal preference. Does one enjoy soft sand or rougher terrain? Does one want to be in near seclusion or among the crowds? Do they want off-roading and heavy surf or calm waters? It is possible to find your perfect beach on this peninsula.
Nauset Beach
Pamela Burley/iStock/Thinkstock
For an off-road escape, Nauset Beach might be the king of Cape Cod beaches. That’s because of the large expanse of the beach itself and the off-road areas, but mostly because of the tremendous surf of the Atlantic Ocean, which rolls along the national seashore from Orleans up through Provincetown. Nauset is also the only beach whose parking-lot status is flashed along the highway to those hoping to claim a precious space before they’re all full.
Race Point Beach
De Agostini Picture Library/Getty Images
Old Silver Beach
Falmouth Chamber of Commerce/Dan Cutrona
Very familiar to year-round residents, Old Silver Beach in Falmouth does not have off-road capabilities, particularly large surf or dunes. But what it lacks in those areas is made up for in the basics of what a beachgoer is looking for: sand and sun. Old Silver Beach is small and split in 2 by Herring Brook, making it a little more difficult to get lost. But with calmer waters than the beaches on the Atlantic Ocean side, Old Silver Beach is more family-friendly, as children can play in the water almost carefree.
Skaket Beach
William DeSousa-Mauk
In fact, Skaket, West Dennis and Craigville are all great walking beaches, with their sands spilling over into neighboring beaches. Even better, these beaches will almost always have room in the summer and are every bit as stunning as the most popular spots.
Bound Brook Island
Alison Shaw
For other secluded spots, try South Cape Beach in Mashpee, Corn Hill Beach and Head of the Meadow Beach, both in Truro, which are unspoiled oases that hark back to a time when Cape Cod was not the immensely popular vacation destination it is today.
Next Up
12 Best Bites and Sips from Maine’s Midcoast
Experience these Down East culinary highlights.
Florida’s East Coast Beaches
We share the best beaches on Florida's East Coast.
Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money from these links.
7 Fun Things to Do on Your Fort Myers Vacation
From sunset kayaking to delicious eats, there is so much to explore in southwest Florida's island sanctuary.
11 Twin Peaks Locations You Can Visit in Real Life
Where to find a damn fine cup of coffee and more.Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money from these links.
3 Must-Do Outdoor Activities in the Great Smoky Mountains
There's nothing like a challenging hike with a rewarding view.
Visit Gorgeous Tulip Fields Without Flying to Holland
Washington’s Skagit Valley is the next best thing.
How the 1906 Earthquake Changed San Francisco
Disaster leveled "the Paris of the West" a century ago — and its aftermath echoes through the city today.
5 Family Adventures in Hawaii
Put the phones down and make memories to last a lifetime with these thrilling activities on the island of Hawaii.
Who Knows NYC Best?
Man v. Food’s Casey Webb matches wits (and appetites) with Food Network’s Vivian Chan to find out who has the real 411 on their home city in Man v. NYC. Ready to judge their throwdown?
7 Things You Can't Miss on Kauai
As one of the oldest islands in Hawaii's chain, this lush destination has much to offer.
