These Beaches Make Cape Cod an Ideal Summer Destination
Cape Cod has enough attractions to keep you busy. But it’s the beaches that make it a wildly popular destination in the Northeast.
What do you think about when you hear Cape Cod?
Is it the facilities, theme parks, museums, or the 600 miles of coastline?
Arguably, most regional tourists flock to Cape Cod to take in the sunshine (often a premium in the Northeast of America), sandy beaches, and water activities.
But unlike other places, Cape Cod’s coastline also offers some fantastic sightseeing opportunities, among others.
Have a Picnic at Veterans Park Beach
One of the quietest and best beaches in Cape Cod, Veterans Park Beach is a smaller beach that offers more than enough barbecue areas and picnic spaces.
It also has a playground and easy access to the Hyannis Yacht Club so you can enjoy a seaside picnic while looking at sailboats. And if you decide to go for a walk, make sure to visit the Korean War and John F. Kennedy memorials, too.
Make the Most of the Rough Waters at Race Point Beach
When in the mood for some water adventures, you’ll want to head to Race Point Beach. It’s where you can enjoy one of the best things to do in Cape Cod – surfing.
The rough waters at this spot create excellent surfing conditions. But it doesn’t mean that there’s nothing else to do there. The beach also has plenty of shallow areas that are ideal for swimming.
It also has the Province Lands Bike Trail, which provides a comfortable alternative for sightseeing or getting around.
The Calm Waters of Old Silver Beach
Not everyone looks for thrilling water conditions. Some enjoy a more peaceful beach, which is why the Old Silver Beach is ideal for kids and families – the calm waters provide excellent swimming conditions.
The view of coastal towns, especially at night, is terrific. But note that a jetty splits it in two such that the beach has two sections, one free for the public and one that’s only for residents.
Avoid the Crowds at Craigville Beach
Most of the best beaches in Cape Cod get their fair share of tourists and locals. But Craigville Beach isn’t among the crowded ones.
The rather tame water and vast shoreline make it a top choice for sunbathers and swimmers. It’s also family-friendly and provides an excellent selection of restaurants for a quick bite to eat.
There’s plenty of parking space besides, perhaps more so than what’s available around other Cape Cod beaches.
Designated Swimming and Surfing at Nauset Beach
Nauset Beach isn’t massive, at only around 10 miles from end to end, yet it’s among the most popular in the region.
There’s a simple reason behind this. The beach has a number of protected areas. This organization helps swimmers stay safe from surfers and boogie boarders.
It’s also a good spot if you want to do some seal or shark watching. That said, it’s a safe location and one that provides live outdoor entertainment every week, especially between July and August.
Enjoy the Steady Breeze of Seagull Beach
Seagull Beach is easily one of the best beaches in Cape Cod for water activities. And the calm waters make it a prime choice for swimmers.
But what really puts Seagull Beach on the map is the steady breeze that creates perfect conditions for kiteboarding and windsurfing that most young adults and adventurous visitors prefer.
Bird watchers also seem to favor it due to the abundance of birdlife. Interestingly enough, there aren’t that many seagulls in the area.
See the Dunes and Views of the Marconi Beach
Marconi Beach has one feature that makes it instantly recognizable – the massive dunes. They give the spot a unique appeal.
And as one of the most popular beaches in Cape Cod, it also offers a bit of everything. Seal sightings are quite common, while the waves’ consistency creates good surfing conditions.
And the massive size means that it’s never too crowded, despite its huge draw with tourists and locals.
Have a Picturesque Walk at Mayflower Beach
One of the most popular activities at Mayflower Beach is to watch the sunset. And the low tide in the region created a vast patch of sand that’s conducive for walks along the beach.
The general family-friendly atmosphere and heavy lifeguard presence make it among the safest in Cape Cod. It also has very convenient access from the parking lot – something that not all beaches provide.
Various picnic areas are available, but there’s not as much on-site entertainment as in other places. That said, the waves’ consistency and location on the bayside make it very appealing.
The Sandy Neck Beach Refuge
One of the best beaches in Cape Cod is also one of the liveliest. But surprisingly, Sandy Neck Beach also acts as a wildlife refuge. It’s where you can spot the piping plover bird, among other semi-endangered species.
The sand isn’t the best around Cape Cod, as Sandy Neck has a reputation of being a pebbly beach. Yet its landscape that combines forests, marshes, and sand dunes is what makes it a hit with many.
There are plenty of walking trails and even a portion of the beach reserved for off-road vehicles. It’s a unique spot for anyone to spend a few days in.
Sightseeing at the Coast Guard Beach
Located in Eastham, Coast Guard Beach offers large waves and remarkable views. In fact, the dunes and majestic backdrop earned the beach many awards over the years.
You can access the beach by bike if you don’t want to drive there. Here you can have some fun on the volleyball courts or go boogie boarding. The former coast guard station, now a historical building, is also open to the public.
A Scenic Destination for All Ages
Not every beach in Cape Cod offers free parking. But that’s about the only bad thing one could say about them.
There’s a constant lifeguard presence on all popular beaches, plenty of calm and shallow swimming areas, and consistent waves that are perfect for surfing. The vast coastline also ensures that Cape Cod beaches don’t get too crowded.
With the various activities available in different spots, there’s enough sand to go around for everyone. The award-winning views and diverse landscape help raise the profile even higher.
