Sand dunes and beach fencing along the Cape Cod shoreline

The Best Beaches on Cape Cod: A Guide by Region

Ah, summer on Cape Cod… When the days stretch longer, the ocean breeze rolls in, and the sun shines a little brighter, there’s no better place to spend the day than by the water. With miles of sandy coastline, charming beach towns, and breathtaking views around every corner, Cape Cod is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in New England. So grab your swimsuit, sunscreen, and towel, and let’s hit the beach!

Explore Cape Cod Beaches by Region

Upper Cape Cod Beaches

Beachgoers swimming and relaxing under colorful umbrellas at Old Silver Beach in Falmouth
Upper Cape Cod offers a little bit of everything, from popular Falmouth beaches with sweeping water views to peaceful stretches of shoreline perfect for a relaxing summer day.

Old Silver Beach in Falmouth

With soft white sand, warm Buzzards Bay waters, and beautiful sunsets, Old Silver Beach is one of the most beloved beaches on the Upper Cape. The calm, shallow water makes it a favorite for families, while the wide shoreline offers plenty of space to relax, swim, and enjoy the views.

Surf Drive Beach in Falmouth

Located near downtown Falmouth and the Shining Sea Bikeway, Surf Drive Beach offers beautiful views across Vineyard Sound. Its convenient location makes it an inviting choice for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying a laid-back Falmouth beach day.

South Cape Beach State Park in Mashpee

South Cape Beach State Park features sandy shores, dunes, walking trails, and expansive views across Nantucket Sound. It’s a great place for swimming, picnicking, exploring, or spending the day by the water.

Town Neck Beach in Sandwich

From Town Neck Beach, visitors can look across Cape Cod Bay and toward the entrance to the Cape Cod Canal. Nearby, the iconic Sandwich Boardwalk crosses Mill Creek and the surrounding marshes, making this a scenic spot for swimming, walking, and taking in the scenery.

Mid Cape Cod Beaches

Beach and dunes along Cape Cod Bay at Sandy Neck Beach Park in West Barnstable
The Mid Cape offers family-friendly beaches and some of Cape Cod’s best sunset views. Together, they range from lively Nantucket Sound beaches to calm Cape Cod Bay shores and expansive tidal flats.

Sandy Neck Beach Park

Stretching along Cape Cod Bay, Sandy Neck Beach Park features miles of shoreline, towering dunes, wildlife, and sweeping coastal views. The public entrance and facilities are located in West Barnstable, while the broader barrier beach extends into Sandwich. Visitors can explore the beach on foot or access designated oversand areas with a four-wheel-drive vehicle and permit.

Craigville Beach in Centerville

One of Barnstable’s most popular beaches, Craigville Beach has a wide sandy shoreline and warm Nantucket Sound waters. It’s a great spot for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the energy of a traditional summer beach.

Kalmus Beach in Hyannis

Located near Hyannis Harbor, Kalmus Beach is known for its harbor views, steady breezes, and popularity among windsurfers and kiteboarders. Its location also makes it easy to pair a beach day with exploring downtown Hyannis.

Seagull Beach in West Yarmouth

As one of Yarmouth’s largest ocean beaches, Seagull Beach appeals to those looking for a traditional day at the shore. With soft sand, lifeguards, and plenty of room to spread out, it’s a great destination for families and beach lovers.

Mayflower Beach in Dennis

Beloved by locals and visitors, Mayflower Beach is known for its calm, shallow waters and expansive tidal flats at low tide. It’s perfect for families, beachcombing, long walks, and watching one of Cape Cod’s best-known sunsets.

Lower Cape Cod Beaches

Calm beach with coastal homes on the Lower Cape
The Lower Cape combines charming coastal towns with beautiful beaches ranging from peaceful bayside escapes to sweeping Atlantic shores.

Chatham Lighthouse Beach

Located beside Chatham Lighthouse, this beach features some of the most recognizable coastal scenery on Cape Cod. Enjoy views of the harbor, watch boats pass by, and keep an eye out for seals near the shoreline. Visitors should also pay attention to posted notices and changing water conditions.

Skaket Beach in Orleans

Skaket Beach is a well-loved Cape Cod Bay destination known for its calm waters, wide tidal flats, and incredible sunsets. At low tide, visitors can walk for miles across the sandbars while exploring tide pools and marine life.

Nauset Beach in Orleans

Nauset Beach is a must-visit for ocean lovers, offering miles of sandy shoreline, rolling waves, and broad Atlantic views. It draws swimmers, surfers, walkers, and anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of the Cape.

Breakwater Beach in Brewster

Located along Cape Cod Bay, Breakwater Beach has calm, shallow waters and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a wonderful choice for families, young children, and anyone looking for a quieter beach day.

Outer Cape Cod Beaches

Aerial view of the beach, dunes and Atlantic shoreline on the Outer Cape
The Outer Cape offers some of Cape Cod’s most breathtaking scenery. Discover dramatic dunes, sweeping ocean views, and beaches within the Cape Cod National Seashore.

Coast Guard Beach in Eastham

Coast Guard Beach is one of Cape Cod’s most beautiful and recognizable beaches. Enjoy sweeping ocean views, rolling waves, and miles of sandy shoreline. As part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, it attracts swimmers, surfers, and beachgoers out for a long walk.

Marconi Beach in Wellfleet

Marconi Beach showcases the rugged beauty of the Outer Cape with dramatic dunes and panoramic ocean views. Located within the Cape Cod National Seashore, it’s perfect for photography, long walks, and taking in the Atlantic.

Nauset Light Beach in Eastham

Home to the famous Nauset Light, this beach combines history and natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy sweeping ocean views, scenic dunes, and one of the Cape’s most recognizable landmarks.

Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown

Known for stunning sunsets, Herring Cove Beach is one of Provincetown’s most beloved coastal spots. Enjoy calm Cape Cod Bay waters and beautiful shoreline views. Its location near downtown Provincetown also makes it a wonderful place to end a summer day.

Plan Your Cape Cod Beach Getaway

Ready to enjoy some fun in the sun? Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or an extended summer stay, Robert Paul Vacations can help. Find the perfect rental near your favorite beach. Visit robertpaulvacations.com to start planning your getaway.

Looking to make your beach days permanent? Our Forever Agents® at Robert Paul Properties can help you find a home near the coast. Begin your search at robertpaul.com.

Either way, we’ll see you on the sand!

Cape Cod Bucket List: Top 10 Things to Do