Beaches
202 beaches, each with its parking and sticker rules, dog policy and what it's best for.
202 beaches
One of Brewster's most popular Cape Cod Bay beaches and the closest to the town center. At low tide the water recedes to expose the famous Brewster tidal flats, leaving warm tide pools and sandbars ideal for walking and shelling. Calm bay water and west-facing sunsets make it a family favorite. Portable restrooms June through Labor Day; no lifeguard.
One of Cape Cod's most celebrated Atlantic-facing beaches, part of Cape Cod National Seashore. Backed by a barrier beach and salt marsh, it offers classic open-ocean surf and sweeping sand. In summer there is no direct parking — visitors ride a free shuttle from the Little Creek lot or bike/hike the Nauset Trail from the Salt Pond Visitor Center. Lifeguards staff a designated stretch from late June through Labor Day.
Head of the Meadow Beach sits at the edge of the Highland plateau in northern Truro within the Cape Cod National Seashore, offering a broad, uncrowded Atlantic beach backed by characteristic Outer Cape dunes and coastal scrubland. Dual parking lots — one NPS, one Truro town — make it more accessible than most Truro ocean beaches, while the east-facing strand stays refreshingly uncommercial. Reliable surf, excellent long-walk territory in both directions, and sunrise light that arrives early and stays golden.
A federally managed Cape Cod National Seashore beach on the bay side of Provincetown, Herring Cove faces west and is one of the Outer Cape's premier sunset-watching spots. Its calmer, gentler water makes it a popular alternative to the surf of the Atlantic-side beaches, and it offers seasonal lifeguards, restrooms, a snack bar with summer evening concerts, and beach wheelchairs available from the lifeguards.
A wide, sandy Nantucket Sound beach at the mouth of Hyannis Harbor, famous as one of Cape Cod's premier windsurfing and kiteboarding spots thanks to its steady breezes. The protected harbor side offers calmer, warmer water for swimming. Dogs allowed off-season only (Sept 16-May 14).
Chatham's iconic Atlantic-facing beach below the Chatham Light, known for its dramatic shifting sandbars, seals, and big open-ocean views. Best reached on foot since overlook parking is very limited.
A dramatic Atlantic Ocean beach within Cape Cod National Seashore, named for the nearby Marconi Wireless Station site where the first U.S.-to-England transatlantic message was sent in 1903. Backed by a roughly 40-foot sand cliff, it offers open Atlantic surf, a seasonal bathhouse with restrooms and rinse-off showers, and lifeguards on duty from late June through Labor Day. Strong surf and currents; swim near the lifeguard stand.
Dennis's most famous Cape Cod Bay beach, renowned for its vast tidal flats that extend nearly a half-mile at low tide, creating warm shallow pools ideal for young families. Calm bay water, classic Cape Cod sunsets over the water, and excellent shelling.
Bourne's flagship town beach on Phinneys Harbor, with a wide sandy shoreline and calm, protected water ideal for families and swimming. Seasonal lifeguards, restrooms and a snack stand, plus a boat ramp and kayak launch. A Mobi-Chair floating beach wheelchair is available in summer.
Orleans' iconic Atlantic surf beach on the Outer Cape, a wide sandy expanse with consistent ocean swell. Seasonal lifeguards, restrooms, showers, food trucks, and Mobi-Mat accessibility pathways. Best for strong swimmers, long walks, and surf fishing. Dogs prohibited April 1 through Labor Day.
Falmouth's most popular beach — warm, calm Buzzards Bay water, a tidal sandbar kids love, lifeguards and a snack bar. The sunsets here are the classic Falmouth view.
Onset Beach is Wareham's popular village beach on the protected waters of Onset Bay (part of Buzzards Bay), in the heart of historic Onset Village near the Onset Bay Pavilion bandshell. Its sandy, gently sloping shore and calm water make it a family favorite, with seasonal lifeguards (late May through Labor Day), restrooms, showers, a concession stand, and a kayak rental center on site. Open dawn to dusk.
Plymouth's signature ocean beach, a long sandy barrier spit curling into Plymouth Harbor that's hugely popular with locals and tourists alike. Staffed daily with lifeguards and a bathhouse from late May through Labor Day, with beach wheelchairs and Mobi-mats for accessible access.
The largest beach in Harwich, stretching nearly a third of a mile along Nantucket Sound. South-facing with warm, gentle waters and soft sand, plus the town's biggest parking lot, lifeguards, restrooms, beach wheelchairs and mobile concessions. One of four beaches selling daily passes on-site.
Yarmouth's largest beach, fronting Nantucket Sound. Wide sandy beach with summer lifeguards, a seasonal bathhouse with showers, a food concession, and a large parking lot. The town's flagship swimming beach.
Mashpee's town saltwater beach on Nantucket Sound, a narrow mile-long strip of sand adjoining the state-run South Cape Beach State Park. The town lot requires a Mashpee resident sticker; lifeguards and restrooms are provided in season.
Sandwich's marquee Cape Cod Bay beach, anchored by the iconic Sandwich Boardwalk over Mill Creek marsh. Calm bay water, wide tidal flats at low tide, and sweeping sunset views west across the bay. Restrooms (portable units from June 1, full facilities mid-June) and a beach accessibility mat. A short walk along the boardwalk connects the parking area to the sand.
Sound-front beach at the mouth of the Bass River, also known as Smugglers Beach. Features summer lifeguards, seasonal bathrooms, a food concession, a boat ramp, and a fishing deck. A popular spot for sunset and watching boats enter the river.
A quieter Atlantic-side town beach in Truro (not to be confused with the larger Coast Guard Beach in Eastham), backed by dunes with open ocean surf. Best for residents and sticker-holders seeking a less crowded stretch of the Outer Cape shoreline.
A crescent-shaped Cape Cod Bay beach (also historically called Nobscussett Beach) with a stone jetty, grassy bluff with picnic area, and gentle bay surf. Popular for swimming and sunsets, with full facilities including a snack bar and lifeguards.
A long, popular Nantucket Sound beach in West Chatham with lifeguards, restrooms, and a seasonal concession stand. Good surf, soft sand, and a scenic walk toward Stage Harbor Light.
An iconic Atlantic Ocean beach within Cape Cod National Seashore, set beneath the red-and-white Nauset Light — the lighthouse made famous on the Cape Cod potato chip bag. Steep stairs descend the dune to a wide surf beach. Lifeguards are on duty late June through Labor Day. A National Seashore pass (not a town sticker) is required.
A Cape Cod Bay beach where Paines Creek empties into the bay, creating a tidal creek that is a favorite spot for kids to wade and explore. At low tide the Brewster flats stretch out toward the horizon, exposing tide pools, sandbars and clam beds. Known for spectacular west-facing sunsets over the bay. Portable restrooms June through Labor Day; no lifeguard.
A clean, family-friendly south-facing beach on Nantucket Sound with soft sand, warm ocean water and ample parking. Lifeguarded with restrooms, beach wheelchairs and mobile concessions, and one of four Harwich beaches that sell daily passes on-site.
A wide, dune-backed Atlantic-facing beach at the northern tip of Cape Cod within the Cape Cod National Seashore. Known for big open-ocean surf, frequent seal and whale sightings offshore, and the historic Old Harbor Life-Saving Station museum. Seasonal restrooms, showers, and changing rooms are available. Protected shorebirds nest here from late spring through fall, with posted seasonal closures.
A long stretch of Cape Cod Bay shoreline on the north side of the Cape Cod Canal, split into First Beach and Second Beach. Open water and sweeping sand make it a favorite for residents who want a quieter beach day; parking is limited to Bourne sticker holders.
The famous Sandwich Boardwalk stretches roughly 1,350 feet across Mill Creek and salt marsh out to the bay-side dunes and beach. A beloved spot for strolling, birdwatching, crabbing off the planks, and watching the sun set over Cape Cod Bay. Connects to Town Neck Beach. Restrooms available seasonally.
Shell Point Beach sits on a point overlooking the busy Onset Bay to the east and the calmer Shell Point Bay to the west. Its warm, shallow water and sandy shore backed by a grassy park make it especially good for families with small children, while the open western view is a fine sunset spot. A great launch point for kayaks and paddleboards, and you can walk the sand to neighboring Onset Beach.
Calm, warm Cape Cod Bay beach famous for its broad tidal flats at low tide and spectacular sunsets over the water. Seasonal lifeguards, restrooms, rinse stations, and a seasonal snack shack. The shallow, gentle water and expansive flats make it ideal for families with young children. Dogs are not permitted.
State park on Nantucket Sound administered by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, part of the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Wide sandy beach with dunes, salt marsh and walking trails; a large public lot makes it accessible to non-residents for a daily fee.
Long, walkable Vineyard Sound beach minutes from Main Street, with a warm tidal 'kiddie pool' lagoon at the east end. The closest beach to downtown Falmouth.
A calm, family-friendly Nantucket Sound beach next to the JFK Memorial in Hyannis, with a gentle slope and shallow water ideal for young children. An adjacent picnic area and proximity to downtown Hyannis make it a popular choice. Dogs allowed off-season only.
White Crest Beach is one of the Outer Cape's most dramatic Atlantic-side beaches, with towering white sand bluffs rising sharply above the shoreline and a powerful east-facing surf break that reliably draws surfers and bodyboarders season after season. A surf school operates seasonally from the parking area, making it a good launching point for beginners willing to take on real ocean waves. No lifeguard on duty; experienced ocean swimmers only.
A beautiful open-ocean crescent beach in the Manomet village, about 560 feet of which is lifeguard-supervised by the Recreation Department. Four buoys mark the guarded swim area to keep boats and jet skis out.
Town freshwater beach on the southern end of Mashpee-Wakeby Pond. A family favorite with a playground, basketball hoop, picnic area, seasonal restrooms and summer lifeguards. Calm, shallow water makes it well suited to young children.
Ballston Beach is Truro's southernmost ocean-side beach, reached via the scenic South Pamet Road corridor that winds through a low wooded valley — one of the quieter routes to the Atlantic on the Outer Cape. The east-facing beach is wide and relatively uncrowded, with powerful Atlantic surf and the kind of raw, natural shoreline that makes this stretch of the National Seashore feel genuinely remote. A go-to for surfers and those looking to escape the more trafficked beaches to the north.
Cahoon Hollow Beach is Wellfleet's social epicenter on the Atlantic side, home to The Beachcomber — a legendary open-air bar and restaurant perched atop the bluffs that has made the post-surf tradition here as much a Cape rite of passage as the beach itself. The ocean beach is classic Outer Cape: wide, east-facing for sunrise, backed by dramatic sand cliffs, and breaking with powerful surf that rewards experienced swimmers. Arrive early on summer days — the lot fills fast once The Beachcomber opens.
A wild, undeveloped Cape Cod Bay barrier beach backed by dunes at the northwest corner of Dennis. Famous for expansive low-tide flats and over-sand vehicle access for four-wheel-drive permit holders. No lifeguards - a quieter, natural alternative to Mayflower.
Brewster's easternmost bay beach, with the town's largest beach parking lot and a wide, sandy shoreline. Backed by conservation land near the Orleans line, it offers the classic Brewster flats experience at low tide with expansive sandbars for walking and shelling. Calm bay water and west-facing sunsets. Portable restrooms June through Labor Day; no lifeguard.
A clean, family-friendly south-facing beach on Nantucket Sound with gentle, warm water and plenty of parking. Lifeguarded with restrooms, beach wheelchairs and mobile concessions, and one of four Harwich beaches selling daily passes on-site.
A quieter stretch of Cape Cod Bay shoreline running from Ploughed Neck Road to North Shore Boulevard. Known for calm water and a relaxed, residential feel with limited parking. Good for low-key swimming, long beach walks, and shelling at low tide.
Eastham's most famous Cape Cod Bay beach, named for the first encounter between the Mayflower Pilgrims and the Nauset people in 1620. On the west-facing bay side, it is renowned for spectacular sunsets over the water. At low tide the bay recedes nearly half a mile, exposing vast warm tidal flats and pools ideal for walking, shelling, and tidepooling with children. Calm, shallow water makes it a favorite for families.
Also known as Sea Street Beach, this Nantucket Sound beach at the end of Sea Street in Hyannis offers warm, calm water and a snack bar, making it a favorite for families. Walkable from downtown Hyannis. Dogs allowed off-season only.
Little Harbor Beach is a 22-acre resident beach on the open waters of Buzzards Bay. A sandy shoreline with gentle waves makes it popular with Wareham families for swimming and beachcombing, while a quiet salt marsh on one side invites exploration on foot or by kayak. Wide views of water and sky and good birding (including piping plovers) round out the appeal.
The wild outer barrier-beach spit reaching toward the Plymouth Harbor lighthouse, open to permitted over-sand 4x4 vehicles. A quiet stretch prized for long shoreline walks, surf casting and shorebird habitat, with no lifeguards or services.
Two-section Vineyard Sound beach in East Falmouth with calm water, restrooms and lifeguards — quieter than the Old Silver and Surf Drive crowds.
Family-friendly Nantucket Sound beach with a playground, gazebo, seasonal bathrooms, a food concession, and an outdoor shower. Hosts a popular summer evening music series at its gazebo.
A family-friendly Nantucket Sound beach between Hardings and Cockle Cove, with lifeguards, restrooms, and a seasonal concession stand. A tidal creek behind the beach is popular with kids.
A working fishing harbor on Cape Cod Bay at the Orleans-Eastham line, prized for free parking and dramatic sunsets over the water. Home to the Orleans sportfishing charter fleet. Minimal facilities; best for sunset watching, strolling, and watching the boats come in.
A small, sandy town beach in the heart of downtown Provincetown at the end of Ryder Street, right beside MacMillan Pier. Its calm, clear harbor water makes it a convenient spot for sunbathing, wading, and launching a kayak, with shops, galleries, and restaurants just steps away.
A 380-acre DCR state reservation at the eastern end of the Cape Cod Canal on Cape Cod Bay. Open to the public for a daily fee, with a bathhouse, restrooms, rinse showers, seasonal lifeguards, a fishing pier, a 100-site campground, and trails along the canal. Leashed dogs permitted April 1-Sept 30 in designated areas.
A popular Harwich Port beach with wonderfully soft sand and panoramic views of Nantucket Sound, within walking distance of Harwich Port shops and restaurants. Lifeguarded with restrooms, a bike rack, beach wheelchairs and mobile concessions; parking requires a season sticker (no daily passes sold here).
Bayside beach on Cape Cod Bay famed for its long boardwalk over a tidal salt marsh and dramatic sunsets. Features a picnic area, pavilion, and seasonal bathrooms. Calm, shallow water at high tide; expansive flats at low tide.
One of Chatham's best beaches for young families, with lifeguards, restrooms, calm shallow water off Nantucket Sound, and a marshy tidal creek that's ideal for wading.
A small, quiet Cape Cod Bay beach in East Dennis named for the old fishing cold-storage building that once stood nearby. Calm bay water and views toward Sesuit Harbor make it a relaxed local favorite for families and sunset watchers.
Cooks Brook is one of Eastham's quieter Bay-side town beaches, tucked at the end of a residential road with a calm, shallow tidal shoreline that rewards patient explorers at low tide. The west-facing exposure serves up reliable sunset views away from the National Seashore crowds, and the smaller scale makes it feel like a neighborhood secret even in high season. Eastham sticker or day fee required.
A small neighborhood Buzzards Bay beach in the Buzzards Bay village with restrooms and a boat ramp. Calm, protected water makes it convenient for residents and small-boat launching.
Classic Vineyard Sound beach below the Falmouth Heights bluff and its grand summer homes — and the front-row stretch for the Falmouth Road Race finish.
A small Cape Cod Bay access point at the corner of Town Neck Road and Freeman Avenue, designated as an accessible entry with a beach mat. A popular shore-fishing spot for striped bass and bluefish, and one of the locations where non-resident day and weekly passes can be purchased.
Popular town freshwater beach on John's Pond with a designated swimming area, kids' play area with slides and swings, picnic tables, restrooms and in-season lifeguards. A go-to spot for Mashpee families.
A Cape Cod Bay beach known for its accessibility, with a boardwalk providing wheelchair access toward the shoreline. At low tide the Brewster flats reveal warm tide pools and sandbars stretching far into the bay. Calm water and west-facing sunsets make it a relaxed family beach. Portable restrooms June through Labor Day; no lifeguard.
Longnook Beach is Truro's most dramatic ocean beach, reached by a steep wooden staircase that descends through towering dune bluffs to reveal a wide, wild Atlantic strand — the view from the top alone is worth the trip. East-facing for morning light and powerful surf, the relative difficulty of access keeps crowds noticeably thinner than busier Outer Cape beaches, rewarding those who make the effort with room to actually breathe. No lifeguard; experienced ocean swimmers only.
Plymouth's largest park, 200 acres of forest and shoreline wrapping Little Pond and the Billington Sea, with a spring-fed freshwater swimming beach that draws visitors from across Massachusetts. Swim lessons run weekdays and there's a launch for small non-motorized boats.
Newcomb Hollow is the most open and remote-feeling of Wellfleet's Atlantic-side beaches, with a broad uninterrupted strand that stretches in both directions and fewer amenities than neighboring Cahoon Hollow — which translates to fewer crowds and more room to breathe even on busy weekends. The east-facing exposure delivers picture-perfect sunrises, and the powerful Atlantic surf produces excellent wave action for surfers and experienced ocean swimmers. The surf's edge at dawn is also prime surfcasting territory.
A smaller, quieter neighborhood beach on Nantucket Sound off Sea Street in Hyannis, near Keyes Memorial Beach. Calm water and a low-key local feel. Dogs allowed off-season only.
A freshwater pond and town swimming beach offering calm, warm water and a small sandy beach. Seasonal lifeguard, picnic areas, and kayak/canoe access. A great backup when the saltwater beaches are crowded or rough. Dogs prohibited June 15 through Labor Day.
The long stretch of sandy harbor shoreline running along Provincetown's waterfront on either side of MacMillan Wharf. Sheltered, calm bay water and an easy walk to shops, restaurants, and galleries make it ideal for swimming, paddling, beachcombing, and long strolls. Tides expose broad flats at low water.
Swifts Neck Beach sits on a wide bend of the Wareham River near its mouth at Buzzards Bay. A mix of sand and grass and a network of tidal creeks make it a calm, family-friendly spot good for swimming, wading, kayaking, and saltwater fishing. At low tide the mudflats are full of hermit crabs and clams - great for kids exploring tide pools. A concrete boat ramp and seasonal restrooms are on site; no lifeguards.
One of Eastham's three Bay-side town beaches, Campground Beach offers protected, warm-water swimming on Cape Cod Bay with a gently sloping sandy bottom ideal for families with young children. The west-facing shoreline delivers the kind of long, slow sunsets that make the Outer Cape famous, with the water warming noticeably more than the ocean side by midsummer. Eastham resident sticker or day-use fee required; arrive early on summer weekends.
West Falmouth favorite on Buzzards Bay (locals call it 'Chappy') — warm water, big sunsets, and a steady breeze that draws windsurfers and kite-flyers.
Truro's classic Cape Cod Bay beach off Corn Hill Road, with calm warm water, gentle tidal flats, and famous west-facing sunsets over the bay. One of the few Truro beaches with a daily pay option, making it the easiest for day-trip visitors.
A quiet freshwater kettle pond with warm, clear, calm water, a narrow beach strip, and a low-key feel. A good alternative for swimming and kayaking when ocean conditions are rough. Dogs prohibited June 15 through Labor Day.
A scenic peninsula beach in Osterville bordered by Nantucket Sound on one side and East Bay on the other, offering both open-water and protected calm-water swimming. Lifeguards on duty daily 9am-5pm in summer. Resident/taxpayer parking only. Dogs allowed off-season only.
Small neighborhood beach on Lewis Bay in West Yarmouth, with a marina and jetty. A quieter spot with calm water and a small parking lot; no lifeguards on duty.
A quiet, free Nantucket Sound beach and conservation area in South Chatham with a tidal salt marsh and a short loop trail, popular with walkers and birders rather than crowds.
A quaint neighborhood freshwater pond with a small sandy beach in Manomet, calm and shallow, making it a quiet local favorite for families. There's a boat launch for small craft.
A sheltered cove beach in Pocasset on Hen Cove, with very calm, shallow water that is good for young families. Has restrooms and a boat ramp for kayaks and small craft.
LeCount Hollow Beach — also known as Maguire Landing — is a wide-open Atlantic beach flanked by tall sand-and-scrub bluffs that provide a natural windbreak and a classic Outer Cape backdrop. The east-facing shoreline catches the day's first light for some of the Cape's finest sunrises, and the powerful surf makes it a reliable destination for experienced surfers and bodyboarders. Minimal facilities keep it feeling raw and uncrowded compared to the bigger lots up the road.
The remote sandspit at the very tip of Cape Cod, crowned by Long Point Lighthouse. Reached only by harbor shuttle, kayak, or a roughly 1.5-mile walk across the West End stone breakwater, it rewards the effort with quiet, uncrowded sand, calm bay water, and sweeping views back toward Provincetown. There are no facilities, so bring everything you need.
A quieter Cape Cod Bay beach named for the rocks scattered along the shore. Like Brewster's other bay beaches it sits on the famous tidal flats, where at low tide the water recedes to reveal sandbars, tide pools and clam beds ideal for walking and shelling. West-facing sunsets over the bay. Portable restrooms June through Labor Day; no lifeguard.
A six-mile barrier beach along Cape Cod Bay reached via the East Sandwich gatehouse off Route 6A, though the beach itself is managed by the Town of Barnstable. Full amenities at the main beach: lifeguards, restrooms, outdoor showers, snack bar, ramp access and a beach wheelchair. Famous for dunes, beachcombing, sea glass, ORV trails, and primitive camping. Note: Sandwich beach stickers are not accepted here.
A small, quiet south-facing neighborhood beach on Nantucket Sound near the heart of Harwich Port, an easy walk from local shops and restaurants. Parking is very limited (about two spaces) and requires a season sticker, so most visitors arrive on foot or by bike.
A Cape Cod Bay beach near the Dennis/Yarmouth line with gentle surf, tidal flats at low tide, and beautiful sunset views over the bay. Lifeguarded in season and popular with families.
Swift Beach is a neighborhood saltwater beach on the protected Buzzards Bay shoreline in the Swifts Neck area of Wareham. Calm, shallow water makes it a quiet local swimming spot for families. It is one of the few Wareham beaches where non-residents can park with a season sticker.
Small Lewis Bay neighborhood beach in West Yarmouth with calm water and a seasonal portable restroom. No lifeguards; a low-key spot for a quiet swim or stroll.
A quiet Buzzards Bay neighborhood beach in the historic Gray Gables section near the mouth of the Cape Cod Canal. Calm water and restrooms; popular with nearby residents.
A calm bayside beach in North Truro off Great Hollow Road, with warm shallow water and wide tidal flats at low tide. West-facing over Cape Cod Bay, it delivers some of Truro's signature sunsets in a quieter, residential setting.
A clear, spring-fed freshwater pond in Marstons Mills popular for swimming and fishing, with calm, warm water that's ideal for young children. Resident/taxpayer parking only. Dogs allowed off-season only.
Plymouth's newest park-and-beach on a freshwater pond in Cedarville, built out as a full recreation complex with a playground, sports field, tennis, basketball, beach volleyball and horseshoes alongside the swimming beach.
Harwich's premier freshwater swimming beach on Long Pond, with calm, warm water that is ideal for young children and swimming lessons. Amenities include lifeguards, restrooms, a boat ramp, non-motorized craft launch, beach wheelchairs and mobile concessions; one of four beaches selling daily passes on-site.
A calm, shallow Cape Cod Bay beach beside Wellfleet Harbor and a short walk from the town center. Warm, gentle water makes it a favorite for young families, and the west-facing bay shore delivers excellent sunsets over the water. No lifeguard.
Sheltered North Falmouth beach on Buzzards Bay beside a small harbor — calm, shallow water and a quiet, local, family feel.
Chatham's only public beach combining free parking with lifeguard supervision, Oyster Pond is a tidal saltwater pond whose enclosed, warm, shallow water makes it the safest swimming spot in town for young children. A paved stroller-friendly path leads from parking to shore. The Town of Chatham runs Red Cross swim lessons here each summer.
A Cape Cod Bay beach reached from Robbins Hill Road, with Mant's Landing nearby. The elevated dune at Robbins Hill is a beloved sunset-watching spot looking west over the bay. At low tide the Brewster flats extend far out, exposing tide pools and sandbars for walking and shelling. Portable restrooms June through Labor Day; no lifeguard.
A clear, spring-fed freshwater kettle pond off Route 130, popular with local families for warm, calm swimming with no surf or tide. Designated an accessible access point with a beach mat. Resident sticker required.
Sunken Meadow Beach sits along Eastham's Bay-side town beaches, where the tidal flats extend far at low tide making it a favorite for clam diggers, shore birds, and families letting kids loose in ankle-deep water. The wide sandy flats and protected Cape Cod Bay water warm up well by July, creating ideal conditions for young swimmers and anyone who prefers a gentler ocean experience. Eastham sticker or day fee required.
Tempest Knob is a town waterfront access point and boat-ramp area on the Wareham River near Buzzards Bay. Unlike most Wareham beaches, it is open to everyone with no resident restriction - a season pass ($50) or $5 daily fee is paid at a self-serve kiosk - making it the most accessible spot for visitors looking for shoreline and boat access.
A mile-plus-long Nantucket Sound barrier beach off Davis Beach Road, just east of the mouth of Bass River, with one of the largest beach parking lots on Cape Cod. Warmer Sound water, steady breezes that draw windsurfers and kite-flyers, lifeguards, and a back-side salt marsh.
A Buzzards Bay beach and boat ramp in Pocasset with calm, protected water. A neighborhood favorite for swimming and launching small boats and kayaks.
Small Lewis Bay beach in West Yarmouth reached by a wooden bridge over a marsh, with an adjacent marina. Calm, shallow water makes it good for young families; small parking lot and seasonal portable restroom.
A neighborhood Nantucket Sound beach in Dennis Port with warm, calm south-facing water that's well suited to families and young swimmers. Lifeguarded in season.
A popular freshwater kettle pond off Phinney's Lane in Hyannis, ringed by woods with a nature trail loop. Clear, calm water and lifeguards make it a family favorite away from the ocean crowds. Dogs allowed off-season only.
A warm, shallow Wellfleet Harbor beach on the bay side, with broad flats exposed at low tide that are ideal for kids and shelling. West-facing for sunset views. Seasonal restrooms; no lifeguard.
A small, calm beach on Pleasant Bay with free parking and protected water. It is the one Chatham beach where leashed dogs are allowed in summer (before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m.).
Brewster's largest freshwater kettle pond and a popular warm-water swimming spot, shared with neighboring Harwich. The town beach has a lifeguard on duty roughly 9am to 5pm from June through Labor Day, making it a good choice for families with young swimmers. Calm, fresh water with no surf. Portable restrooms June through Labor Day.
An 11-acre waterfront green on Plymouth Harbor with a small sandy beach, a summer splash pad, playground and picnic area, plus a kayak/canoe launch. A paved harborfront path links to the North Plymouth Rail Trail and Holmes Reservation.
A large freshwater kettle pond with a town swimming beach at Oak Crest Cove on Quaker Meetinghouse Road. Calm, warm water ideal for families, and staffed during the summer season. Day and weekly passes available in addition to resident stickers.
A tucked-away Cape Cod Bay beach in South Truro off Ryder Beach Road, with gentle surf, expansive low-tide flats, and classic west-facing bay sunsets. A favorite quiet spot for families and shellers.
A freshwater pond beach with calm, warm water and generous parking, popular with families. Amenities include restrooms, handicapped parking, a non-motorized craft launch and mobile concessions; a season sticker is required for parking (no daily passes sold on-site).
A small, scenic Cape Cod Bay beach reached by a staircase down the dune. West-facing with calm, warm bay water and wide tidal flats at low tide, it is prized for peaceful sunsets and quiet walks. A town beach sticker is required.
Marsh-backed Buzzards Bay beach where the Little Sippewissett salt marsh meets the sound — tidal creeks and warm shallows make it a hit with little kids.
A small Cape Cod Bay beach at the mouth of Boat Meadow Creek on Eastham's west shore. Marsh-fringed with calm, shallow bay water and broad low-tide flats, it is a quiet spot for wading, walking, and bayside sunsets. A town beach sticker is required.
A small, quiet freshwater pond beach in East Harwich with calm water, suited to a peaceful swim away from the crowds. Parking is very limited (about two spaces) and requires a season sticker; there are no posted amenities on-site.
A small, quiet Cape Cod Bay beach in South Truro off Fisher Road, with calm water, broad low-tide flats, and west-facing bay sunsets. One of Truro's most low-key residential beaches.
Free freshwater swimming pond in Goodwill Park, with a lifeguarded beach, picnic groves and walking trails — no sticker or fee required.
A small sandy pocket beach on Cape Cod Bay in the Chequessett Neck area, named for the 19th-century Powers family. Calm, shallow water and a popular kayak launch into Wellfleet Harbor, with sweeping harbor views and fine sunsets. No lifeguard or facilities.
A freshwater swimming beach on Scargo Lake, a glacial kettle pond, offering a calm, fresh-water alternative to the ocean beaches. Shaded picnic area and gentle entry make it ideal for families with small children; lifeguarded in season.
A clear freshwater kettle pond on Brewster's south side, accessed from Fisherman's Landing. Popular for warm, calm swimming and paddling, it is a quieter alternative to the bay beaches with no surf. Portable restrooms June through Labor Day; no lifeguard.
A small, tucked-away harbor beach in the Cataumet section on Squeteague Harbor. No facilities and limited parking, but calm protected water and a quiet setting for paddling, shellfishing and shoreline walks.
A freshwater swimming beach on Wakeby Lake within the Ryder Conservation Area in South Sandwich, surrounded by woodland trails. Quiet, calm water for swimming and paddling, with hiking and nature paths nearby. Resident sticker required.
A small Wellfleet Harbor beach on the Indian Neck shore, with calm shallow water and a designated area for shellfishing at low tide. Harbor and sunset views; seasonal restrooms; no lifeguard.
A town-owned freshwater pond (also called Flax Pond) in Pocasset with a long sandy shoreline and warm, shallow water that is great for swimming and wading. Rarely crowded - a quiet alternative to the saltwater beaches.
Wiley Park is Eastham's freshwater swimming beach on the shore of Great Pond, the town's largest kettle pond. Warm, fresh, still water and a gentle bottom make it ideal for young children and a calmer alternative to the ocean. It is one of the four town beaches that accepts a $30 daily gate pass in addition to the season sticker.
One of Wellfleet's largest glacial kettle ponds, with clear, warm freshwater and a sandy swimming beach. A calm, sheltered alternative to the ocean beaches, popular with families for swimming and paddling. No lifeguard.
The largest of Wellfleet's kettle ponds, connected to Higgins and Williams ponds by paddle-able channels. Clear, warm freshwater with a sandy swimming beach; Jack's Boat Rental on site offers kayak, canoe, and small-boat rentals. Calm and family-friendly; no lifeguard.
A popular Wellfleet kettle pond with a sandy bottom, clear water, and a shaded beach set back from the shore. Favored for swimming, kayaking, and fishing in calm freshwater. No lifeguard.
An east-shore Atlantic beach in Siasconset below Sankaty bluff, quiet with limited parking. (Local note: Small parking area, seasonal lifeguards, relatively easy access)
A narrow public beach along the Edgartown-Oak Bluffs Road where Beach Road bends near Nantucket Sound. Calm, protected water popular for kayak launches and gentle swimming. Great views of Chappaquiddick and the Edgartown Lighthouse.
Sandy harbor-front beach at Blish Point adjacent to Barnstable Harbor marina and boat launch. A quiet spot to watch fishing vessels and pleasure boats come and go. Calm harbor water; good for small kids and watching watercraft. Views across the harbor to Sandy Neck.
A small freshwater swimming area on the south shore of Lake Tashmoo, managed by the Town of Tisbury. Warm, calm water in a scenic pond setting. A local favorite for families seeking quieter, car-free swimming.
A small sandy crescent beside the iconic Brant Point Lighthouse at the entrance to Nantucket Harbor. Exceptionally calm, shallow water with a postcard-perfect lighthouse backdrop. A favorite for small children and sunset watchers.
Small, scenic beach on the western shore of West Bay in the heart of Osterville village. The calm, warm bay water and gentle bottom make this a quintessential quiet Cape Cod village beach. Popular with local families; lovely sunsets west across the bay.
Small public waterfront area adjacent to the Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge. A grassy park with water access on the bay side, popular for fishing and watching canal traffic. Not a swimming beach but a scenic waterfront spot.
A small protected in-town harbor beach with playground and lawn, ideal for toddlers. (Local note: Playground, café, calm shallow water for small children)
A south-shore Atlantic beach with consistent surf, an on-site surf school and food trucks. (Local note: Surf school, food trucks, heavier waves, parking available)
The largest kettle pond in Nickerson State Park at 206 acres, Cliff Pond offers a sandy swimming beach with clear water and impressive depth. Supervised by lifeguards in summer, with a boat launch on the Nook Road side. Accessible on foot from camping areas 4, 6, and 6x. A beloved Cape Cod freshwater escape with picnic areas and kayak-friendly shores.
A remote, undeveloped barrier beach forming the eastern arm of Nantucket Harbor. Accessible only by 4WD vehicle with an Trustees/Nantucket Conservation permit, kayak, or boat. Pristine dunes, abundant shorebirds, and near-total solitude. Swimming on the calm harbor side.
A quieter Nantucket Sound beach just west of Craigville Beach in Centerville, popular with locals and less crowded than its neighbor.
One of Cape Cod's most popular south-facing beaches on Nantucket Sound. Wide sandy shore with warm calm water, ideal for families. Located at the end of Craigville Beach Road in Centerville.
A calm north-shore Sound beach backed by tall dunes, gentler and less crowded. (Local note: Calm water, restrooms, parking, family-friendly and peaceful)
A remote barrier beach and wildlife refuge on Chappaquiddick, best by OSV permit or a long walk. (Local note: Reviewers love the emptiness but note you need a 4WD permit to drive down and facilities are minimal)
A calm, narrow public beach below the East Chop bluffs on Vineyard Sound. Protected from ocean swells, it offers gentle swimming with views toward Cape Cod. Often less crowded than main Oak Bluffs beaches.
A small beach by the Lagoon Pond drawbridge with harbor views on one side and calm lagoon water on the other. (Local note: Small drawbridge lot, calm water, favorite for families and dog walkers)
A 48-acre kettle pond inside Nickerson State Park with a sandy beach, roped swimming area, and lifeguard supervision in summer. Popular with families for its shallow warm water and canoe and kayak rentals available on-site. Handicap-accessible parking adjacent to the bathhouse.
A peaceful freshwater swimming spot on Follins Pond in South Dennis, set along a quiet road with soft sand and clear water. Popular with kayakers, anglers, and families looking to avoid the crowd. Limited street parking; a small boat launch is also on site.
A small walkable public beach on Edgartown's outer harbor with calm water and no amenities. (Local note: Parking is the #1 problem (~6-8 spots) — effectively walk/bike-in)
The remote northern tip of Nantucket, home to the Great Point Lighthouse. A wild, 4WD-only strand within the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge managed by The Trustees. Excellent fishing, seals, and shorebird nesting habitat. One of the island's most spectacular and desolate stretches.
A secluded north-shore pebble-and-sand beach within the Martha's Vineyard Land Bank's Great Rock Bight Preserve. Reached by a short trail through oak woodland. Calm Vineyard Sound swimming, rocky tide pools, and sweeping views toward Cape Cod. Rarely crowded.
A small kettle-hole pond in Wareham with a town-maintained beach. Clear, warm freshwater ideal for swimming. Set within a wooded area of South Wareham near Wareham State Forest.
A quiet Cape Cod Bay beach tucked just east of Corporation Beach, sharing the same calm tidal flats and sweeping bay views. Less crowded than its neighbor, it offers a boardwalk access, soft sand, and classic north-side Dennis character. Lifeguards are on duty in season; restrooms are a short walk at Corporation Beach.
Small neighborhood beach on Nantucket Sound in the quiet Hyannisport enclave. Calm protected water makes it popular with families and young children. Views toward the Kennedy compound area and across Lewis Bay.
A historic Sound-facing town beach, a cultural landmark for the island's Black community since the 1800s. (Local note: Free parking but very crowded peak weekends — arrive early)
A quiet freshwater pond in East Falmouth, managed by the Town of Falmouth. Sandy beach with calm, warm water—excellent for families with young children. Less crowded than the saltwater beaches.
Town's most amenity-rich harbor-side beach with calm water, walkable from town. (Local note: Calm surf, family-friendly, free parking, beach-wheelchair access)
A calm, shallow two-mile barrier beach on Nantucket Sound, famous as a Jaws filming location. (Local note: Confirmed free roadside parking that fills on weekends; calm shallow family water)
The iconic two-mile barrier beach between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown with calm Sound-side water. (Local note: Easiest big beach to access; free roadside parking the whole length, fills midday in peak summer)
Freshwater pond beach on Joshua's Pond in Marstons Mills. A classic mid-Cape kettle pond with clear cool water. Small sandy swim area popular with families and local children during summer. Relatively undiscovered compared to larger pond beaches elsewhere in Barnstable.
A small popular town beach at the mouth of Lake Tashmoo with swimming on both the Sound and the pond. (Local note: The last mile is a bumpy one-lane dirt road; tiny lot fills by mid-morning July–Aug — arrive early)
Town beach access on Lake Wequaquet, the largest freshwater lake on Cape Cod. Warm, calm water in summer makes it extremely popular for family swimming. The large lake surface also draws sailors and kayakers. Sandy bottom and gradual entry are ideal for children.
A beloved calm-water Sound beach, strictly resident/renter sticker-only during summer daytime. (Local note: Visitors cannot park in summer without a town sticker; hours extended in 2025)
A large, clear freshwater pond on the Sandwich-Barnstable border. The Sandwich access point offers a sandy beach with calm swimming. Popular with families and anglers.
Town-access beach on the western shore of Lewis Bay. Sheltered from ocean swells, offering calm swimming and kayak launch access. Convenient to Hyannis center and ferry area. Popular with locals who bypass the busier Kalmus and Veterans Park beaches.
Tidal flat beach accessible by causeway at low tide, offering vast sandbars and calm warm water on Wellfleet Harbor. The island becomes accessible for several hours around low tide, revealing extensive tidal flats ideal for exploring. Families with young children love the shallow, warm water. Check tide charts before visiting — the causeway floods at high tide.
A long sweep of white sand at the tip of Edgartown Harbor, home to the iconic Edgartown Harbor Light — a white cast-iron lighthouse built in 1938. Calm, protected water makes it great for families. Walk the sandy spit to reach the lighthouse and take in sweeping views of Chappaquiddick and the harbor. Free parking nearby on North Water Street.
A calm Vineyard Sound beach legally open to all but reachable mainly by bike or foot (no day parking). (Local note: ~8 or fewer non-resident spots, no road parking — biking in is the realistic way)
A 632-acre Trustees coastal refuge — the main genuine public Atlantic-beach option up-island. (Local note: Reviewers call it a great public-access beach; lot fills early in summer)
The main Cotuit town beach on Nantucket Sound, with calm warm water and a classic New England village beach feel. Named for the loop road at the parking area.
A dramatic Atlantic south-shore beach with clay cliffs, resident/renter-only Jun 1–Sep 15. (Local note: Reviews report hard resident-only enforcement; off-season is the only public window)
A west-end Atlantic beach famed for sunsets; access restored via a bluff ramp, parking minimal due to erosion. (Local note: VERIFIED OPEN: erosion closed it in 2022, then town restored access with a ramp + lifeguards; parking extremely limited)
A quiet rocky Vineyard Sound beach reached only on foot through the Trustees' Menemsha Hills. (Local note: A quiet hike-in reward off the Harris Trail; free public foot access)
Chilmark's only fully public beach, world-famous for west-facing sunsets in the Menemsha fishing village. (Local note: The public, no-sticker alternative since Lucy Vincent and Squibnocket are resident-only)
A tucked-away Nantucket Sound beach sitting just west of the iconic Wychmere Harbor in Harwich Port. Named for Dr. Merkel, whose family donated surrounding land to the town, it offers a quiet stretch of sand with harbor views. No parking on-site — walk or bike in for the best experience.
A small Cape Cod Bay beach at the mouth of Barnstable Harbor, adjacent to the town pier where whale watch and fishing charter boats depart. Great for watching boat traffic and kayak launching.
The iconic public beach beneath Aquinnah's federally protected clay cliffs, via a paid municipal lot. (Local note: Public access with paid lot and a notable walk down; ~$35 parking widely cited)
The remote southwestern shore below the Gay Head Cliffs extending toward Devils Bridge. A wild, undeveloped strip reached by walking west from the main Moshup Beach parking area. Strong currents near the submerged Devils Bridge ledge make swimming inadvisable, but the cliffs, views, and shelling are extraordinary.
The closest beach to the Oak Bluffs Steamship Authority ferry terminal — steps from where the boat docks. A calm Nantucket Sound beach with lifeguards in summer and easy parking along Seaview Ave. The pier is visible from the beach. First stop for many MV day-trippers arriving car-free.
A small peaceful Cotuit town beach on Cotuit Bay with calm shallow water. Quieter than nearby Loop Beach and beloved by locals.
A calm, breakwater-protected harbor beach in central Vineyard Haven, walkable from the ferry. (Local note: Small, calm, family-friendly; limited free parking that fills but easy walk-in from town)
Town-managed freshwater pond beach adjacent to Falmouth Heights. Protected from ocean winds, warm water, and a sandy beach entry. A local favorite for residents avoiding the saltwater crowds.
A quiet, local bay-side beach in South Truro accessible via a short path through beach plum and bayberry. Small, intimate, and rarely crowded — favored by Truro residents for calm-water swimming and sunsets over Cape Cod Bay. No facilities; bring everything you need.
A popular calm-water town beach between the Steamship pier and the Inkwell. (Local note: One of the most popular in-town swim spots; convenient to ferry and downtown)
Philbin Beach is Aquinnah's resident sunset gem on the wild southwest shore, just off Moshup Trail below the Gay Head Cliffs. A wide Atlantic surf beach with soft sand and big open water, it's beloved for uncrowded space and spectacular light. Note the access rules: in season it's residents/renters with an Aquinnah sticker only — otherwise park at the Cliffs and walk down.
A remote Atlantic-facing ocean beach below the Pilgrim Heights area of the Cape Cod National Seashore. Accessible via a steep path down from the bluffs, this beach offers dramatic dune scenery, strong surf, and the wide-open feeling of the outer beach. Minimal crowds due to the hike required.
Town-managed freshwater pond beach in East Sandwich. Shallow, warm water ideal for young children. A neighborhood gem for Sandwich residents seeking calm swimming in summer.
Small sandy beach at Barlow's Landing on Red Brook Harbor, part of the Pocasset waterfront. Popular for kayak and canoe launches onto the harbor. Calm protected water with views toward Buzzards Bay.
The quiet western stretch of Provincetown's harbor-facing shoreline, away from the bustle of MacMillan Pier. Calm, protected water and lovely views of the harbor and Pilgrim Monument make this a favorite for locals. Warm, flat water is ideal for young children. Sunset views over the bay are exceptional.
A secluded south-shore barrier beach at the western end of Edgartown Great Pond, accessible through a gate managed by the Chilmark Land Bank. Chilmark residents and guests with a current key access permit only. Pristine dunes, strong surf, and complete solitude.
Orleans' iconic west-facing harbor on Cape Cod Bay, famous for spectacular sunsets and charter fishing. A tidal harbor with free parking for roughly 90 vehicles. No lifeguard on duty; strong tidal currents near the channel require caution, especially with children. Young's Fish Market operates in season nearby.
A spectacular 6-mile barrier beach on Cape Cod Bay, one of the Cape's most wild and pristine. Wide dunes, salt marsh, and ancient cedar forests. The main parking and gatehouse entrance is in West Barnstable off Sandy Neck Road.
Freshwater kettle pond beach on Santuit Pond in Cotuit. Quiet and local-feeling with calm, cool water. A good spot to escape the summer crowds while still getting a swim. Adjacent conservation land adds to the natural setting.
Town of Mashpee freshwater pond beach at Santuit Pond. Calm, clear water in a wooded setting. Open to Mashpee residents and their guests. Good for swimming and non-motorized boating.
A mid-sized Nantucket Sound beach on South Shore Drive in South Yarmouth, sitting at the east side of Parkers River mouth. Clean sand, a concrete seawall walkway, and a picnic area make it a comfortable family destination. Tends not to get overly crowded; parking is right beside the beach.
A free Land Bank beach on Tisbury Great Pond, broad and sandy though scattered with oyster shells. (Local note: Free public access; pond swimming with shorebird-nesting closures at the point in early summer)
A ~3-mile south-facing Atlantic barrier beach with heavy surf, dunes and free public access. (Local note: TripAdvisor reviewers warn of rough surf, strong undertow and a sharp drop-off; arrive early for parking)
A rocky Atlantic surf beach restricted to Chilmark residents/renters Jun 15–Labor Day. (Local note: Summer is sticker-only; a resident surf beach inaccessible to day-trippers in season)
Town waterfront park adjacent to Plymouth Rock and the downtown harbor. A flat, grassy and sandy strip along Plymouth Harbor with calm water, historical views, and easy access to the town wharf and Mayflower II. More of a scenic gathering spot than a swim beach.
A narrow sandy beach tucked below the bluffs on the north shore, reached by a long staircase from Cliff Road. Calm, protected water makes it popular with families and swimmers. Stunning views of Nantucket Sound.
A popular wide south-shore Atlantic beach with stronger surf, best reached by bike or shuttle. (Local note: Only ~60 parking spots — shuttle advised; heavier surf)
A wild dune-backed Atlantic point at the SE tip of Chappaquiddick where Atlantic and Sound waters collide. (Local note: Fishing forums describe the island's strongest, most unpredictable currents — swim only if very experienced)
Small harbor beach adjacent to Wellfleet's working fishing pier and marina. A quiet spot to watch oyster boats and fishing vessels come and go. The protected harbor water is calm and great for young children to splash around. The surrounding area has a charming working-waterfront atmosphere.
Quiet cove beach on Buzzards Bay in the Wings Neck area of Bourne. Calm, protected waters make it ideal for kayaking and small-boat launching. Limited parking; mostly accessed by local residents.
Remote walk-in beach at the western tip of Provincetown accessible only by a 1.5-mile walk along the West End Breakwater or a long beach hike. The beach wraps around the peninsula near Wood End Lighthouse and offers stunning views of Cape Cod Bay with calm, protected water. Completely undeveloped with no facilities — true solitude.