The Simplified Guide to Cape Cod Beaches

As a team of Cape natives, we’re know a thing or two about Cape Cod beaches. But before you become a beach bum, here are some helpful tips to ensure you enjoy all the Cape has to offer.

guide to the Best Cape cod Beaches

If you are in search of the best beaches on Cape Cod, answers can range depending upon who you talk to and where they live. Here are a few of our favorite Cape Cod beaches:

• Herring Cove Beach (Provincetown) – Herring Cove Beach has a wonderful new-ish food stand Far Land on the Beach.
• Cahoon Hollow Beach (Wellfleet) – There is no way you can visit Cahoon Hollow Beach or Cape Cod for the matter without visiting The Beachcomber!
• First Encounter (Eastham) – This bayside beach is a perfect place to take the kids. The Good Times Ice Cream Truck makes frequent visits!
• Skaket (Orleans) – Another bayside beach that is great for families with a prime sunset watching spot.  They also have Ardath’s Food Stand where you can grab lunch and snacks.
• Nauset Beach (Orleans) – This ocean side beach fills up quick! Luckily signs are posted on Rt 6 before entering Orleans to let you know if there is parking available.  If you luck out and get a spot, be sure to try the onion rings at Liam’s!
• Chatham Lighthouse Beach (Chatham) – This is literally the elbow of Cape Cod. A definite must-see.
• Dowses Beach (Osterville) – A soft-sand beach that’s perfect for collecting sea-shells.
• Long Beach (Centerville) – This beach has the same popularity of nearby beaches but without as much crowding, thanks to its bigger size.

CHoosE the Best Time to GO

If you ask locals, like me and my family, they will say that the best time of year to go to the beach is ALL YEAR! One of our favorite activities in the fall and winter is to walk the beach, both the ocean and bayside. The ocean color changes to a deep green and it’s so nice to fill your lungs with the crisp fresh air.  After a big storm, it’s always fun to see the changes and catch views of the last few waves.

During high season (June-August) the best time to visit Cape Cod beaches is in the morning to ensure parking and a nice spot for your beach blanket.  After about 4pm is also a good time to visit the beach. All the crowds have usually left and you can stay and watch the amazing sunsets. They usually offer free parking at that time too!

Be sure  to check the tide chart especially when visiting the bayside. During low tide, it’s so fun to take the kids out on the bayside to explore the flats and walk for miles.  On the oceanside, low tide is a time to catch some surf!

If this post doesn’t get you in the mood for some sand between your toes, I don’t know what will! Let us know how Simplified can help plan your Cape Cod Vacation to these wonderful Cape Cod beaches.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in March 2017 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.