Best Beach Destinations and Attractions in Cape Cod, Massachusetts
The Cape Cod Peninsula juts into the Atlantic Ocean from the southeastern part of Massachusetts. It is a region that has a rich maritime history. It also has plenty of beaches, making it a desirable tourist destination.
One must-visit location for many people is the Cape Cod National Seashore. In 2020, there were over 4.1 million visitors to the park.
This article explores some of Cape Cod, Massachusetts’s best beach destinations and attractions. Use this as a guide the next time you visit the area.
Frolic With Seals at Marconi Beach
The Cape Cod National Seashore Marconi beach is in Wellfleet. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best beaches in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. One of the major attractions is the seals that call it home. There are also massive sand dunes and the best waves for surfers.
You can expect to find plenty of people there due to its popularity. But don’t worry about fighting for space because the beach is enormous.
The soaring cliffs provide a fantastic backdrop and look spectacular in the sunlight. You can see the ocean, outer cape, and bay from the top of the dunes.
Enjoy the Private Beach at Chatham Inns
Many travelers are concerned about finding the best places to stay on Cape Cod. A family-friendly resort is the Chatham Bars Inn Resort. A look at their website shows that it positions itself as Cape Cod’s most beautiful address. And indeed, it is. The inn is at the waterfront, meaning you wake up to a cool breeze every day.
The whole family will enjoy some of the best cuisines at the Chatham restaurants. And there is the top attraction which is the private quarter-mile beach.
Its position gives it a fantastic view of Aunt Lydia’s Cove. The restaurants can arrange for beverage and food service right on the beach. There are plenty of Cabanas that are ideal for those who want a little solitude or privacy.
Take a stroll on the boardwalk, do beach yoga or ride the flat bikes on the sand. Set your kids free on the supervised beach to enjoy many activities. The Chatham Inn arranges for nature excursions and more.
Enjoy Wondrous Beauty at Gray’s Beach
Don’t let the name fool you. Grays beach in Yarmouth is far from dull or lacking in color. Indeed, it is an explosion of color and brochure-worthy beauty. The blend of green, blue, and a mishmash of other hues is breathtaking.
Also going by the name Bass Hole, the beach is calm and scenic. It is not uncommon to find wildlife in the tall grass.
The water is shallow, and the beach is huge. That makes it an ideal location for family fun. There is a designated picnic area, but you will need to bring your food.
KiteSurf at Craigsville Beach
Craigsville beach is in Nantucket Sound and is open to the public. But right next to it is the private Covell’s beach. What you will immediately notice is how expansive it is. The sand is smooth, the water clear, and the landscape is impressive.
One of the major attractions is kitesurfing during summer. The winds are quite favorable for these types of activities.
Please note that the beach is quite popular with teenagers and college students. But, you will still find plenty of space for yourself and your family. There are shops where you can rent umbrellas and chairs.
Windsurf at Monument Beach
Monument beach is at the southern entrance of the Bourne canal. You can describe it as low-key with very calm water. This is due to the wind buffer the adjoining Mashnee Island gives.
What is interesting about monument beach is the water bird life. Watching tee cormorants and ospreys fish is quite fascinating. Don’t be surprised to see a dolphin or whale when they decide to make an appearance.
The beach attracts a lot of windsurfers and beach volleyballers. Yet with all the activities, Monument beach is a kid-friendly beach. The tides are small, and there are plenty of lifeguards on duty. You can enjoy quality time over a picnic at one of the designated areas.
Boogie Board at Nauset Beach
Boogie boarding or bodyboarding is a 1971 invention of Tom Morey. You use rectangular hydrodynamic forms and fins to ride waves. And boogie boarders have a protected area on Nauset beach where they can have fun.
Nauset beach is 10 miles of sand, off-road trails, designated surfing spots, and many fun activities. Do watch out for seals and whales further off the coast. Plenty of bass and bluefish make the area a fisherman’s paradise.
Plan your trip to Nauset beach in July and August. There are some excellent weekly concerts to make your visit more enjoyable.
The sunrise at the beach is worth capturing. You can explore the beach on your off-road vehicle with a special permit.
Enjoy Warm Waters at Old Silver Beach
Old Silver Beach is in Falmouth, making it much closer to Boston. It is a perfect location for those who want to surf. You will also notice that the water is much warmer than what you will get on other beaches.
Carry your camera along for some dramatic pictures of the Cape Cod Canal. You also get a pretty uninterrupted view of Buzzards Bay and some of the Massachusetts coastal towns. Plenty of boats pass the area from and to some of the New England States and Canada.
There are two beaches divided by a jetty. Locals can access one side, while the general public uses the other. Like many public beaches, it can fill up pretty quickly. So if you want a good spot, go early in the morning.
Also, note that the currents can be quite powerful, so you need to be very careful. This is especially critical if the kids get into the water as well.
Final Thoughts
Cape Cod, Massachusetts, has plenty of attractions, including some of the best beaches and fantastic family resorts. We have looked at what we consider some of the best in the article above. But a cursory internet search will expose you to plenty more.
If you’re planning to visit any of the destinations, please do a bit more research. Find out about parking, special facilities like disability access, and more. And, of course, get ready for a fantastic time in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
