Must-see beaches on Cape Cod

With almost 560 miles of unspoiled coastline, of course Cape Cod is surrounded by glorious beaches, some of the finest in the world in fact! While the Cape has much to offer, perhaps the most spectacular are its beaches, so be sure to plan at least a day or two for exploring and relaxing on one of these magnificent local treasures.

Below you will find a sampling of child-friendly beaches as well as some beauties too amazing to leave out. 

All of these beaches and so many more are here and waiting for you to explore, if only you were staying with us on Cape Cod or in Plymouth. Call or reserve your getaway online at one of our properties – Cape Codder Resort & Spa – (888) 297-2200; Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa – (800) 444-3566 or John Carver Inn & Spa – (800) 274-1620, then pick your beaches so you can make the most of your time here.

Mid-Cape- all of these beaches are just minutes from the Cape Codder:

CRAIGVILLE BEACH, Centerville – one of the most popular beaches on the Cape, Craigville is on Nantucket Sound, so the water isn’t too cold and the waves not too big. This beach is a favorite among the teen crowd.

KALMUS BEACH, Hyannis – well-known by the windsurfer crowd and a travel route for boats and ferries to the islands, there’s plenty to watch along this shore. The water is warmer with mild surf, the beach is expansive with smaller crowds and the breeze is refreshing – perfect for relaxing on a hot day.

VETERAN’S BEACH, Hyannis – delightful views of Lewis Bay, this is a popular place where families enjoy picnics and cookouts shaded by a pine grove. The Hyannis Yacht Club is located at one end of the beach, so you can admire the gorgeous yachts moored off the beach and watch the small boat races that occur frequently during the summer. Close to the Kennedy Compound, the Kennedy Memorial is adjacent to the beach.

SANDY NECK BEACH, West Barnstable – gorgeous sand dunes and cool crystal clear water make this beach simply breathtaking. You’ll need your beach shoes here as the shoreline is decorated with rocks (which make great keepsakes). Stay until dusk and build your own campfire right on the beach!

BASS HOLE/GRAY’S BEACH, Yarmouth – a long boardwalk extends over the salt marsh offering excellent views of nature’s beauty. A small beach with little water at low tide makes this a perfect spot for small children. Amenities include a playground, pavilion, grills and restroom facilities.

Lower & Outer Cape- definitely worth the trip from any of our properties:

NAUSET BEACH, Orleans – nestled along a stretch of 10-foot sand dunes with wide, sandy beach overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this is one of the most amazing beaches on the Cape. The water is brisk and the waves are great for swimming, surfing and on-shore fishing. Keep your eyes peeled for the occasional seal head popping up in the water. Because this beach is right on the Atlantic, the surf can be strong and thus more difficult for young swimmers.

COAST GUARD BEACH, Eastham – in the heart of the Cape Cod National Seashore, Coast Guard Beach is regularly ranked as one of the top ten beaches in the United States (ranked #8 on Dr. Beach’s Top 10 Beaches in America 2011). Magnificent glacial cliffs, birds and seals are just some of the sights you’ll see. The water is cold and the waves strong, but worth every moment to swim right in the Atlantic Ocean. These waters are where the Mayflower first sighted land on November 9, 1620. Because this beach is right on the Atlantic, the surf can be strong and thus more difficult for young swimmers.

CROSBY LANDING, Brewster – you can walk for MILES on this beach (and at most Brewster bay beaches)! As with all Brewster beaches which are located on the Cape Cod Bay (north) side, at low tide, the “flats” are a treasure trove of coastal gems from razor clam shells to horseshoe crabs. The little ones will be entertained for hours.

RACE POINT BEACH & HERRING COVE, Provincetown – part of the Cape Cod National Seashore and named for the fierce rip tides that come around the point of the Cape, Race Point is the wilder ocean sister of Herring Cove. Race Point Lighthouse, which marks the tip of the Cape for passing vessels, is a close walk. Race Point, on the Atlantic side, has colder water with more surf. Herring Cove, on the Cape Cod Bay side, has placid, warmer waters. The Travel Channel has named Herring Cove Beach as one of America’s Best All-Time Beaches by Region. Be sure to watch for whales breaching or seals basking in the sun. The sunsets are unparalleled on the entire Cape as the sun actually seems to set into the ocean.

Upper Cape- just a short drive from Sandwich and Barnstable:

OLD SILVER BEACH, North Falmouth – what makes this beach special is the warm, incredibly clear blue-green water and nearly white fine sand. This is one of the best hidden gems of the Upper Cape!

SANDWICH TOWN NECK BEACH, Sandwich – right around the corner from Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa. Stroll the long, serene boardwalk spanning the entire marsh and creek leading to the dunes and onto the beach. Kids love jumping off the boardwalk at high tide and kayakers enjoy the winding waters. Perfect for families, this beach has the best of both worlds….calm, warm waters along the creek and a vast beach with cooler gentle surf overlooking Cape Cod Bay. Enjoy watching the boat traffic as they pass through the Cape Cod Canal or jumping the rocks on the jetties.

MONUMENT BEACH, Bourne – looking out upon the Bourne entrance to the Cape Cod Canal, this beach is situated on a small harbor and is popular with swimmers and windsurfers! Rest or sunbathe on the wooden raft out in the water or on the sandy beach – wherever you are here, the boat traffic through the canal is visible and exciting to see.