What are the best beaches in Cape Cod Massachusetts?
Best Cape Cod Beaches
- Race Point Beach. The rough waters at Provincetown's Race Point Beach are ideal for surfing, but the beach also has some shallow areas better suited for swimming.
- Veterans Park Beach. ...
- Sandy Neck Beach. ...
- Coast Guard Beach. ...
- Newcomb Hollow Beach. ...
- Breakwater Beach. ...
- Cold Storage Beach. ...
- Chapin Memorial Beach. ...
- Head of the Meadow Beach. ...
What is the best beach on Cape Cod?
The 10 Best Beaches in Cape Cod to Visit This Summer
- Craigville Beach. Ah, Muscle Beach. ...
- Mayflower Beach. If you’re looking to chill rather than party, Mayflower Beach has you covered. ...
- Sandy Neck Beach. ...
- Herring Cove Beach. ...
- Head of the Meadow Beach. ...
- Cahoon Hollow Beach. ...
- Marconi Beach. ...
- Old Silver Beach. ...
- Nauset Beach. ...
- Breakwater Beach. ...
Is Cape Cod really an island?
Roughly a century ago, Cape Cod was home to more than just water - there was an actual island in the middle. This was known as Billingsgate Island, and it wasn't just any small island.
Are there waves at Cape Cod?
While the theoretical center of the Cape Cod surfing world is at Coast Guard Beach in Eastham, the truth is that waves are, well, fluid. Surfers chase waves from Chatham to Truro.
How many public beaches are on Cape Cod?
130 Cape public beachesPlan your perfect Cape Cod beach escape with our comprehensive listings to more than 130 Cape public beaches - plus sticker and fee information. Most Cape Cod beaches require stickers and charge fees during the summer months.
Does Cape Cod have a beach?
With 559.6 miles of pristine coastline, Cape Cod offers some of the finest beaches in the world, especially those along the Cape Cod National Seashore, a 40-mile stretch of unspoiled sandy beach in Outer Cape Cod.
Where is the clearest water in Cape Cod?
When you're looking for a beautiful, clean place to lay your beach towel, look no further than Joshua Pond, a sparkling pond on Cape Cod. Located in Osterville, Joshua Pond is the clearest pond in Massachusetts and you should make plans to swim at this pristine swimming hole this summer.
What are the six Cape Cod National Seashore beaches?
The six national seashore beaches where fees are collected are: Coast Guard and Nauset Light in Eastham, Marconi in Wellfleet, Head of the Meadow in Truro, and Race Point and Herring Cove in Provincetown.
Which part of Cape Cod has best beaches?
The south side of Cape Cod is home to many beaches, but Craigville Beach is probably the one that receives the most attention. Although the beach is regarded as a favorite with the younger generation, its large, vast space, soft golden sand, and picturesque setting welcomes everyone.
What is Cape Cod famous for?
sandy beachesCape Cod is famous for sandy beaches, lobster rolls, and laid-back fun. But the Cape and Islands have also been the inspiration for some incredible, unique brands and products inspired by seaside life.
What is the nicest town in Cape Cod?
Chatham is one of the prettiest and quaintest towns to visit in Cape Cod. Located on the far south-eastern end of the peninsula, it has an old-world charm with a vibrant dining scene. Many farm-to-table cafes and seafood bars string along Main Street.
What is the least crowded beach on Cape Cod?
Thumpertown Beach in Eastham The beach is, however, far less crowded than many Cape Cod beaches and provides a quiet place to enjoy the sun. The beach is popular with locals who don't want to navigate the crowds of Sunken Meadow Beach and First Encounter Beach, which flank Thumpertown Beach.
Are there sharks in Cape Cod?
Cape Cod has long been known as a hot spot for sharks on the East Coast, with July being a "prime time" for great white sharks, according to Boston.com. Across the U.S. Northeast, shark activity along the beaches has surged amid a rising seal population and conservation efforts, among other factors.
What is the difference between a national seashore and a national park?
The lakeshores and seashores have an emphasis on recreation, and most allow hunting and off-road vehicles, which is not permitted in national parks. Five seashores and lakeshores also include land more strictly protected as wilderness areas.
What beaches Can I drive on in Cape Cod?
Cape Cod National Seashore | DRIVING ON THE BEACHES OF CAPE COD. Driving on the beaches of Cape Cod National Seashore is allowed at the north end of the park from Long Nook Beach in Truro to Race Point Lighthouse in Provincetown.
Can you swim at Cape Cod National Seashore?
Visiting the beach may be the highlight of your visit to Cape Cod National Seashore. Swimming in the sea, watching wildlife, or relaxing on the beach - there are many opportunities.
Does Cape Cod have good beaches?
One of Cape Cod's most well-known beaches, Marconi Beach can be found in Wellfleet's section of Cape Cod National Seashore. It is backed by large sand dunes, is home to seals and offers consistent waves that visitors can surf outside of the lifeguard-patrolled swimming area.
Are the beaches in Cape Cod nice?
Cape Cod has always been the quintessential U.S. summer getaway. The hook-shaped peninsula in Massachusetts is known for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, charming small towns, and, of course, picture-perfect beaches. With almost 600 miles of pristine coastline, the area is truly a beach lover's paradise.
Are Cape Cod beaches free?
Most town-managed Cape Cod beaches have no admission fee. You can walk in or bike in at no charge - even in the summer months. You'll only have to pay if you want to park your vehicle in the town-owned lot.
Are Cape Cod beaches good for swimming?
Sand, surf, and sun await on Cape Cod! Pristine beaches line the coast to make it an ideal summer spot. Plus, the water heats up enough during the summer to be comfortable to swim in!
How many beaches are there on Cape Cod?
With hundreds of Cape Cod beaches to choose from, you'll never want for a new and different experience wherever you're staying on the Cape.
What is beach camping?
Beach camping is the ultimate getaway. It's also an amazingly cost-effective lodging option! But ... there are a few things you need to know about camping on the beach before you head to the shoreline with your tent or your SCV. Must-know info.
Is beach camping cost effective?
Beach camping is the ultimate getaway. It's also an amazingly cost- effective lodging option!
What is the Cape Cod National Seashore?
Part of the Province Lands of the Cape Cod National Seashore. One mile from Provincetown. This portion of the Cape is building as a result of movement of sand from the glacial scarps to the south. The shoreline here drops off dramatically, allowing whales (and vessels) to come close inshore.
What ocean is Cape Cod in?
Cape Cod extends 70 miles into the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by Cape Cod Bay on the north, Buzzards Bay on the west, Vineyard and Nantucket sounds on the south, and the Atlantic Ocean on the east. Beaches on Cape Cod Bay tend to be smooth and broad, with gentle surf, and, at low tide, hundreds of yards of tidal flats to wander and explore.
Where to windsurf in Cape Cod?
This beach, in Hyannis Harbor on Nantucket Sound, is considered one of the best Cape Cod beaches for windsurfing, with good winds all through the season. The beach is divided into two sections, to keep windsurfers away from kids and families. Very popular for windsurfing.
Where is the longest beach in Falmouth?
Located on Vineyard Sound, this is the longest beach in Falmouth, and is divided into an east side and a west side by a tidal stream that connects Bourne’s Pond to Vineyard Sound. Life guards; bathhouse, mobile snack bar; porta-johns; handicap ramp; beach wheelchairs.#N#Beach parking stickers are required only for parking your car in a town beach parking lot during the summer. You do not need a sticker if you walk or cycle to the beach. You do not need a sticker from mid-September through mid-June. Only Falmouth residents and visitors staying in Falmouth may buy a beach parking sticker.#N#Fees: Daily parking, $10; Resident sticker, $30; non-resident sticker for season, $200; for one week, $60; for 2 weeks, $70.
Where is Hardings Beach in Nantucket?
Hardings Beach is the largest family beach on the Lower Cape. It faces south on Nantucket Sound and has warm and calm waters. The beach has two parking lots, three life guard stations, a bathhouse, and food trucks. The beach has places to play beach bocce ball, volleyball, and wiffle ball. A hiking trail extends behind the beach from the second parking lot. You can launch a sailboat or kayak any place outside the swimming area.#N#Fees: Beach stickers for non-resident parking are $15 a day, $60 a week, and $125 for the season. Non-residents may purchase stickers with cash at the beach booth. Resident and taxpayer stickers are $25. Residents may can purchase stickers at the booths or at 261 George Ryder Road.
Where is Race Point Beach in Cape Cod?
Race Point Beach, one of the Cape Cod National Seashore beaches in Provincetown, is at the very tip of Cape Cod. Vistas around the point and of the Coast Guard station are magnificent. The ocean waves here can be big and rough, with a strong undertow. Weaker swimmers should stay in the shallow areas.
Is Cape Cod beach good for kids?
Memorial Day to Labor Day; calm water; good for kids; salt water swimming in the Bay. This beach on Cape Cod Bay, operated by the town of Yarmouth, offers a picnic area with grills and a playground, pavilion, lifeguards, restrooms. Water is very calm; good for young children.
Where is Cape Cod Beach?
Sitting 3 miles away from downtown Princeton, this Cape Cod beach is praised for its spectacular sunsets and fine sands.
What is the best beach to swim in Cape Cod?
Seagull is the town’s largest beach, and offers a myriad of activities for visitors of all ages. With calm, water and pristine waters, Seagull is even the best beach for swimming in Cape Cod. Plus, it also has a variety of water sports, such as kiteboarding and windsurfing.
How many miles of coastline is Cape Cod?
Cape Cod, with over 500 miles of coastline, is home to a plethora of majestic and gleaming baches. From family-friendly havens with tidepools to adrenaline-pumping surfing destinations, you’ll find an array of Cape Cod beaches to satisfy your wanderlust. And, guess what?
What is Chapin Memorial Beach?
Chapin Memorial Beach is a welcome and pleasant respite from the summer buzz in Cape Cod. With its easy-going ambiance, this beach is ideal for people who want to lay under the sun without the bustling hordes of tourists.
What to do in Cape Cod?
Even better, adventurous visitors will love the huge waves that are ideal for boogie boarding and surfing.
Where to stay near Craigville Beach?
Recommended Hotel Near Craigville Beach: Cape Winds Resort, a VRI resort. 2. Monument Beach. Bourne, MA 02553. Even with its location and size, this heavenly beach in Bourne, Massachusetts is amazingly tranquil and family-friendly.
Where is Cape Cod National Seashore?
You’ll find this majestic and pristine piece of Cape Cod National Seashore in Wellfleet.
Best Places to Stay on Cape Cod
There are plenty of great hotels on Cape Cod, but to get the full experience, you may want to check out the inns, B&Bs, or houses on the beach as there’s nothing better than the New England seaside aesthetic. Some of your best places are Chatham Bars Inn and Captain’s House Inn.
The Best Time to Visit Cape Cod
The primetime to visit Cape Cod is between Memorial Day and Labor Day, as that’s when the weather is the most optimal for a beach day. However, to avoid the inevitable high season crowds, many people will visit between September and November, otherwise known as shark season.
Insider Tips for Visiting Cape Cod
There are a few things to make note of before heading to Cape Cod. Most beachgoers know about the red, yellow, and green flags to indicate water conditions, but Cape Cod also flies a purple flag throughout the summer to remind swimmers that sharks may be present.
Where is Cape Cod Bay?
Cape Cod Bay lies in between Cape Cod and the mainland – bounded on the north by a horizontal line between Provincetown and Marshfield. North of Cape Cod Bay (and Provincetown) is Massachusetts Bay, which contains the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, located 5 miles (8 km) north of Provincetown.
What is the region of Cape Cod?
Region of Cape Cod and the Islands. The Cape and Islands. Like Cape Cod itself, the islands south of the Cape have evolved from whaling and trading areas to become resort destinations, attracting wealthy families, celebrities, and tourists. These include the large nearby islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard .
How far is Cape Cod from the Atlantic Ocean?
Cape Cod extends 65 miles (105 km) into the Atlantic Ocean, with a breadth of between 1–20 miles (1.6–32.2 km), and covers more than 400 miles (640 km) of shoreline. Its elevation ranges from 306 feet (93 m) at its highest point, at the top of Pine Hill, in the Bourne portion of Joint Base Cape Cod, down to sea level.
How long has Cape Cod been separated from the mainland?
Since 1914, most of Cape Cod has been separated from the mainland by the Cape Cod Canal. The canal cuts 7 miles (11 km) roughly across the base of the peninsula, though small portions of the Cape Cod towns of Bourne and Sandwich lie on the mainland side of the canal.
What bridge crosses the Cape Cod Canal?
Two highway bridges cross the Cape Cod Canal: the Sagamore Bridge and the Bourne Bridge. In addition, the Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge carries railway freight and provides limited passenger service onto the Cape. The Cape is divided into fifteen towns, several of which are in turn made up of multiple named villages.
What is the name of the island in Barnstable County?
The Forbes family -owned Naushon Island was first purchased by John Murray Forbes. Naushon is one of the Elizabeth Islands, many of which are privately owned.
How big is the Cape Cod Canal?
Cape Cod Canal. Nantucket Sound. Elevation. 306 ft (93 m) Area. 339 sq mi (880 km 2) Cape Cod is a geographic cape extending into the Atlantic Ocean from the southeastern corner of mainland Massachusetts, in the northeastern United States.
How much can erosion affect Cape Cod?
Erosion along the Nauset-Monomoy barrier system can move the beach anywhere from 1 to 6 meters a year (3 to 20 feet). Sea level rise — a least one foot in the past century — is also slowly taking away the beachfront. Between the two, the sea could reclaim Cape Cod in five or six thousand years.
How do you describe a beach?
Beaches are dynamic, living landscapes. Spend a day on the beach and you see the micro scale — in the grains of sand blown by winds, tumbled by the surf, or carried out in your shoes. Spend a week, and you see sandbars and wading pools arise and disappear. Spend a year, and you see dunes grow, shrink, and migrate. When you look across decades and centuries, you see the landscape evolving on a wider scale, but still one that humans can experience.
What is the cycle of the North Beach barrier?
The cycle typically consists of a breach in North (Nauset) Beach; the southwest migration of the new barrier island (that detached in the breach) toward Monomoy; the re-growth and slow elongation of North Beach; and a new breach. Another sub-pattern to the south involves the extension of the North Beach barrier to a point where it overlaps North Monomoy and cuts off the sediment supply. This breaks the Monomoy into smaller shoals until a sediment supply from the north can nourish the island again.
How does sand move along the coast?
Depending on your location along the coast and your timing, the movement of sand around you may be driven by ocean waves or by tides. Waves usually dominate, promoting longshore transport. High-energy open-ocean waves from the Atlantic crash into the Nauset-Monomoy barrier system at various angles, scouring the sandy glacial leftovers and creating currents that run parallel to the shore.
Why are barrier beaches important?
Barrier beaches also protect the mainland from the full force of ocean wind and wave energy. This is particularly important on shorelines prone to hurricanes, typhoons, and nor’easters.
How many barrier islands are there in the world?
Sometimes they are islands and other times they are connected to land at one end, a feature dubbed a “spit.”. Scientists estimate that there are more than 2,100 barrier islands in the world fronting nearly 10 percent of continental shorelines.
Where are barrier islands located?
Some of the best-known barrier systems include Padre Island in Texas, the Outer Banks of North Carolina and Virginia, the south shore of Long Island, New York, and the Sea Islands of South Carolina and Georgia.
