Explore Cape Cod, MA

Beaches on Cape Cod, MA

Cape Cod, Massachusettes beaches are some of New England’s most picturesque and diverse shoreline, stretching 559.6 miles. You’ll find everything from family-friendly beaches with calm waters, windswept shores ideal for adventurous souls, Atlantic Ocean-facing beaches, and spots with off-roading trails. They are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, and making endless memories.

They are also steeped in history, with glimpses of maritime heritage through the iconic lighthouses that have guided sailors for centuries. Whether you’re looking to unwind under the sun, explore tidal pools with the kids, or take in a breathtaking sunset, Cape Cod, MA, beaches promise unforgettable moments and a perfect retreat from the everyday hustle. Here are some stunning ocean and freshwater spots you can explore.

Featured image of Attaquin Park, Mashpee in Cape Cod, MA Lifestyle Page
Credit: Photo by Erin Terkelsen Copeland | Source
40 Lake Ave, Mashpee, MA 02649
Admission: Weekly $50, Season (Resident) $30

Attaquin Park is an 8.4-acre recreation area on the southern shore of Mashpee Pond. It’s perfect for families, offering calm, shallow waters that are ideal for young children to swim in and a playground on the beach. For older kids, there’s a basketball court to enjoy. The grassy picnic area with grills is excellent for a cookout. The beach area is spacious, so it rarely feels overcrowded.

Featured image of Bodfish Public Beach in Cape Cod, MA Lifestyle Page
Credit: Photo by Erin Terkelsen Copeland | Source
West Barnstable, MA 02668
Admission: Daily $25.00, Weekly $110, Seasonal $375

Bodfish Public Beach is part of Sandy Neck Beach Park, a stunning 6-mile-long coastal barrier beach. It features restrooms, changing facilities, and a concession stand. It is lifeguarded during the season, ensuring a safe environment for swimmers. The wide sandy shore and amenities make it popular for a fun and safe outing. A day pass or parking permit is required and is available at the Gatehouse.

Featured image of Chapoquoit Beach in Cape Cod, MA Lifestyle Page
Credit: Photo by Didier Bn on Unsplash | Source
Chapoquoit Rd, West Falmouth, MA 02540
Admission: Resident/Taxpayer $40

Chapoquoit Beach, nestled between Buzzards Bay and West Falmouth Harbor, is a favorite summer spot for locals. On windy days, waves provide excitement, while calm days offer perfect conditions for swimming and paddling. It also boasts breathtaking views of Buzzards Bay and landmarks like Cleveland Ledge Light. Although smaller than some beaches on Cape Cod, MA, it provides a peaceful escape from the crowds with its grassy dunes and nearby salt marsh.

Featured image of Craigville Beach in Cape Cod, MA Lifestyle Page
Credit: Photo by Ricardo Resende on Unsplash | Source
Craigville Beach Rd, Centerville, MA 02632
Admission: Daily $25.00, Weekly $110, Seasonal $375

Craigville Beach is among the largest beaches on Cape Cod, Massachusettes, and one of the most loved for its vibrant, energetic atmosphere. Known for its warm, south-side waters, it’s a prime spot for swimming and kite surfing, particularly in the summer. This mile-long stretch of sand is also perfect for leisurely walks, especially in the quieter seasons. Nearby Covell’s Beach, accessible with a resident pass, offers a slightly less crowded experience.

Featured image of East Sandwich Beach in Cape Cod, MA Lifestyle Page
Credit: Photo by Erin Terkelsen Copeland | Source
Neck Road to North Shore Boulevard, Sandwich, MA
Admission: Daily: $20, Weekly: $50

East Sandwich Beach offers a long stretch of sand bordered by grassy dunes and a fantastic view of Cape Cod Bay. With small waves and clear water, it’s perfect for swimming. Whether you enjoy skimboarding, walking along the shore, or simply relaxing by the water, this spot has something for everyone.

Photo of First Beach in Sanwich, MA
Credit: Photo by Erin Terkelsen Copeland | Source
Corner of Town Neck Road and Freeman Avenue, Sandwich, MA
Admission: Daily: $20, Weekly: $50

First Beach, the first you’ll encounter on the north shore of Cape Cod, is a popular spot for relaxing, walking, fishing, and catching sunsets. A hike down the rocky shores leads to the jetty at the Cape Cod Canal entrance, offering great views of passing boats. The parking lot is shared with Tree House Brewing Company, which often hosts food trucks, making it a convenient spot for a day out.

Featured image of Hamblin Pond in Cape Cod, MA Lifestyle Page
Credit: Photo by Erin Terkelsen Copeland | Source
415 Route 149, Marstons Mills, MA 02648
Admission: Daily $25.00, Weekly $110, Seasonal $375

With its 113 acres, Hamblin Pond is a favorite spot for outdoor fun. Its tranquil ambiance surrounded by lush greenery is perfect for nature lovers. The boat ramp on the south shore allows for easy boating, kayaking, and canoeing. Anglers can reel in various species, including yellow perch, smallmouth bass, and American eel. The north coast boasts a sandy beach for swimming and picnicking.

Featured image of Hathways Pond in Cape Cod, MA Lifestyle Page
Credit: Photo by Barb Canale on Unsplash | Source
415 Route 149, Marstons Mills, MA 02648
Admission: Daily $25.00, Weekly $110, Seasonal $375

With its 113 acres, Hamblin Pond is a favorite spot for outdoor fun. Its tranquil ambiance surrounded by lush greenery is perfect for nature lovers. The boat ramp on the south shore allows for easy boating, kayaking, and canoeing. Anglers can reel in various species, including yellow perch, smallmouth bass, and American eel. The north coast boasts a sandy beach for swimming and picnicking.

Featured image of Johns Pond in Cape Cod, MA Lifestyle Page
Credit: Photo by Gláuber Sampaio on Unsplash | Source
Back Rd, Mashpee, MA 02649
Admission: Resident $30.00, Weekly Visitor Pass $50.00

Johns Pond is a sprawling 343-acre Great Pond with an average depth of 23 feet. It’s a favorite spot for anglers due to its well-stocked Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass populations. The pond benefits from a healthy influx of sea-run Alewives from Waquoit Bay, providing ample food for the bass and supporting their growth. Boating enthusiasts will appreciate the paved boat ramp, while the good-sized beach offers a relaxing spot for sunbathing and swimming.

Featured image of Kalmus Beach in Cape Cod, MA Lifestyle Page
Credit: Photo by Magda Ehlers on Pexels | Source
670 Ocean Street, Hyannis, MA 02601
Admission: Daily $25.00, Weekly $110, Seasonal $375

Kalmus Beach is a top destination for windsurfing and kiteboarding, due to its steady winds. Visitors can also relax on the jetty and observe the ships navigating in and out of the harbor. While it can become quite busy at times, a brief stroll often leads to quieter spots where tourists can comfortably enjoy the beach’s bay or ocean side.

Featured image of Keyes Beach in Cape Cod, MA Lifestyle Page
Credit: Photo by Sean Oulashin on Unsplash | Source
Sea Street, Hyannis, MA 02601
Admission: Daily $25.00, Weekly $110, Seasonal $375

Keyes Beach, located right on Hyannis Harbor on Cape Cod, is a charming spot within a town park where you can enjoy the scenic view of the harbor while having a picnic. Lifeguards are on duty until Labor Day, ensuring a safe environment for swimming. The area also has a food concession, showers, and bathrooms.

Featured image of Long Beach in Cape Cod, MA Lifestyle Page
Credit: Photo by Erin Terkelsen Copeland | Source
Long Beach Road, Centerville, MA 02632
Admission: Daily $25.00, Weekly $110, Seasonal $375

Long Beach is accessible by parking at Craigville Beach and walking up. It’s a popular bird-watching location and offers some of Cape Cod’s best swimming and sunbathing. It is known for its soft sand and smaller crowds, providing a peaceful retreat. It is a serene and inviting destination whether you want to swim, sunbathe, or enjoy the local wildlife.

Featured image of Old Silver Beach in Cape Cod, MA Lifestyle Page
Credit: Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash | Source
Off Route 28A and Quaker Road, North Falmouth, MA, 02556
Admission: Resident/Taxpayer $40

Old Silver Beach is a quintessential summer spot on Buzzards Bay. It’s divided into two sections: one for Falmouth residents and one for visitors, with parking, food, and bathhouse facilities. The powdery sand and clear water make it popular, so arriving early is advisable. One of its best features is the stunning view across the Bay to landmarks like Cleveland Ledge Lighthouse.

Featured image of Peters Pond Property/Oakcrest Cove in Cape Cod, MA Lifestyle Page
Credit: Photo by Erin Terkelsen Copeland | Source
34 Quaker Meetinghouse Road, Sandwich, MA
Admission: Resident parking only $35/season

The beach at Peters Pond is private, but the public boat ramp allows boating and freshwater fishing. The calm, protected waters are ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming. Kids will enjoy the safe swimming area, while the rest of the crew can chill out in the picnic area just behind the beach for a relaxing day out.

Featured image of Sandy Neck Beach in Cape Cod, MA Lifestyle Page
Credit: Photo by Erin Terkelsen Copeland | Source
590 Sandy Neck Road West Barnstable, MA 02668
Admission: Daily $25.00, Weekly $110, Seasonal $375

Sandy Neck Beach is a stunning 7.5-mile-long barrier beach featuring trails through dunes, vernal pools, maritime forests, and marshes. It’s a hotspot for spotting rare wildlife, hiking, and swimming. The Marsh Trail runs the length of Sandy Neck, including a dedicated horseback riding trail. Various shorter loops connect the bay and marsh areas, providing diverse hiking options.

Featured image of South Cape Beach State Park in Cape Cod, MA Lifestyle Page
Credit: Photo by Erin Terkelsen Copeland | Source
Great Oak Road, Mashpee, MA, 02649
Admission: MA residents $12, Non-MA residents $40

South Cape Beach State Park is between Vineyard Sound and a saltwater bay. It features a barrier beach, dunes, salt marsh, pine woodlands, and small freshwater ponds. The mile-long white sandy shores face Vineyard Sound and are ideal for swimming. The park offers dune boardwalks, a small parking area, and bathroom facilities. Part of the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, it also provides summer nature programs.

Featured image of Town Neck Beach in Cape Cod, MA Lifestyle Page
Credit: Photo by Erin Terkelsen Copeland | Source
Town Neck Road to Wood Avenue, Sandwich, MA
Admission: Daily: $20, Weekly: $50

One of Sandwich’s most popular beaches, Town Neck Beach is perfect for swimming, fishing, and watching boats pass through the Cape Cod Canal. The rocky shore makes it excellent for beachcombing, keeping kids entertained. You can also explore the marshy landscape to the south, offering a picturesque setting for a day by the water.

Featured image of Wakeby Lake/Ryder Conservation in Cape Cod, MA Lifestyle Page
Credit: Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash | Source
Cotuit Road to South Sandwich Road, Sandwich, MA
Admission: Resident parking only $35/season

Wakeby Lake at Ryder Conservation is exclusive to residents. Located deep in the woods of a conservation area, it’s a great spot to escape the crowds. It features a large sandy beach, picnic area, playground, and walking trails. The roped-off, guarded swimming area is perfect for small children, while kayakers and paddleboarders will enjoy exploring the expansive freshwater pond.

A professional photo of Erin Terkelsen Copeland
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Anchored in Mashpee, where I live with my family, human and canine, my approach to real estate is informed by a passion for Cape Cod’s natural resources. Serving on Mashpee’s Conservation and Sewer Commissions, I bring unique perspective and resources to each transaction. Though born and raised in Pelham, New York, I draw on personal Cape experience and decades of family knowledge. My great grandparents first purchased on the Cape in the spring of 1926. Before becoming a Realtor® I worked for twenty-five years in the culinary industry, finishing my career as Executive Chef at a Boston law firm. With a proven record of client satisfaction, I can navigate complex matters with ease and equanimity. Approachable, funny, and warm, I facilitate my clients’ focus and help them find what matters most.

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