Lonely PlanetJul 8, 2026
The best beaches on Cape Cod
With nearly 560 miles of coastline, Cape Cod has a lot of beaches. Here are 12 of the best and why you should visit them.
18 things in this story
- Sandy Neck BeachSightBest for trail walking and bird-watching.
- Snack ShackRestaurantStop here after a hike for fried clams or ice cream.
- Elsewhere
- Cape Cod National SeashoreNature reserveCape Cod, United StatesCaptures the essence of the Cape with surf and dunes.
- Race Point BeachSightCape Cod, United StatesBeach with crashing surf and undulating dunes.
- Province Lands Bike TrailTrailCape Cod, United StatesPaved trail winding between dunes, connecting two beaches.
- Mayflower BeachSightDennis, United StatesPrettiest bayside beach, gentle waves, good for families.
- Old Silver BeachSightFalmouth, United StatesFavorite for swimming and sunsets, calm sandbar for kids.
- Herring Cove BeachSightProvincetown, United StatesFaces west for sunsets, close to Provincetown.
- Craigville BeachSightCenterville, United StatesBest location for finding sea glass.
- Four SeasRestaurantCenterville, United StatesLocal institution scooping homemade ice cream since the 1930s.
- Head of the Meadow BeachSightCape Cod, United StatesWide, sandy beach, good for long walks and bodysurfing.
- Cahoon Hollow BeachSightWellfleet, United StatesWild beach with dunes, backdrop to The Beachcomber bar.
- The BeachcomberRestaurantWellfleet, United StatesClassic beach bar in an old lifesaving station.
- Kalmus BeachSightHyannis, United StatesBest spot for windsurfing due to warm waters and winds.
- Coast Guard BeachSightEastham, United StatesStunning beach, great for bird-watching and surfing.
- Nauset BeachSightTruro, United StatesLeast crowded beach, good for watching sunrise and swimming.
- Race Point LighthouseSightCape Cod, United States
- Long Point BeachSightProvincetown, United States