Cape Cod Public Beaches

There’s a good reason that everyone flocks to Cape Cod: the sheer variety and pristine nature of its beaches. Not to mention it's a quick drive from Boston and offers a peaceful haven. For first-time visitors, we’ll breakdown some of the best public beaches in Cape Cod with highlighted features and parking issues.

Thumpertown Beach (Wellfleet)

Thumpertown Rd, Eastham, MA 02642

Features: Unobstructed sunset views, public restrooms, and a sparsely-populated beach makes this a preferred choice for those “in the know.”

Parking: Limited parking, which keeps the beach from overcrowding. Beach parking is $25 for non-residents.

Herring Cove Beach (Provincetown)

Province Lands Rd, Provincetown, MA 02657

Features: Miles of warm sand stretched over picturesque dunes, with well-maintained bathrooms and changing rooms. Great place to watch fireworks displays in the summer.

Parking: Daily vehicle fee is $20, with beach access for cyclists at: $3 per day. Motorcycles: $10. Annual beach pass is $60.

Nauset Beach (Orleans)

250 Beach Rd, Orleans, MA 02653

Features: Great surfing and bodysurfing in non-protected areas, warm waters in the summer, abundant wildlife, great fishing on piers or from surf, incredible vistas and sights at sunset. 10 miles of beach to explore, so overcrowding isn’t an issue.

Parking: Abundant parking with over 900 spaces.Daily parking is $20, weekly is $75, and annual passes are $220.

Cahoon Hollow Beach (Wellfleet)

1120 Cahoon Hollow Rd, Wellfleet, MA 02667

Features: Party spot for beachgoers, with the iconic Beachcomber being a great venue for live music performances and socializing. Seals-watching and people-watching are two of the biggest attractions. Bear in mind that 75 yards of trekking steep dunes may be prohibitive for some visitors. Demographics tend to skew towards a younger, fitter crowd.

Parking: The Beachcomber offers parking passes for non-residents, which can be exchanged for a food voucher at their restaurant.