The 20 places the travel guides we read name most, what they say about each, and fares from your city.
The places, most named first
From the 10 guides that rank for "best beaches in cape cod"
Named by 5 of 101. Coast Guard BeachEastham, United StatesPart of the Cape Cod National Seashore and often ranked among America’s best beaches.No summer parking at the beach; a free shuttle runs from the Little Creek lot in Eastham.
Named by 3 of 102. Nauset BeachOrleans, United StatesMiles of sand, rolling waves and wide Atlantic views; draws swimmers, surfers and walkers.Open to off-road vehicles with a special permit.
Named by 3 of 103. Skaket BeachOrleans, United StatesPicked as the best beach for kids: warm, gentle water on the bay side.Low tide exposes huge tidal flats where the water stays shallow.
Named by 3 of 10
4. Craigville Beach
Centerville, United States
Nantucket Sound beach with the warmest water on the Cape, reaching 24C in summer.
One of the Cape's most popular beaches, with restrooms, concessions and showers.
Named by 3 of 105. Race Point BeachProvincetown, United StatesAt the tip of the Cape, with strong Atlantic surf, dunes and whale sightings offshore.Can have a strong undertow, so best for experienced swimmers.
Named by 2 of 106. Mayflower BeachDennis, United StatesBay-side and good for families; low tide leaves wide flats for kids to explore.Known for calm, shallow water and a well-known sunset.
Named by 2 of 107. Sandy Neck BeachWest Barnstable, United StatesThe Upper Cape's longest beach, with large dunes and a six-mile sand spit.Four-wheel-drive vehicles can reach designated oversand areas with a permit.
Named by 2 of 108. Kalmus BeachHyannis, United StatesOne of the better windsurfing spots on the Cape.Popular with windsurfers and kiteboarders, close to downtown Hyannis.
Named by 2 of 109. Breakwater BeachBrewster, United StatesCalm, shallow bay water and a relaxed feel, good for young children.Brewster's bay beaches have calm water and low tides that suit families.
Named by 2 of 1010. Marconi BeachWellfleet, United StatesA wide National Seashore beach with an observation platform at the Marconi Station site.Among the biggest waves in the National Seashore, good for surfing and boogie boarding.
Named by 2 of 1011. Head of the Meadow BeachTruro, United StatesOften less crowded, but reached by walking over a dune.Has some of the softest sand on the Outer Cape.
12. Old Silver BeachFalmouth, United StatesSoft white sand, warm Buzzards Bay water and sunsets.Calm, shallow water makes it a family favorite.
13. Herring Cove BeachProvincetown, United StatesFaces the bay with calmer waves; has beach wheelchair rentals.Named with Race Point among the finest beaches on the East Coast.
14. Nauset Light BeachEastham, United StatesBroad beach with a sea view from the parking lot; a steep dune walk to reach the sand.Good for spotting seals.
15. South BeachChatham, United StatesA thin barrier beach south of Nauset Beach, reachable only by boat.Big surf and rip currents; the guide warns about great white sharks.
16. Chatham Lighthouse BeachChatham, United StatesBeside the lighthouse, with harbor views and seals near shore.
17. Surf Drive BeachFalmouth, United StatesNear downtown Falmouth and the Shining Sea Bikeway, with views over Vineyard Sound.
18. Town Neck BeachSandwich, United StatesViews over Cape Cod Bay near the Sandwich Boardwalk.
19. Seagull BeachWest Yarmouth, United StatesOne of Yarmouth's largest ocean beaches, with soft sand and lifeguards.
20. South Cape Beach State ParkMashpee, United StatesSandy shores, dunes and walking trails with views over Nantucket Sound.
Fares to Cape Cod from your city
Live fares. Watch them and we alert you when they drop.
Finding fares from your airport…
When to go
Travel guides most often name September to October as the best time to visit Cape Cod.
Named by 5 of 101. Coast Guard BeachPart of the Cape Cod National Seashore and often ranked among America’s best beaches.No summer parking at the beach; a free shuttle runs from the Little Creek lot in Eastham.
Named by 3 of 102. Nauset BeachMiles of sand, rolling waves and wide Atlantic views; draws swimmers, surfers and walkers.Open to off-road vehicles with a special permit.
Named by 3 of 103. Skaket BeachPicked as the best beach for kids: warm, gentle water on the bay side.Low tide exposes huge tidal flats where the water stays shallow.
