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Cape Cod Beaches
All-in-One Guide

Cape Cod has hundreds of beaches—but which one’s right for you?

Want calm water for the little tykes? Big waves for boogie boarding? Free parking? Dog access? A place where you won’t need to hike down 100 stairs to get to the beach?

This guide breaks it all down so you can stop guessing and start beach-hopping.

Looking down at Long Nook Beach on Cape Cod’s Atlantic Ocean shoreline

Quick Links

In a hurry to find something on this page? Click a link to jump straight to that section.

Our Ocean, Bays & Sounds

Town Beaches Guides

Wheelchair Accessibility

Dog-Friendly Beaches

Parking Fees Not Required

Camping on the Beach

Having a Beach Campfire

Public vs. Private Beaches

Let’s start with the big picture: not all Cape Cod beaches face the same body of water—and which body of water you're on can make a big difference in your beach day.

Ocean, Bay, or Sound? Why It Matters

Cape Cod is bordered by five different saltwater bodies—and each one creates a different kind of beach experience. 

Some bring big waves and chilly water. Others offer gentle surf, warm shallows, or dramatic tides.

→ See what kind of beach experience to expect on each shoreline

Beaches in Each Cape Cod Town

Whatever your pleasure, each Cape Cod town has a piece of  shoreline that you'll fall in love with!

Want a hint? This beauty is in Eastham. :-)

Click a town name for beach photos, parking details, and what to expect from the town's beaches:

Accessible Beaches on Cape Cod

Cape Cod has more accessible beaches than you might expect!

Some offer beach wheelchairs you can borrow for free. Others have ramps, mobility mats, or flat paths from the parking lot to the sand—and many have more than one of those features.

→ See the Cape's most accessible beaches.

→ Learn about the 40+ beaches offering sand and surf beach wheelchairs for visitors to use at no cost.

Dog-Friendly Beaches

Can you take your pooch with you to the beach? Yes, maybe, sometimes.

This pup had a blast playing "frisbee fetch" at the beach!

Dogs are welcome on most Cape Cod beaches in the off-season—but summer is a whole different story.

A few towns allow leashed dogs during certain hours. Others ban them entirely. And the National Seashore has its own set of rules.

Trust me, you don't want to get caught violating the rules. Local officials take them seriously, and the fines can really ruin your day!

→ Here's what to know about bringing your dog to the beach

"Free" Beaches

Most Cape beaches charge for parking during the summer months—but a few are free all year round, with no sticker or day pass required. These spots are rare, but they do exist.

Are you on a tight budget this year? Take heart! You can get out on the sand, too - at no cost.

→ These beaches have free parking and entry all year round.

Camping on the Beach

Beach camping is the ultimate getaway. It's also an amazingly cost-effective lodging option!

But ... before you head to the shoreline with your tent or your RV, there are a few things you'll need to know about camping on the beach.

→ Here's the must-know info.

Campfires on the Beach

A campfire on the beach is a classic Cape Cod experience—but only in places that allow them, and only with the required permit. Rules vary by town, so it’s worth checking before you gather the snacks and firewood.

Rules vary by town, so it’s worth checking before you gather the snacks and firewood.

→ Here's the must-know info about campfires at the beach.

Public vs. Private Beaches

In most coastal states, ocean beaches are considered public—but Massachusetts has its own rules.

Some stretches of shoreline are open to everyone. Others are off-limits unless you’re a resident… or the property owner.

→ Read more about public vs. private beach access in Massachusetts

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