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Visitors Guide to
Orleans MA Beaches

Updated: July 21, 2024

Springtime at Nauset Beach in Orleans, MA

Surfing on Atlantic Ocean waves, reeling in big Striped Bass and Bluefish, watching the changing colors of sunset over Cape Cod Bay ... that's just the beginning.

As you'll see below, the town of Orleans might not have as many saltwater beaches as some other towns. But the ones it does have are real beauties!

The Best Beaches in Orleans, MA

Nauset Beach

Watching the Atlantic Ocean Surf at Nauset After a Storm

Nauset Beach is a mecca for surfers, boogie-boarders, sun-seekers, fishermen, and photographers from all over the world.

No wonder this spectacularly beautiful, long stretch of sand is regularly named a "Top 10 Beach" by prestigeous travel publications!

As wonderful as it is, Nauset Beach is not for faint-of-heart swimmers. The waves here are big and strong, and the water's cold.

You'll also need to be wary of seals and sharks in the water.

Please, please, PLEASE heed all warnings!

• Body of Water: Atlantic Ocean
  
  
• Crowd Factor: Very busy, but lots of room to walk and get away from the crowd.
  
  
• Amenities: Lifeguards in season, restroom and shower facilities, food concessions, picnic area, gazebo.
  
  
• Parking: Huge lot, but it does fill up. So get there early. Sticker or daily fee required in season.
  

Skaket Beach

Walking the Skaket Beach Sand at Low Tide

Orleans beaches don't get any kid-friendlier than this!

When you're looking for warm water, soft sand, gentle surf, and a safe place for young children to explore the seashore, Skaket Beach is it.

Skaket is also a fantastic place for an evening stroll as the sun sets over Cape Cod Bay. (Be sure your camera is charged up ... you'll want to snap lots of shots of the setting sun!)

• Body of Water: Cape Cod Bay
  
  
• Crowd Factor: This beach is popular, but it's also large - especially at low tide.
  
  
• Amenities: Lifeguards in season, restroom and shower facilities, snack bar, picnic tables.
  
  
• Parking: The lot is decent sized, but it regularly fills up by 10 a.m. on sunny summer days. Daily fee/sticker required.

Rock Harbor Beach

An August Afternoon at Rock Harbor Beach

The beach at Rock Harbor is a great place to hang out in the sun,  experience the amazing Cape Cod Bay tide change, and see a spectacular sunset.

Rock Harbor is also home to Young's Fish Market (open in season only), purveyors of the best lobster rolls and clam chowder on Cape Cod!     

• Body of Water: Cape Cod Bay
  
  
• Crowd Factor: Normally not overly crowded, except at fireworks time. Sunsets are popular there, too. So get there well before the sun starts to go down, and stake your claim to a patch of sand. 
  
  
• Amenities: Porta-potty, benches overlooking the beach.
  
  
• Parking: Large lot. No fee/sticker required.
  

Orleans MA Beach Parking Fees & Stickers

Parking at Rock Harbor is free of charge.

A daily fee or town-issued sticker is required for vehicle parking at Nauset Beach and at Skaket Beach from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.:

• Memorial Day Weekend (Sat., Sun. & Mon.)
• Weekends (Sat. & Sun.) from Memorial Day to mid-June
• Daily from mid-June to Labor Day
  

Click here for parking fee/sticker purchase information.

Handicap Accessible Beaches in Orleans

In season, Nauset Beach and Skaket Beach have beach wheelchairs to help visitors with mobility limitations  access and enjoy the beach.

Beach wheelchair availability is on a first come, first served basis. On occasion, wheelchairs may not be available due to weather conditions or beach staffing limitations.

For more information about accessibility at Orleans beaches, contact the Sticker Office at (508) 240-3790.

Related Pages:

The Best Handicap Accessible Beaches on the Cape

Vacationing in Orleans

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