12 Of The Most Beautiful Beaches On Cape Cod

There are so many beautiful beaches on Cape Cod. I spent my summers on Cape Cod growing up so these 12 beaches are locally approved and off the beaten path!

Cape Cod is the peninsula off of Massachusetts. It is most well known for its summer tourism, beautiful beaches, and east coast aesthetic. The beaches on the Cape are so interesting because each is different from the last. On the outer Cape you will find rough waters (perfect for surfing). In Nantucket Sound you will be met with calmer waters - but still a little rough (great for a swimming and boating). On the bay side you will find calm and seaweed free waters (the best area for a beach day on Cape Cod). In this guide to the 12 most beautiful beaches on Cape Cod we will go over them all!

This post is all about the 12 most beautiful beaches on Cape Cod.

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Best Beaches On Cape Cod

1. Nauset Beach

Nauset Beach is easily one of the most beautiful on the Cape. Located in the small town of Orleans and situated on the outer Cape, Nauset is the perfect beach for surfing, sun bathing, and admiration.

Nauset is stunning, but it the currents and waves are strong - so maybe not the best place for swimming with kids. There are also tons of shark sightings at Nauset. I would avoid swimming during dawn or dusk and stay close to shore. I never swim when I go to Nauset, but I am over the top scared of sharks.

2. Pleasant Road Beach

Located in the charming town of Harwich, Pleasant Road Beach is a low key Cape Cod beach perfect for families and travelers looking for an off the beaten path spot. Pleasant Road Beach is small, but it's never too crowded. The waters are super calm in the area and you don't have to worry about sharks like you do at Nauset.

Be sure to bring snacks and water as there are no food spots nearby. They do have outdoor showers and a tiny bathroom, all you need really. Pleasant Road Beach is charming and is truly a little hidden gem Cape Cod Beach.

3. Point Of Rocks Landing Beach

Point Of Rocks Landing Beach is one of my favorite places in the world - I contemplated putting it on this list because I don't want it to become too popular. But, beauty should be shared.

Anyway, Point of Rocks Landing Beach is located in Brewster and is home to calm, seaweed free waters, and rocks jutting out of the water. It is also shark free!

It is off the beaten path (only a couple parking spots) and there are no restrooms or food spots nearby. So come prepared. It is never busy - most people who visit life nearby and walk, so this place is a true hidden gem.

4. Race Point Beach

Located in the unique and stunning town of Provincetown is one of the best beaches on the Cape, Race Point Beach! Race Point Beach is about 2 miles from downtown Ptown, where you will find provisions. At the beach you can find seasonal bathrooms, showers, and changing rooms.

If you are looking to explore the beaches on the Cape Cod National Seashore - start at Race Point Beach and make your way down the Outer Cape.

5. Red River Beach

Red River Beach is one of the most popular on Cape Cod - and for good reason. Located in Harwich, Red River is huge (perfect for large groups or families) and the water is calm as it is situated on the Nantucket Sound side of the Cape.

I always remember going to Red River for the fourth of July on Cape Cod. They do a great job with the fireworks over the water!

6. Meadow Beach

If you are looking for beaches on Cape Cod you can drive on - Meadow Beach is your best bet. Located in Truro (just south of Provincetown), Meadow Beach is all about the natural beauty. The beach itself is massive and never really crowded - perfect for photography. The waves and currents are strong and there are quite a few shark sightings - so maybe not the best beach for swimmers.

7. Mayflower Beach

Mayflower Beach always ranks among the best beaches on the Cape for its natural beauty, safe swimming conditions, and easy access. The only downside to Mayflower is that it can get busy sometimes.

What I love about Mayflower Beach is the sunsets! You can see the sun sink right into the ocean at the Dennis beach.

8. Old Silver Beach

Old Silver Beach is a beautiful little beach located in Falmouth. This beach is the kind of place you could spend all day at - they have showers, rest rooms, food + drinks. Situated on Buzzards Bay, Old Silver is a great beach for families as the currents are weak for inexperienced swimmers.

Old Silver is also a great Cape Cod Beach to watch the sunset.

9. Paine's Creek Beach

Located a short drives away from Point of Landings Beach, Paine's Creek Beach is the perfect beach for adventure travelers. If you are looking for hidden hiking trail, tide pools, or just a relaxing beach day - Paine's Creek is a lovely option.

10. Coast Guard Beach

Coast Guard Beach is another fabulous beach located on the Cape Cod National Seashore (in Eastham). This beach is absolutely beautiful, the only issue is in the sharks. Tons of them in the whole Outer Cape area. So it's better to just admire the water from a distance at these beaches or swim close to shore. It's amazing seeing the seals from the shore on the Outer Cape! So keep an eye out for them.

11. Grays Beach

Located in Yarmouth, Gray Beach is a beautiful nature area with marshes, boardwalks, tide pools, and the beach. This place is great for people looking to explore the Capes marshlands on paddle boards or kayaks or just enjoy the beach. The waters at the beach area at Greys Beach are calm and shallow.

12. Lighthouse Beach

Situated in Chatham, Lighthouse Beach is a dog friendly Cape Cod beach, that also happens to be beautiful. At Lighthouse Beach you will find the Chatham Lighthouse along with calm, clear waters, and golden sand perfect for a beach day on Cape Cod!

Top 10 Things Not To Miss On Cape Cod

These are 10 things any first time visitor should not miss while visiting Cape Cod (coming from a local). For our top 25 things to do on Cape Cod checkout this article all about it!