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5 Best Beach Towns on Cape Cod

Every one of the fifteen towns on the peninsula of Cape Cod can be considered a beach town. With multiple bodies of water surrounding the hook of Massachusetts, there are numerous characteristics to each beach and town. There is a beach for everyone on the Cape, whether you prefer swimming, surfing, or just long walks along the shore taking in the natural beauty. Below are our top five beach towns in Cape Cod that you should visit on your next trip. 

harbour with anchored sailboats at sunset in Falmouth MA

Explore Cape Cod Beach Towns

5. Falmouth

Surf Drive Beach is located in Falmouth and has a fantastic snack bar right on the beach with specialty hot dogs, burgers, chicken, and smoothies. Don’t worry if you forget your picnic basket; this snack bar will fill you up. Also in Falmouth is Old Silver Beach, which tends to have warmer and calmer waters while looking towards coastal Massachusetts. There’s also downtown Falmouth which is always lively and only a short drive away from the beaches, where there are many restaurants and shops for one to enjoy.

4. Chatham

Chatham, one of the larger towns on the Cape, has its fair share of famous beaches as well. The town is located on the lower Cape allowing it to have beaches on both the Atlantic Ocean and the sound. The beaches on the sound side tend to be calmer and better for families. At the same time, the Atlantic side is best for surfing and sunrise photos. Lighthouse Beach in Chatham has one of the most scenic lighthouses on the Cape. This beach, though, can have strong currents, occasional sharp drop-offs, and shark sightings, so it is less popular for swimming. However, this beach is so large that you’ll never feel crowded, and it’s perfect for long walks and seal watching. Being a larger town, there is also always something to do in downtown Chatham. 

3. Provincetown

Provincetown has multiple beaches, all unique in their own way. Race Point Beach is miles long, making it feel less crowded during the busy summer months. That area of the Cape is also known for whale sightings, so keep your eyes open at this beach! Also nearby is Long Point Beach, which is excellent if you enjoy hiking. You can only access it by boat or by taking the beautiful 1.5-mile hike along the shores to get to it. There is also a historic lighthouse built in 1875 near the end, which is the most remote on the island. Herring Cove Beach, also located in Provincetown, is one of many fully handicapped-accessible beaches on the Cape with facilities and access to beach wheelchairs. 

2. Orleans

Orleans has beaches on both sides of the peninsula, touching the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Cod Bay. Skaket beach is known for its many pools, white sand, and sunsets. At low tide, there are tons of sand flats to walk along and play in for the little ones. Find crabs and other sea life in the pools during low tide, and then enjoy swimming with lifeguards on duty at high tide. At Nauset Beach, you can often find live music at the gazebo on certain nights during the summer. Also located in Orleans is a freshwater beach. If saltwater isn’t for you, there is a tiny beach on Crystal Lake. There are no lifeguards or facilities, but it is an excellent spot for picnicking and fishing. 

1. Wellfleet

Marconi beach is one of the most well-known beaches in Wellfleet. It is a part of the National Seashore and is an excellent spot for seal-watching. It is also a popular spot for surfing, and there are lifeguards throughout the summer, so it is a safe place to swim, making it popular with families. Mayo Beach is a superb family beach as well. There are nice warm waters, and there is a fantastic playground right across the street. Also located in Wellfleet is Cahoon Hollow Beach which is popular with the younger crowds because of the Beachcomber, a restaurant and bar that often has live music and is located right by the parking lot. 

Connect With ERA Cape Cod to Learn More

Every town on Cape Cod has impressive beaches and multiple at that. However, these are just the five we think visitors will love. Depending on the type of beach you prefer, there is one for you. If you want to live in any of these amazing Cape Cod beach towns year-round, reach out to one of the ERA Cape Real Estate agents and find your perfect home today. 

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