Incorporated in 1639, Sandwich is the oldest town on Cape Cod. It is located on both sides of the Cape Cod Canal with the majority of its population and land mass on the southerly side of the canal. Sandwich is a mostly residential community with a winter population considerably smaller than the population during the warm summer.
Residents feel that its charm and uniqueness combined with its ideal location make Sandwich a very attractive place both to live and visit. Sandwich's beaches along Cape Cod Bay stretch for miles and provide a wonderful view on a clear day of the many vessels that pass through on their way to or from the Boston area. Commercial fishermen and lobstermen can be seen daily from the docks at the Sandwich Marina, the only harbor along the canal.
Not too far from the marina is the historic Sandwich Village, which is a world renowned tourist destination providing a glimpse into New England's rich colonial history. Heritage Plantation, Sandwich Glass Museum, the Thornton Burgess Museum, Hoxie House (the oldest house on Cape Cod), Daniel Webster Inn, Dexter Grist Mill and various art galleries, rare book, and antique stores are some examples of the attractions which bring visitors to Sandwich from all across New England and the world.
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Town of Sandwich Links:
- Town of Sandwich, MA - About Sandwich, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
- Mass.Gov
- Sandwich Chamber of Commerce
Sandwich Beaches Information:
Sandwich has saltwater access along the north shore of the town that borders Cape Cod Bay. A portion of this north shore lies on the other side of the Canal (the mainland side). Although deprived of the large harbors, coves, and bays present in many of the other Cape towns, Sandwich features a number of fine freshwater ponds in the southern portion of the town, including Peters Pond and Snake Pond. Sandwich also has frontage on a portion of Mashpee's Wakeby Pond, just enough to sneak in a beach.
You need a sticker to park at all beaches in Sandwich. The resident sticker costs $15. The nonresidents must pay $20 and the sticker will not get you to the resident-only Snake Pond area but will get you everywhere else. All stickers are sold at the Sandwich Town Hall, (508) 888-4910. One-day parking passes are also available at the beaches, except Snake Pond, for $4.
Town Neck Beach, at the end of Town Neck Road, offers the perfect place to watch boat traffic pass on the Cape Cod Canal. Though there are no lifeguards on duty, there are restrooms and a concession stand.
Town Beach rests at the entrance to Sandwich Harbor. This Sandwich beach can be reached by taking Town Neck Road to Freeman Avenue. Nearby is the famous Sandwich boardwalk crossing Mill Creek, which winds through the picturesque marshes along the north side of Sandwich. Town Beach offers concession stands and bathroom facilities but no lifeguards.
East Sandwich Beach, also known as Springhill Beach, is off Mass. Rt. 6A at the end of Ploughed Neck Road where it empties into North Shore Boulevard. Just to the east is Scorton Harbor and beautiful Scorton Creek. The parking area accepts permits only. The beach has no lifeguards, concession stands or toilet facilities.
Sandy Neck Beach is a beautiful beach with high sand dunes that stretches for miles along Cape Cod Bay off Mass. Rt. 6A at the extreme eastern boundaries of the town. This beach lies within both Sandwich and Barnstable and offers lifeguards, concession stands, and bathroom facilities. Many people enjoy taking a four-wheel-drive vehicle onto Sandy Neck Beach for a day of fishing and swimming; this requires buying a permit through the Town of Barnstable. Your four-wheel-drive vehicle must undergo an inspection at the gatehouse for proper emergency equipment such as a tow rope, shovel, and spare tire. For weekly or monthly parking passes for the public beach, call the Recreation Department at (508) 790-6345. For four-wheel drive permits, call Sandy Neck Administration at (508) 362-8300 or Sandy Neck Gatehouse (in season) at (508) 362-8306. The beach is open year-round.
Sandwich has a beach on the Wakeby portion of the beautiful Mashpee-Wakeby Pond. The beach, which can be found off Sandwich-Cotuit Road, has a large parking area, restrooms and a big gazebo for grilling and picnics. Lifeguards are on duty.
