Our Favorite Cape Cod Beaches
We grew up spending summers on the Cape, and we still go to these beaches all the time. There are a lot of "best beaches" lists out there, but most of them just list the same famous spots. Here are the beaches we actually like, including some that don't show up on those lists.
Bay Side Beaches: Warm Waters & Stunning Sunsets
Mayflower Beach, Dennis
Our Top Pick for Families
Mayflower Beach consistently ranks among Cape Cod's finest, and for good reason. The bay-side location means warmer water temperatures (often 10-15 degrees warmer than ocean-side beaches), gentle waves perfect for children, and spectacular sunsets that paint the sky in shades of orange and pink.
Insider Tips:
- Arrive before 9 AM on summer weekends to snag parking
- At low tide, walk nearly a mile out on the sandbars—kids love exploring the tidal pools
- The snack bar serves excellent fried clams and soft-serve ice cream
- Stay for sunset; it's genuinely one of the best on the Cape
Parking: $30/day for non-residents (free with Dennis beach sticker)
Corporation Beach, Dennis
Best for: Swimming & Picnics
Just down the road from Mayflower, Corporation Beach offers a more intimate experience with the same warm bay waters. The beach gets its unusual name from the corporation of local residents who once owned it.
What We Love:
- Excellent facilities including restrooms and a snack bar
- Calmer crowds than Mayflower
- Perfect water depth for swimming
- Beautiful views of the salt marshes
Chapin Beach, Dennis
Best for: Beachcombing & Solitude
If you're seeking a more rugged, natural experience, Chapin Beach delivers. This is where locals go when they want to escape the crowds. The beach stretches for miles, and at low tide, you can walk out to explore the flats.
Pro Tips:
- Bring water shoes—the walk out can be rocky
- Best visited at low tide for maximum beach area
- No lifeguards, so swim with caution
- Stunning views of the Dennis salt marshes
Ocean Side Beaches: Surf & Sand Dunes
West Dennis Beach
Best for: Active Beachgoers
This mile-long stretch of Atlantic beach offers something for everyone. The surf is bigger here, making it popular with boogie boarders and body surfers. The beach also has excellent facilities and a lively atmosphere.
Highlights:
- Consistent waves for body surfing
- Windsurfing and kiteboarding area at the west end
- Food trucks and snack bars
- Volleyball courts
Lighthouse Beach, Chatham
Best for: Seal Watching
One of the most scenic beaches on the Cape, Lighthouse Beach offers views of the historic Chatham Lighthouse and frequent seal sightings. The beach has changed dramatically over the years due to the 1987 breakthrough that created North Beach Island.
Don't Miss:
- Seal watching (especially in late summer)
- The view of Chatham Lighthouse
- The ever-changing shoreline
- Nearby Chatham Fish Pier for fresh catches
National Seashore Beaches
Coast Guard Beach, Eastham
Best for: Natural Beauty
Part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, Coast Guard Beach is consistently rated one of America's best beaches. The dramatic dunes, pristine sand, and powerful Atlantic surf create an unforgettable experience.
Essential Info:
- Shuttle service from Little Creek parking area in summer
- Strong currents—swim near lifeguards
- Visit the old Coast Guard station (now a museum)
- Excellent for surfing when conditions are right
Nauset Light Beach, Eastham
Best for: Photography
Home to the iconic red and white Nauset Lighthouse, this beach offers dramatic cliff views and excellent swimming. The lighthouse was moved back from the eroding cliff edge in 1996 and again in 2024.
Photo Tips:
- Best light for lighthouse photos: early morning or late afternoon
- The cliffs provide dramatic backdrops
- Sunset silhouettes of the lighthouse are stunning
Practical Information
Beach Stickers
Most Cape Cod towns require beach stickers for parking during summer months (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). If you're staying at one of our properties, we can help you obtain temporary stickers for Dennis and surrounding towns.
Best Times to Visit
- June: Warm enough for beach days, fewer crowds
- July-August: Peak season, warmest water
- September: Our favorite—warm water, empty beaches, perfect weather
What to Bring
- Sunscreen (reef-safe preferred)
- Beach umbrella or tent
- Cooler with drinks and snacks
- Water shoes for rocky areas
- Towels and change of clothes
Our Recommendation
For first-time Cape Cod visitors staying at our Dennis properties, we recommend starting with Mayflower Beach for a quintessential Cape Cod experience. The warm water, family-friendly atmosphere, and stunning sunsets capture everything that makes this peninsula special.
For a full Cape Cod beach day, combine a morning at Mayflower Beach with an afternoon drive to Coast Guard Beach in Eastham. The contrast between the calm bay and the dramatic Atlantic perfectly showcases the Cape's incredible diversity.
Ready to experience Cape Cod's beaches for yourself? Browse our Dennis properties [blocked] and start planning your perfect beach vacation.
