Where: North Pamet Rd, Truro View Map
Water Type: Salt water
Type: Surf
Good for: Surfing, Bodyboarding, Swimming, Fishing
Located on the ocean side, Ballston Beach is a picturesque spot to enjoy the day. Lining the beach are the hills that Edward Hopper painted in much of his artwork. There is good surf making this a popular beach for surfers and bodyboarders. Parking is available for Truro beach sticker holders only.
Mary Ellen S.Brooklyn, NY2 reviewsMember since: Jan 2013
Ballston is beautiful and swimming in the surf is so envigorating. I've been visiting Truro since I was a child and it is sobering to see the impacts erosion has had on Ballston - even while I have been bringing my own children to the Cape. Many of the homes and dunes trails are gone and the entrace to the beach has been completely reworked. I have pictures of us having a bonfire at Ballston about 5 years ago - and the house that was in the shot is now gone. Only pipes, wires, and slabs of concrete remain. It reminds me how precious and beautiful this whole area is and how we need to protect it.
Robert D.Boston, MA2 reviewsMember since: Aug 2022
The sand bars off the beach give the waves a rolling action that makes them fun to ride. Also, this is a smaller beach so not as crowded.
Matt T.2 reviewsMember since: Aug 2022
If you are up for walking, go to Ballston Beach and start walking towards Wellfleet. In about 500 yards you will get to Brush Hollow Beach. (Look for the small ladder up against the dune that allows those taking the path through the woods to climb down to the beach.) This is Brush Hollow. If you are still up for walking, keep going to the place in the beach where it juts out a bit and you can't see the line of dunes beyond. In my mind, the light is just a bit more magical and the water crystal clear out at Brush Hollow.
Sean C.Cold Spring, NY3 reviewsMember since: Apr 2021
Private, quiet and clean. Weekdays in mid June were calm and not at all crowded.
Julie D.2 reviewsMember since: Jul 2021
Beautiful beach, and a childhood favorite. We have been coming to the Cape since I was seven.
annmarie c.Shelburne, VT2 reviewsMember since: Apr 2009
Beautiful, easy to get to, quiet, lots of space for long walks, and watching seals and whales.
Andrew M.2 reviewsMember since: Jun 2020
Basically felt like a more private version of the Wellfleet beaches - lots of beach space and big dunes, and since the parking lot is near a tidal basin you don't have to actually climb up or down a dune to get there. Bathrooms were very clean porta potties.
Michael C.Essex Junction, VT3 reviewsMember since: Jul 2014
Luv the Dunes & first option when windy on Bay side
Susan B.New York, NY2 reviewsMember since: Feb 2019
It's long and beautiful with a perfect balance of quiet and happy beach-goers. There is no nicer walk anywhere than through the beachgrass onto this beach.
Bridget W.Plymouth, MA2 reviewsMember since: Apr 2018
I love the rough wild beaches, big waves, and spectacular views.
Cindy A.Simsbury, CT2 reviewsMember since: Jun 2019
great walking beach - beautiful sunsets
Michel P.2 reviewsMember since: Mar 2018
Just perfect. Not overcrowded. Big waves (6-8 feet). Clean. Lots of seal and even a shark sighting (for those who like that kinda stuff)
Brenda E.Medway, MA2 reviewsMember since: Jun 2016
Ballston Beach was easy to access, especially with all the beach gear in tow. I prefer the ocean side to bay side. It had a great sandbar so the kids could go out and jump in the waves and not be too deep.
Katharina S.Wellfleet, MA2 reviewsMember since: Aug 2017
We like the nature around the beach, it is lovely.
JOHN S.Cooperstown, NY2 reviewsMember since: Oct 2017
Constantly changing from year to year but always enjoyable. Water a bit chilly at our time of year. Great for walking.Love the extensive sand bars in years when they are present.
Christine C.Wilmette, IL3 reviewsMember since: Jul 2014
Our kids (12 and 13) love the big surf on the ocean side, but they're both good swimmers and are cautious-- they'll get out if seals are lingering too closely and stay where they can touch bottom. Younger kids will like Ryder and Fisher Beaches. Beautiful, calm and much warmer water-- and uncrowded is an understatement. I you want to find playmates you may need to go to a busier beach!
Claudia .Takoma Park, MD2 reviewsMember since: Feb 2016
Ballston Beach is beautiful, especially early in the morning. In fact, we got married there.
William F.Charlottesville, VA3 reviewsMember since: May 2016
Beautiful dunes, secluded if you walk far enough from entrance.
Jan E.UK2 reviewsMember since: Feb 2007
Easy access, beautiful sandbars, great waves and loads of curious seals popping up to look at us!