The Beaches of Outer Cape Cod

There is no shortage of beautiful beaches on the Outer Cape. Most of the 43,607 acres of federally protected Cape Cod National Seashore beach is located in this area, as are numerous bay beaches and kettle ponds—all offering a different experience. Here’s a sampling of some Outer Cape beaches that should find their way onto your Cape Cod vacation itinerary:

Eastham Beaches

Coast Guard Beach — Rated in Dr. Beaches Top 10 Beaches in the U.S., the pristine sand and waters attract many visitors. Be prepared for a day full of sun and surf at this favorite!

First Encounter Beach — A nice quiet family beach, this beach has calm, warm water. Like most bay beaches, the tidal flats are perfect for walking and tide pools perfect for exploring.

Wiley Park — This freshwater pond is perfect for the kids! There are platforms in the water for diving and jumping, and there’s off a small playground as well.

Wellfleet Beaches

Cahoon Hollow — A popular beach destination in the summer, this beach is bordered by 75 foot dunes and home to the famous Beachcomber Restaurant!

Mayo Beach — Next to the Wellfleet Town Pier, Mayo Beach is a great beach for families, especially young children, as the water is calm and warmer than other beach waters. There are several restaurants located nearby and a playground across the street.

Gull Pond — One of the largest ponds in Wellfleet, Gull Pond has a nice, shady beach and warm water. There is an onsite boat rental as well. This is a great spot if you are looking to explore some of the non-ocean waters.

Truro Beaches

Ballston Beach — 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. The good surf makes this a popular beach for surfers.

Corn Hill Beach — Corn Hill Beach is a long, narrow beach. The water tends to be warm and the surf is very calm. It’s a great spot to watch boats going in and out of the harbor.

Provincetown Beaches

Race Point — Beautiful sand dunes line this beach. Being north facing, it gets sun all day long. It has surf and a strong undertow at times. Race Point Lighthouse is just a short walk away.

Harbor Beach — Harbor Beach is a small beach located next to MacMillan Wharf, close to downtown Provincetown. The waters are warm and calm and the many docked boats in the area create a beautiful backdrop.

No visit to the Cape is complete without time spent at its many lovely beaches. We hope you get the opportunity to visit them all!