Cape Cod Beach Guide
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Beaches on the Cape are famous the world round. Every town has at least two ocean beaches, and the tourist can choose from those fronting Cape Cod Bay, those fronting Nantucket Sound, and those beaches facing the Atlantic. All are great for swimming, tanning, beach games, etc, but they all have their own distinct differences. Here is what to look for from each of the three types of Cape beaches.

Bayside Beaches

            Beaches facing Cape Cod Bay (bayside beaches) entitle the beachgoer to calm, cool waters. Toward Sandwich and the west side of the Cape bayside beaches are rather rocky, but tend to become sandier as they extend eastward. Sandwich beaches and especially Sandy Neck include extensive dunes. These along with many tidal pools make bayside beaches great places to explore or to bring children of all ages.

Nantucket Sound Beaches

            Beaches facing Nantucket Sound have calm waters and typically warmer water than Atlantic or bayside beaches due to their exposure to the Gulf Stream. The largest and most popular of these are Craigville Beach in Barnstable and West Dennis Beach in Dennis, both of which provide bathrooms and food. A local favorite is Loop Beach, on Ocean View Avenue off of Main Street in Cotuit. Many bays and inlets also make the shores of Nantucket Sound ideal for canoers and kayakers, and there are several places from which to rent a canoe or kayak and/or take a guided tour.

Atlantic Beaches

            The most famous and storied of Cape Cod’s beaches are those facing the open Atlantic. Located on the Outer Cape, on the eastern shores of Provincetown, Truro, Wellfleet, Eastham, and Orleans, the National Seashore owns this forty mile stretch of pristine beaches. They offer authentic Atlantic surf, and surfers, bodysurfers, kiteboarders, and boogy-boarders are typically found on the National Seashore. Atlantic beaches are very popular among family vacationers and locals
alike. Despite having colder water than Nantucket Sound beaches, they are excellent for spending a day at the beach. The editor’s choice is Race Point Beach, in a remote location at the very end of Route 6 and the tip of Cape Cod. Another top choice is Cahoon Hollow Beach, on Ocean View Road off of Route 6 in Wellfleet. Here you will find both an excellent beach and the famous ocean front restaurant and bar, The Beachcomber.

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