Summer + Cape Cod = Beach time!! We have hundreds of sandy spots on the Cape for you to discover. After all, we are surrounded by the sea: the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Cod Bay, Nantucket Sound, and dotted with over 300 freshwater kettle ponds! Book your stay at our bed and breakfast and get ready for fun in the sun at the best Cape Cod beaches.
Here are a few of my favorites…
Cape Cod National Seashore is a must-see for every visitor! There are over 40 miles of spectacular coastline, marshes, dunes and historic lighthouses to explore. It’s on the Atlantic side of the Cape, which means bigger waves (good body surfing) and cooler water. The Salt Pond Visitor Center is a great place to start. There you can decide which of the many beaches you want to visit – Nauset, Coastguard, Marconi, Race Point, to name just a few.
Paine’s Creek Beach is less than a mile from the Inn, and has the unique feature of the tidally influenced Paine’s Creek running into Cape Cod Bay. The sunsets are glorious, and when the tide goes out, you can walk out into the Bay for at least a mile! This tidal phenomenon is known locally as the “Brewster Flats.” It is fun to explore the tide pools or just relax and enjoy the sunshine along the calm waters of Cape Cod Bay.
Flax Pond is located in Nickerson State Park, just a few miles down the road. I’d recommend this spot to those who prefer smaller beaches and/or freshwater ponds. And between your dips in the pond, there are miles of biking and walking trails to explore in the Park.
Hardings Beach in Chatham is on Nantucket Sound. The beach is wide, the water is warmer, and the waves are calmer, making it a wonderful sunning and swimming beach! My favorite part is the walk along a sand road which starts at the end of the second parking lot, through the dunes to the Stage Harbor light (currently a private home, so please don’t disturb the folks there), and then returning by walking along the beach. Take a sandwich and pause at the quiet entrance to the harbor where you can watch the fishing boats come and go. You will likely be the only one(s) there!
Rock Harbor and Skaket Beach in Orleans are fantastic places to visit. Rock Harbor is not only a beautiful beach (especially at sunset), but it also has exciting activity in the harbor. Fishing and charter boats come and go and I encourage you to visit with the local fishermen and learn about their catch! Skaket Beach is just a bit south of Rock Harbor and has an added plus of a food concessionaire.
Chatham Lighthouse Beach is a must-see when visiting Chatham! The views from the parking lot over the beach are spectacular – with the colors of the land, sea and sky constantly shifting and changing. A beautiful place to walk –- lots of soft sand — and you can find your own quiet spot if you’re willing and able to walk around the bend. It’s also a wonderful and conveniently located spot to rest, if your traveling companions aren’t quite finished shopping in town!
These are just the tip of the iceberg! (Or tip of the ever-changing seascape on the Cape.) I’d love to hear which beach is your favorite, so we can continue to give our guests new places to visit and explore!
In the meantime, plan your summer getaway on the Cape and reserve your favorite room at Brewster by the Sea Inn today!
