24 Best Cape Cod Beaches for Families in 2024
What makes a Cape Cod beach good for families? Space to lay a blanket out surrounded by beach chairs. Calm waters to feel safe while the kids splash around and play. Available parking, lifeguards to keep you safe, clean bathrooms and facilities, good food.
Located in New England, Cape Cod is a perfect location for a family-friendly beach trip. There is so much to offer thanks to the various bodies of water that surround the Cape. There truly is a beach for everyone.
The great thing about Cape Cod beaches is that there is something for everyone. The bayside beaches bring the fun of low tide and “The Flats.” An expansive mile of tidal pools where kids can play, search for hermit crabs and explore the sea life throughout. All the while parents feel safe with their kids playing nearby in the shallow waters.
Overall Best Beach on Cape Cod For Families
Mayflower Beach: Top Cape Cod Beach for Families
Mayflower Beach in Dennis, MA is our overall top pick for the best beach on Cape Cod for families. This beach is located on Cape Cod Bay and offers everything your family will need for a wonderful day. We choose a bay beach for the top pick thanks to the calm waters and miles of tidal pools that come out at low tide.
Mayflower Beach offers everything you need for that perfect beach family vacation. There is a concession stand offering food and snack options the entire family will enjoy. There are clean public restrooms are available with outdoor showers to rinse off sandy kids. Miles of beach offers plenty of room for your family to spread out. Parents will feel safe watching their kids play in the tidal flats and search for hermit crabs.
24 Best Cape Cod Beaches for Families
The beaches on this list include all bodies of water found on the Cape, including the fresh water kettle ponds.
The Cape Cod Bay has soft, off-white sand, mild water temperatures reach the low 70s during the summer months. Miles of flats at low tide create tide pools with warm water for the little ones to splash around in and hunt for hermit crabs. Thanks to the protected bay the tide comes in slow, creating calm and shallow waters. A perfect place for families with young kids to spend the day.
The Sounds, include Buzzards Bay, Vineyard Sound, and Nantucket Sound. Often the warmest waters on the Cape with temps in the mid to high 70s in the summer months. The sand has a more tan color and more pebbles, seashells, and seaweed along the shore. Water Shoes for the little ones will help with getting through the water. There will be little to no waves in these waters (windy days might show some larger waves). Another great choice for families with young kids.
The Atlantic Ocean. The beaches here make up the Cape Cod National Seashore. Sand will be soft off-white to tan in color. The water on this side of the Cape will be cold with a temperature in the low 60s. Here you will have the larger waves from the Atlantic Ocean. The strong waves make this a better fit for families with older kids and teenagers. The kids will love bringing boogie boards to ride the waves on the beach.
Last, we have the freshwater kettle ponds of Cape Cod. Scattered throughout the Cape are thousands of freshwater ponds. If you need a break from the saltwater, then head over to one of the many freshwater beaches available on Cape Cod. The water will be warmer in the mid 70’s. You may not find the same amenities as some of the saltwater beaches. Many of the freshwater beaches still has access to bathrooms and food making it a great place for families to spend their days.
Best Beaches for Families: Upper Cape
1. Old Silver Beach- Falmouth, MA
- Body of Water: Buzzards Bay
- Amenities: Lifeguard, Public restroom & showers, snack shack, ADA Accessible
- Parking: $30 per day
The clear mild waters of Old Silver Beach are one of the most popular beaches on Buzzards Bay. This sandy beach has a gradual slope into the water with light waves. Makes for an excellent spot to spend the day with your family. On a clear day, you can see Cleveland Ledge Lighthouse on the horizon.
2. Surf Drive Beach- Falmouth, MA
- Body of Water: Vineyard Sound
- Amenities: Lifeguard, Public restroom & showers, snack shack, ADA Accessible
- Parking: $35 per day
Amazing views of the Vineyard Sound and Martha’s Vineyard. Surf Drive Beach in Falmouth is a large beach, making it a great place for families to spread out and not be crowded. Being on the sound, the water is warm and calm making it suitable for young children to swim in. The snack shack at Surf Drive beach is one of the best on the Cape and offers so much more than fried food and burgers. Owned by Doggz & Hoggz, the menu offers a mix of typical beach food and healthy options.
3. Scusset Beach- Sandwich MA
- Body of Water: Cape Cod Bay
- Amenities: Lifeguard, Public restroom & showers, snack shack, ADA Accessible
- Parking: MA resident- $14, Non-MA resident $40
This bayside beach has so much to offer for a family day at the beach. Crystal clear waters on soft white sand and views of The Cape Cod Canal. If your kids need a break from the sun and sand a large playground on the nearby campground is open to beachgoers.
4. Attaquin Park Beach- Mashpee, MA
- Body of Water: FreshWater Pond
- Amenities: Lifeguard, Porta Potties, mobile food trucks, ADA Accessible
- Parking: $30 per day
A great place to take a break from the saltwater beaches. Attaquin Park Beach offers a beach full of sand for the kids to play in and clear fresh water to cool off in. When you’re done with soaking up sun and sand head over to the nearby playground and basketball net to mix it up.
Best Beaches for Families: Mid Cape
5. Mayflower Beach- Dennis, MA
- Body of Water: Cape Cod Bay
- Amenities: Lifeguard, Public restroom & showers, snack shack, ADA Accessible
- Parking: Non-residents: $20 weekdays and $25 weekends and holidays
Nothing gets better than Mayflower Beach in Dennis, MA. There is a reason families return here year after year. After all, you cannot beat the soft pillowy white sand. The miles of tide pools and shallow waters at low tide.
6. Corporation Beach- Dennis, MA
- Body of Water: Cape Cod Bay
- Amenities: Lifeguard, Public restroom & showers, snack shack, ADA Accessible
- Parking: Non-residents: $20 weekdays and $25 weekends and holidays
Set on the bayside in a protected cove. Corporation beach has everything that Cape Cod families will enjoy. From the soft, white fluffy sand to the clear and calm waters. Corporation Beach is a smaller beach than Mayflower Beach but offers a charm that kids will love.
7. Craigville Beach- Centerville, MA
- Body of Water: Nantucket Sound
- Amenities: Lifeguard, Public restroom & showers, snack shack (across the street), ADA Accessible
- Parking: Non-residents: $15 on weekdays and $20 on weekends and holidays
Like many of the beaches on the Nantucket Sound side, water shoes will be a good choice for little kids. Some seaweed and shells line the water’s edge in areas at times. This isn’t to deter you away but, Craigsville beach remains a favorite among locals and regulars. The warm and calm waters of the Nantucket Sound offer a great place for families to spend their days.
8. West Dennis Beach- Dennis, MA
- Body of Water: Nantucket Sound
- Amenities: Lifeguard, Public restroom & showers, snack shack, ADA Accessible
- Parking: Non-residents: $20 weekdays and $25 weekends and holidays
Several miles of beach stretched across the Nantucket Sound. West Dennis Beach makes for a wonderful place to take the family. Unlike some of the other beaches on Cape Cod the parking lot has over 1,000 spots. This makes for a great choice if you don’t want to get up at the crack of dawn to claim your spot on the beach. Parents will also like the closeness of the parking lot to the beach. This will help to avoid hauling large loads with children in tow. When the kids need a change there are swings to swing on and mix up the day.
9. Seagull Beach – West Yarmouth, MA
- Body of Water: Nantucket Sound
- Amenities: Lifeguard, Public restroom & showers, snack shack, ADA Accessible
- Parking: $20
A large beach on the Nantucket sound. Seagull beach offers everything your family needs to spend a full day playing in the sand and water with your kids.
10. Veterans Memorial Park Beach – Hyannis, MA
- Body of Water: Lewis Bay
- Amenities: Lifeguard, Public restroom & showers, snack shack, ADA Accessible
- Parking: $20
Right off the Nantucket Sound is a small inlet known as Lewis Bay. Because of the bay, the water will be warmer than the Sound beaches. Kids will love the shallow water to play in and the nearby playground when they need a break from the water.
11. Hathaway’s Pond- Barnstable, MA
- Body of Water: Freshwater Pond
- Amenities: Lifeguard, Public restroom & showers, picnic tables & BBQ grills
- Parking: $7 on Weekdays and $10 on weekends and holidays
A great choice for a freshwater pond beach to take the kids. A roped-off swimming area with lifeguards on duty. Picnic area with a playground to take the kids to when you are ready for a break.
Best Beaches for Families: Lower Cape
12. Red River Beach- Harwich, MA
- Body of Water: Nantucket Sound
- Amenities: Lifeguard, Public restroom & showers, mobile food vendors, ADA accessible
- Parking: $20
Kids will love swimming in the warm waters of the Nantucket Sound. They can collect seashells along the shore. Parents will love the calmer waters that still offer a few small waves for boogie boarding with the kids.
13. Bank Street Beach, Cape Cod-Harwich
- Body of Water: Nantucket Sound
- Amenities: Lifeguard, Public restroom, mobile food vendors, ADA accessible
- Parking: $20
Bank Street Beach is another great option on the Nantucket Sound. Thanks to its smaller size you will have the feel of a private beach, but with public access.
14. Hardings Beach- Chatham
- Body of Water: Nantucket Sound
- Amenities: Lifeguard, Public restroom & showers, mobile food vendors, ADA accessible
- Parking: $20
Hardings Beach has a large parking lot that is close to the beach for easy access. With little to no waves and a small drop-off, it is a perfect spot for families with younger kids to swim. While there is no official snack shack, mobile food vendors frequent the beach often.
15. Ridgevale Beach, West Chatham
- Body of Water: Nantucket Sound
- Amenities: Lifeguard, Porto Potties, Snack shack ADA accessible
- Parking: $20
A large beach located in Chatham, MA. What makes this beach so family-friendly is the variety of options available. For younger kids, there is a tidal stream that is great for exploring different sea life. On the other side is the Nantucket Sound for more swimming. Also available at the snack shack are kayaks and paddleboard rentals.
16. Skaket Beach- Orleans
- Body of Water: Cape Cod Bay
- Amenities: Lifeguard, Public restroom & showers, Snack shack ADA accessible
- Parking: $30
Skaket Beach is a favorite among families with young kids. The beach is large and at low tide there are close to a mile of tidal pools for children to play in. At high tide, swimming is perfect while not being too deep.
17. Nauset Beach- Orleans, MA
- Body of Water: Atlantic Ocean
- Amenities: Lifeguard, Public restroom & showers, mobile food vendors, ADA accessible
- Parking: $30
Nauset beach is for thrill-seekers. Likely a better pick for families with older kids or teenagers. Kids will love to bring their boogie board and ride the waves. Prepare yourself, as much fun as it is to ride the waves they can get big and strong and the water is cold.
Best Beaches for Families: Outer Cape
18. Marconi Beach – Wellfleet, MA
- Body of Water: Atlantic Ocean
- Amenities: Lifeguard, Public restroom & showers
- Parking: Cars $25. Pedestrians and bicycles, $15. Motorcycles $20
Down a long boardwalk and flight of stairs is this iconic beach of Cape Cod. Marconi Beach is located on the national seashore. an excellent option for families with older kids and teens. This beach is on the Atlantic Ocean. Families with toddlers or younger kids may want to stay away or go with caution.
19. Mayo Beach – Wellfleet, MA
- Body of Water: Cape Cod Bay
- Amenities: ADA accessible (Restrooms & Restaurants are nearby)
- Parking: Free
Mayo Beach makes for an excellent spot for families. Located on Cape Cod Bay allows for calm and shallow waters. There is a small parking lot with free parking available. While there are no amenities at the beach itself, there is plenty nearby. Including some great restaurants, restroom facilities, and an excellent playground across the street.
20. Nauset Light Beach – Eastham, MA
- Body of Water: Atlantic Ocean
- Amenities: Lifeguard, Public restroom & showers, ADA accessible
- Parking: Cars $25. Pedestrians and bicycles, $15. Motorcycles $20
A beach for adventurous families. Located on the Atlantic Ocean, the larger waves may not be suitable for toddlers and young kids. Older kids and teenagers will love to ride the waves on a boogie board or surfboard. Bring some snacks since there is no snack shack available here. When you are done with the beach you can take a look at the iconic Nauset Lighthouse.
21. Corn Hill Beach – Truro, MA
- Body of Water: Cape Cod Bay
- Amenities: Lifeguard, Public restroom & showers, mobile food vendors, ADA accessible
- Parking: $15
Set on the Cape Cod Bay, Corn Hill Beach has calm warmer waters perfect for young kids. At low tide there will be miles of flats and tide pools for the kids to play in. Everyone will love watching the boats going in and out of the harbor.
22. Wiley Park Beach – Eastham, MA
- Body of Water: Freshwater Pond
- Amenities: Lifeguard, Public restroom & showers, ADA accessible
- Parking: $30
A lovely freshwater pond that offers families a small sandy beach with nearby playground for kids. There is also a platform for kids to jump off of and into the water.
23. Race Point Beach – Provincetown, MA
- Body of Water: Atlantic Ocean
- Amenities: Lifeguard, Public restroom & showers, ADA accessible
- Parking: Cars $25. Pedestrians and bicycles, $15. Motorcycles $20
Best for families with older kids or teenagers. Being on the Atlantic Ocean Race Point Beach is the largest of the National Seashore. With high sand dunes and stunning views at the tip of Cape Cod, Race Point Beach is not to be missed.
24. Herring Cove Beach – Provincetown, MA
- Body of Water: Cape Cod Bay
- Amenities: Lifeguard, Public restroom & showers, Snack Bar, ADA accessible
- Parking: Cars $25. Pedestrians and bicycles, $15. Motorcycles $20
Stunning views of Cape Cod Bay, soft sand, and crystal-clear water. Herring Cove is the perfect place to spend a day relaxing on the beach. Families love this bayside beach for the calm waters and easy access from the parking lot.
Cape Cod Beach Access and Fees: Know Before You Go
Cape Cod is made up of many resident beaches as well as public beaches. While you can find some free parking beaches, these are rare to come by. Most of the town-owned beaches have no admission fee but will require a fee to park. Means you can walk or bike to the beach for no cost. Depending on where you are staying, towns will offer weekly or monthly parking passes that are typically good to use at all beaches in that town.
For links to all town beach sticker policies, check out this article from Cape Cod Times.
Final Thoughts: The Best Cape Cod Beaches for Families
Cape Cod has so many amazing beaches that families with kids of any age can enjoy. There truly is something for everyone, which is likely why it makes Cape Cod incredible summer vacation. The truth is everyone has their own favorites, but for our review, we focused on the things that make a day at the beach easy and enjoyable for families.
This is why our overall top picks include bayside beaches. The calm waters are perfect for kids of all ages. It also helps to keep parents’ minds at ease. Many of the beaches have amenities important for families such as lifeguards, restrooms with showers, and snack shops.
Keeping all of that in mind our number one pick for the best Cape Cod Beach for families is Mayflower Beach in Dennis, MA. This beach truly has it all from super soft sand, calm waters, a public restroom with outdoor showers, and a snack shop with plenty of options to choose from.
