A vacation in Cape Cod is a joy for people who love the beach because of the many types of beaches to be found here. Cape Cod extends 70 miles into the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by Cape Cod Bay on the north, Buzzards Bay on the west, Vineyard and Nantucket sounds on the south, and the Atlantic Ocean on the east. Beaches on Cape Cod Bay tend to be smooth and broad, with gentle surf, and, at low tide, hundreds of yards of tidal flats to wander and explore. These mellow Bay beaches are a favorite for children and families. Because the Cape curves almost to a full circle, some Bay beaches at the end of the Cape face west. An evening on these beaches may be capped with a spectacular sunset over the water. Beaches on the south side, facing Nantucket Sound, have smaller tidal flats and may have warmer water temperatures. Beaches of the Cape Cod National Seashore -- sometimes called the Outer Cape – face the Atlantic, and their character is much more dramatic. Some of the Atlantic-facing beaches lie between the water and vertical bluffs that jut high above the beach. Marvelous ocean vistas are visible from the bluffs, many of them crowned with waving dune grass and historic lighthouses. Down in the water, temperatures are colder than on Cape Cod Bay and Nantucket South and surf is rougher – better for adults and surfers and strong swimmers (heed warnings of undertow). Inland, through the center of the peninsula, are fresh-water “kettle” ponds scooped out by the aforementioned glaciers. They are surrounded by piney woods and are a delight for people who love to swim and boat surrounded by deep-green forest.

The Cape Cod National Seashore, which has a wonderful website at www.nps.gov/caco, owns and operates six ocean beaches. Information is available at seashore visitor centers in Eastham and Provincetown. Parking costs tend to be slightly lower at national seashore beaches than at town-operated beaches. In general, towns welcome visitors to most beaches (some are residents-only). Visitors can pay a daily parking fee at town beaches, usually about $15. Visitors also can apply at most towns for parking stickers for the week and the season. These stickers are restricted by some towns to visitors who can prove they are staying at accommodations within the town. For details on town parking rules and costs for specific towns, see listings below or consult the manager of your lodging.

Here is some Cape Cod vocabulary to help you find your way around. Visualize the Cape as an arm sticking 70 miles into the Atlantic, due east from the mainland. It is bent at the elbow and the forearm points north. The “Upper Cape” is closest to the mainland and is composed of the towns of Bourne, Sandwich, Mashpee and Falmouth. The “Mid Cape” is the bicep area, facing Cape Cod Bay on the north and Nantucket Sound and Vineyard Sound on the south. It covers the towns of Yarmouth, Dennis, and Barnstable, which includes the village of Hyannis. The “Lower Cape” is the elbow of the peninsula, composed of Brewster, Harwich, Chatham, and Orleans. This section touches a bit of Cape Cod Bay on the north, Nantucket Sound on the south, and the Atlantic Ocean on the east. The “Outer Cape” is the forearm and fist of the peninsula, including Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro, and Provincetown. These designations, by the way, follow the official map of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce. Some people group all of the Lower Cape and Outer Cape under the name “Lower Cape.”

Cape Cod is a well-loved vacation place for children and families, romantic getaways, photographers, beach-goers, and anyone who appreciates New England’s unique beauties. But don’t take our work for it. See below, then go.

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Ballston Beach
Route 6 to South Pamet Road
Truro, MA 02666
Phone: 508-487-6983

Open: Third weekend of June to Labor Day