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Hey there! I’m back to reality after a week off. I’m thinking of going on vacation permanently. I wish! Lots of good food and fun describe the week I’ve had! Cape Cod is huge and it can be so hard to see the best of why the Cape has to offer. Luckily I’ve put together a cheat sheet of some of the best in Cape Cod. And because there is so much, I’ll be splitting it up into at least two parts!
The Best Cape Cod Beaches
The Cape is best known for one thing and that is the plethora of unspoiled, picturesque public beaches. This is one thing that sets it apart from places like the Hamptons where a beach sticker is required at most beaches. Most of the beaches on the Cape offer public parking for a fee.
I recommend heading out to the outer Cape (i.e. the eastern most portion) for some fantastic beaches. The Cape Cod National Seashore covers the tip of the Cape and these state beaches are extremely pristine with soft sand and clean water. The water actually even begins to take on an aqua hue because you are so far away from main-land. The beaches stretch for miles surrounded by huge sand dunes and you could literally walk from one beach to the next if you had the time, the legs and someone to pick you up at the other end. So if long walks on the beach are part of your online dating profile, I mean your thing, you’ll love these beaches.
A few of my favorite beaches are:
Marconi
Marconi is located in Wellfleet, Ma and is the furthest east of the beaches on this list. It’s parking lot is huge, which is key given the rush to get a spot at all the beaches.
The sand dunes are massive and there are some pretty big stairs taking you down to the beach. Pause a minute before heading down and snap a photo! The.view is gorgeous!
There are bathrooms, changing rooms and outdoor showers here but no snack bar. Lifeguards are on duty. The beach is huge so even when it’s crowded you can find a spot. Marconi is a great spot for surfing and body surfing with great waves that aren’t too huge if you are just starting out.
Ahhh relaxation!
Parking is $15 but a season pass (good at all CC National Seashore Beaches) is $45.
Coast Guard Beach
Coast Guard Beach in Eastham, Ma is another fav. At low tide the sandbars here provided hours of fun for kids. There are great waves for bodysurfing and the water has a beautiful hue. Be prepared for some cold temps at all of these beaches. The chilly Atlantic sometimes doesn’t want to give up its iciness even in August!
There is a large parking lot but you need to be shuttled from the lot to the beach. The shuttle takes about 10 minutes and runs regularly. The last shuttle is at 5:15pm and is best avoided due to crowds and long waits for the ride back.
Outdoor showers an restrooms available plus ample bike parking and lifeguards.
Nauset Light Beach
A popular Cape beach located in Eastham, Ma. The parking lot here is tiny and fills up fast so get here early! There is a beautiful lighthouse to check out. You can visit it or admire it from afar.
There is also the potential for seal spotting here.
The shore is rockier than other beaches so proceed with caution.
Bathrooms, change rooms and outdoor showers and lifeguards are all available here.
Stand Up Paddling and Kayaking
Two big sports on the Cape are SUP and kayaking. In fact, you would be hard pressed to drive anywhere on the Cape without seeing at least one car toting one of these pieces of equipment on their roof.
There are many places to rent either or both by the hour or by the day. Some places will deliver to your location while others require pick-up or go just off the beach.
If you are just starting out, I recommend seeking out a harbor or bay as the water will be flat and calm, making it easier to learn.
The Wellfleet Drive-In
This was my first time visiting the drive-in theater and I fell in love with the retro-feel of this place. For $9 each you can check out the latest releases in the comfort of your car. We saw Guardians of the Galaxy, which was not what I would ever choose but you don’t get much choice at the drive-in since there are only two films: one at 8pm and one at 10pm. Films run for about a week before switching up.
If you are planning on visiting, I recommend two things:
1) Bring some food with you. There is a snack bar there but it’s busy and there is so much good food in the area, why pass that up?
2) Take a small car. Big SUVs must park in the back and prime parking is available for smaller cars!
Well, that’s it folks! I hope you enjoyed my little tour of Cape Cod. I’ll be back next week with the best places to eat!
Readers, have you ever been to a drive-in? Would you swim in 60 degree water? What do you look forward to most on vacation?
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Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness
August 10, 2014I’ve never been to a drive-in before, but have always wanted to check one out. It looks like you had a great time in Cape Cod!
FitBritt
August 17, 2014I highly recommend the drive-in experience! Fantastic meeting you in real life this weekend! I had so much fun and you are like my sister on a different coast! 🙂
Kim
August 10, 2014I’ve never been to Cape Cod – one day!! I can’t believe how crowded the beaches are – is that normal?!
I love drive-in movies – I wish we had one around here. My youngest son went to see Guardians of the Galaxy with some friends the other night.
Holly
August 11, 2014Dear Britt,
You have captured the quintessential Cape Cod and what has made CC the “go-to” destination for food lovers, beach lovers, sports enthusiasts, beginner adventurists, ordinary people and presidential families alike for over a century.
Can you believe how pristine the beaches remain? CC is a gem.
Now . . . if I could just get a SUP to strap to my auto – Atlantic Ocean Here I Come!
Making a date to go soon–Thanks!
Holly
FitBritt
August 17, 2014CC is a gem! Maybe you need a vintage VW van to hold your SUP in. Haha. It would have to be pink!
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
August 11, 2014Ah I wish I wasn’t just driving through the cape! I guess I’ll get a taste of it on MV though! Saw Guardians of the Galaxy last week. Wasn’t my favvvv superhero movie but it was still pretty good 🙂
FitBritt
August 17, 2014Oh my gosh! I love MV! We were there for one day when we were on the Cape. I’m doing a recap next week! Have a fabulous time!!!!!!
Sarah @ Sweet Miles
August 11, 2014Looks like a much needed vacation! Crazy how many people are out on the beach! I just can’t get over how beautiful it looks, glad you had a good time 🙂
FitBritt
August 17, 2014I know! There are a lot of people. I’ve been on beaches that have been waaaaay more crowded though! For the most part people don’t bother me unless they smoke (which is now banned but they do it anyway!).
Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat
August 11, 2014Gorgeous! Cape Cod has always been one of those places that I really want to go to. It sounds so beautiful and peaceful there, and I love the beach, so I’m sure it would be right up my alley. One of these days we really need to get there!
FitBritt
August 17, 2014Oh you should go someday! It’s a fabulous place for families too! There are sooooo many little kids at the beach!
Nellie @ Brooklyn Active Mama
August 11, 2014Drive Ins really do exist? I’ve only seen them on TV. LOL! Those beaches look heavenly. I need to make a trip to Cape Cod immediately!!
FitBritt
August 17, 2014Apparently they do! But this is the only one I’ve seen. I think its super retro and they keep it going as a vintage throwback thing.
Lisa @ Lulus Big Adventure
August 11, 2014Ah that looks like such a beautiful area! Those beaches look so lovely.
I’ve never been to a drive-in movie, but I’ve always wanted it. It seems like such a fun way to watch a movie! One day.
FitBritt
August 17, 2014Yes! If you ever get the opportunity to go to a drive-in, take it!
Jen@HealthyFoodandFamily
August 11, 2014Looks absolutely breathtaking!!!
FitBritt
August 17, 2014Thanks Jen!
Jessie
August 12, 2014These photos have me wanting to book the next flight to Cape Cod. Looks beautiful. Drive ins are so much fun & will always take me back to my childhood days. We had one right down the road from us.
FitBritt
August 17, 2014You went to drive-ins as a child? That’s so cool!
Karen - Fit in France
August 14, 2014I love Cape Cod. Looks like you had a great time and were lucky with the weather. the beach pictures are gorgeous.
Drive ins are so much fun.It has been a long time since I have done that….in France we have open air theaters, where you go and sit on the grass and bring your picnic. Very very popular.