Cape Cod, Massachusetts is an extremely popular destination for both Massachusetts residents and tourists from all over every summer. One of the main reasons for this is the beautiful sandy beaches that are quite literally all over Cape Cod. There is no denying that all of these beaches are beautiful. However, not all of them are good for a quick family visit for people who live off the Cape. Non-residents are not welcome on many of them and some of them do not have the best accommodations for families that are concerned about comfort and safety. The following four Cape Cod beaches are great for families in both safety and comfort.
Sandy Neck Beach(Bodfish Public Beach)off Rte. 6A in Barnstable, Massachusetts
Sandy Neck Beach is largely private and resident-only. However, the Bodfish Public Beach portion of Sandy Neck Beach is public. This area of the beach is a great place to spend time with the family on a summer day. There are restrooms, which are a necessity when you have children. If you have ever taken your children to a beach with no bathrooms, you know how much of a headache it can be. When it is beach season on Cape Cod (Memorial Day through Labor Day), there are refreshments available at a concession stand. There is also a lifeguard on duty in season.
Day passes to the Bodfish Public Beach are currently $15. They are available at the Gatehouse. If you have any questions or need a large party (20 or more) permit, call 1-508-362-8300.
Sandy Neck Beach also provides an off-road vehicle area. You have to buy a yearlong permit in order to use it. Your vehicle also has to meet specific requirements. For more information of the ORV Sandy Neck Beach area, go to www.town.barnstable.ma.us/SandyNeckPark/ORVBeach/orvhome.aspx .
Veterans Beach on Ocean St. off Main St. in Hyannis, Massachusetts
Veterans Beach is a beautiful beach in a park setting. There is a grassy picnic area, a playground for children, restrooms, showers and concessions. During the summer season, a lifeguard monitors the beach. The beach is public and it overlooks Lewis Bay where there are yachts going in and out all summer long that your family can enjoy watching. Parking at Veterans Beach is $15 for the day.
Mayflower Beach off Rte. 6A in Dennis, Massachusetts
Mayflower Beach is often said to be one of the most beautiful beaches on Cape Cod. This is true. The beach is sandy and lined with dunes. There is a boardwalk that takes you from the parking area to the beach. There are concessions, restroom and, of course, a lifeguard during the summer season. This beach is public and really worth seeing, if you are looking for a fun place to take your family during your visit to Cape Cod. A day pass for parking is $15.
Nauset Beach off Beach Road in Orleans, Massachusetts
Nauset Beach is one of the most popular public beaches on Cape Cod. It is great for surfing, wakeboarding, picnicking or just spending some time in the sun and sand. Families should be careful of the waves and undertow at Nauset Beach even though there are lifeguards there during the summer season. There are restrooms and showers at Nauset Beach. There is also a popular concession stand that serves both hot and cold snacks. Parking is currently the $15 a day standard.
There are many, many more public beaches on the Cape that your family may enjoy. However, as mentioned above, these are among the more popular, comfortable and safe (as far as having on-duty lifeguards in season) of the bunch. If you are planning a trip to the Cape or live in the area, you are sure to enjoy these beaches with your family.
Sources
Bodfish Public Beach, retrieved 6/6/10, town.barnstable.ma.us/SandyNeckPark/publicbeach/publichome.aspx
Veterans Beach, retrieved 6/6/10, morebeach.com/cape-cod-beaches/veterans-beach.html
Personal Experience
