Coast Guard Beach Cape Cod
Pristine sandy beach in Eastham, MA, part of Cape Cod National Seashore, known for seals, birdwatching, and stunning coastal views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Coast Guard Beach Cape Cod
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Pristine sandy beach in Eastham, MA, part of Cape Cod National Seashore, known for seals, birdwatching, and stunning coastal views.
"This is officially one of my favorite beaches in Cape. It's absolutely beautiful."
🚗 Parking Perks
Non-resident parking often opens up after 5 PM. Weekdays are your best bet for easier access!
🚲 Bike to the Beach
Many parking spots are reserved for residents. Biking is a great alternative for exploring!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Expansive Sandy Shores
Eastham, MA
Miles of pristine sand perfect for long walks and soaking up the sun.
Seal Sightings
Near the shore
Abundant seals often bask on the sandbars, offering a unique wildlife viewing opportunity.
Salt Marsh & Birdwatching
Adjacent to the beach
Explore the delicate salt marsh ecosystem and observe diverse bird species.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Access
Best Time for Wildlife
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Perks
Non-resident parking often opens up after 5 PM. Weekdays are your best bet for easier access!
🚲 Bike to the Beach
Many parking spots are reserved for residents. Biking is a great alternative for exploring!
🦭 Seal Spotting
Keep an eye out for seals, especially during winter months. They love to lounge on the sandbars!
🚶♀️ Explore the Trails
Beyond the beach, discover scenic trails perfect for a leisurely stroll or birdwatching.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Perks
Non-resident parking often opens up after 5 PM. Weekdays are your best bet for easier access!
🚲 Bike to the Beach
Many parking spots are reserved for residents. Biking is a great alternative for exploring!
🦭 Seal Spotting
Keep an eye out for seals, especially during winter months. They love to lounge on the sandbars!
🚶♀️ Explore the Trails
Beyond the beach, discover scenic trails perfect for a leisurely stroll or birdwatching.
♿ Accessible Options
Handicap parking is available, and beach wheelchairs can be requested for easier access.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Coast Guard Beach's stunning natural beauty, expansive sands, and abundant seal sightings. Many appreciate the well-maintained facilities and accessible options. Some note that parking can be challenging for non-residents, and the beach can get windy and wavy.
"I really loved this beach in Cape Cod.
There were lots of seals 🦭❤️
The beach was well-maintained and peaceful.
I found parking easily, but it was a weekday around 1 p.m., so it’s probably more crowded on weekends.
The restrooms were clean.
There were also some nice trails!
Next time, I’ll bring my bike, there are so many beautiful spots to explore in Cape Cod!"
Johanne
"Beautiful beach but it gets windy and wavy. If you are staying in the area, it may be easier to bike to this beach as many parking places are reserved for residents. Otherwise, come after 5 when parking is available to everyone."
Max Khaskin
"Beautiful beach with good accessibility option! With your handicap parking placard, parking at the beach is allowed, rather than taking the shuttle.
Lots of HP parking. The view from parking lot is nice with benches. Concrete and hard packed paths to a view point on the bluff,the restrooms building, the outside showers, and down the path along the road to beach access. From the road is blue accessible path to the beach. My husband’s battery powered scooter made it to the end. There were 2 beach wheelchair available."
Diane MacDonald
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Coast Guard Beach is located in Eastham, MA. If driving, be mindful of parking restrictions, especially on weekends. Many visitors opt to bike to the beach to avoid parking issues.
Yes, there is a parking lot, but it's often reserved for Eastham residents. Non-residents may find parking available after 5 PM, or on weekdays.
Absolutely! Biking is a popular and often easier way to access Coast Guard Beach, especially if you're staying nearby.
Yes, Coast Guard Beach offers accessible parking with a placard and has accessible paths leading to the beach. Beach wheelchairs are also available.
From Route 6, take the exit for Eastham. Follow signs for Coast Guard Beach. Be prepared for potential parking limitations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Coast Guard Beach is part of the Cape Cod National Seashore. While there isn't a specific entry ticket for the beach itself, parking fees may apply during peak season.
The beach is generally accessible year-round. However, parking lot hours and lifeguard services are seasonal. Check the National Seashore website for specific times.
Parking fees are typically charged during the summer season. Accessing the beach by bike or walking may not incur these fees.
While the beach is accessible, parking lots may have restricted hours. For astrophotography, check specific National Seashore regulations regarding nighttime access.
Yes, Coast Guard Beach is open year-round, though amenities like lifeguards and restrooms are seasonal. It's a beautiful spot for winter walks.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, long walks on the sand, birdwatching in the salt marsh, and seal spotting. There are also scenic trails to explore.
Yes, restrooms are available at Coast Guard Beach, typically open during the main season.
Yes, Coast Guard Beach is a popular spot for swimming, though conditions can be wavy and windy. Lifeguards are usually on duty during the summer.
You can often spot seals, especially in winter. The salt marsh is also a haven for various bird species.
Absolutely! With its expansive coastline, dramatic waves, sunrises, and wildlife, it's a photographer's dream.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly on Coast Guard Beach. You'll find dining options in nearby Eastham or other Cape Cod towns.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the sand!
Chatham Pier Fish Market and other local eateries in nearby towns offer fresh seafood.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer stunning light for photography. The dramatic waves and coastal scenery are captivating year-round.
It's ideal for landscape, wildlife (seals, birds), and seascape photography. The vastness of the beach and the ocean provide endless opportunities.
Generally, photography is allowed, but be mindful of wildlife and other beachgoers. Drone usage may be restricted within the National Seashore.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Day-Trippers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss the opportunity to capture images of the seals that frequent the area, especially in winter, or the diverse birdlife in the salt marsh. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Parking and Access
For visitors with mobility challenges, Coast Guard Beach offers good accessibility. The presence of handicap parking placards allows for parking at the beach, bypassing the need for the shuttle. Accessible paths lead to viewpoints, restrooms, and down to the beach itself, with some paths being suitable for battery-powered scooters. Additionally, beach wheelchairs are available, ensuring a more inclusive experience for everyone.
Wildlife Encounters at Coast Guard Beach
Beyond the seals, the adjacent salt marsh provides a rich habitat for a variety of bird species. Birdwatchers can find a rewarding experience exploring the trails and observing the local avian life. The natural beauty of the marsh ecosystem adds another layer of appeal to the beach experience.
Photography Opportunities
Beyond the grand vistas, photographers can capture intimate moments with the local wildlife, from the lounging seals to the diverse birdlife in the salt marsh. The natural beauty and ever-changing conditions of the Cape Cod National Seashore provide endless inspiration for both amateur and professional photographers.
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Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit