Coast Guard heaven, I mean beach!
1 / 10

Coast Guard Beach Cape Cod

4.8
·943 reviews·Eastham, United States

Pristine sandy beach in Eastham, MA, part of Cape Cod National Seashore, known for seals, birdwatching, and stunning coastal views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, easier parking

CrowdLow
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Coast Guard heaven, I mean beach!

Coast Guard Beach Cape Cod

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, easier parking

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Pristine sandy beach in Eastham, MA, part of Cape Cod National Seashore, known for seals, birdwatching, and stunning coastal views.

4.8
(943 reviews)

"This is officially one of my favorite beaches in Cape. It's absolutely beautiful."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 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!

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Quick Facts

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Expansive Sandy Shores

Expansive Sandy Shores

Eastham, MA

Miles of pristine sand perfect for long walks and soaking up the sun.

Seal Sightings

Seal Sightings

Near the shore

Abundant seals often bask on the sandbars, offering a unique wildlife viewing opportunity.

Salt Marsh & Birdwatching

Salt Marsh & Birdwatching

Adjacent to the beach

Explore the delicate salt marsh ecosystem and observe diverse bird species.

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Planning Your Visit

Parking & Access

Parking at Coast Guard Beach can be tricky, especially on weekends. Consider biking or arriving after 5 PM when parking restrictions often lift for non-residents. Accessible parking is available with a placard.

Best Time for Wildlife

Visit during winter months for a chance to spot seals, or explore the salt marsh and trails for birdwatching. Weekdays offer a more peaceful experience.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Crowd
Low
When
Winter months
Why
Seal watching season
Crowd
Low
When
After 5 PM
Why
Parking restrictions lift
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Coast Guard Beach - Eastham, Massachusetts - Cape Cod - February 2025 - Video by: Mark TR Filteau
cape_cod_massachusetts_
603 likes • 7.3K views

🚗 Parking Perks

Non-resident parking often opens up after 5 PM. Weekdays are your best bet for easier access! Reddit

🚲 Bike to the Beach

Many parking spots are reserved for residents. Biking is a great alternative for exploring! Reddit

Looking for the perfect Cape Cod day trip? Join us as we explore the Cape’s top spots in just one day. We start at Coast Guard Beach in Eastham, ranked one of the Top 10 Beaches in the U.S. We also make stops at Cuffy’s of Cape Cod, Chatham Pier Fish Market, and Buffy’s in downtown Chatham. What are your favorite things to do on the Cape? ✍️: Kristi Palma 📹: Jessika Landon
boston
1.2K likes • 46.4K views
Your Friday :15 Coast Guard Beach #AltText 15-second video of waves breaking and a man walking on the beach under a milky afternoon sky. Natural sound of waves, no narration. NPS/Moynihan
capecodnps
686 likes • 20.3K views

🦭 Seal Spotting

Keep an eye out for seals, especially during winter months. They love to lounge on the sandbars! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Trails

Beyond the beach, discover scenic trails perfect for a leisurely stroll or birdwatching. Reddit

New England Road Trip Vibes 🍂 📍Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod National Seashore - Eastham, MA 📍Taftsville Covered Bridge - Woodstock, VT 📍Downtown Stowe, VT, 📍Beehive Trail Acadia National Park - Bar Harbor, ME 📍Portland Headlight - Portland, ME 📍Hocus Pocus Max and Danny’s House - Salem, MA 📍Acorn Street - Boston, MA 📍Washington Depot, CT . . . . . #roadtrip #usaroadtrip #newengland #newen...
hayleybellemullins
132 likes • 4.9K views

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! Reddit

🚲 Bike to the Beach

Many parking spots are reserved for residents. Biking is a great alternative for exploring! Reddit

🦭 Seal Spotting

Keep an eye out for seals, especially during winter months. They love to lounge on the sandbars! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Trails

Beyond the beach, discover scenic trails perfect for a leisurely stroll or birdwatching. Reddit

♿ Accessible Options

Handicap parking is available, and beach wheelchairs can be requested for easier access. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(943 reviews)

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

Beautiful expansive beach
Abundant seal sightings
Well-maintained facilities

What People Dislike

Parking challenges
Windy and wavy conditions

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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

Absolutely! Biking is a popular and often easier way to access Coast Guard Beach, especially if you're staying nearby. Reddit

Yes, Coast Guard Beach offers accessible parking with a placard and has accessible paths leading to the beach. Beach wheelchairs are also available. Reddit

From Route 6, take the exit for Eastham. Follow signs for Coast Guard Beach. Be prepared for potential parking limitations. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram

The beach is generally accessible year-round. However, parking lot hours and lifeguard services are seasonal. Check the National Seashore website for specific times. Instagram

Parking fees are typically charged during the summer season. Accessing the beach by bike or walking may not incur these fees. Reddit

While the beach is accessible, parking lots may have restricted hours. For astrophotography, check specific National Seashore regulations regarding nighttime access. Reddit

Yes, Coast Guard Beach is open year-round, though amenities like lifeguards and restrooms are seasonal. It's a beautiful spot for winter walks. Instagram

🎫 🧭 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. InstagramReddit

Yes, restrooms are available at Coast Guard Beach, typically open during the main season. Reddit

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. Instagram

You can often spot seals, especially in winter. The salt marsh is also a haven for various bird species. Reddit

Absolutely! With its expansive coastline, dramatic waves, sunrises, and wildlife, it's a photographer's dream. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no restaurants directly on Coast Guard Beach. You'll find dining options in nearby Eastham or other Cape Cod towns. Instagram

Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the sand! Instagram

Chatham Pier Fish Market and other local eateries in nearby towns offer fresh seafood. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Sunrise and sunset offer stunning light for photography. The dramatic waves and coastal scenery are captivating year-round. Instagram

It's ideal for landscape, wildlife (seals, birds), and seascape photography. The vastness of the beach and the ocean provide endless opportunities. Instagram

Generally, photography is allowed, but be mindful of wildlife and other beachgoers. Drone usage may be restricted within the National Seashore. Instagram

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