Coast Guard Road Beach
A stunning Atlantic-facing beach on Cape Cod, renowned for its vast dunes, seal sightings, and powerful ocean waves.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light for photos
Coast Guard Road Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning Atlantic-facing beach on Cape Cod, renowned for its vast dunes, seal sightings, and powerful ocean waves.
"This is by far my absolute favorite beach on the Cape! Beautiful beach that stretches on forever it seems!"
⚠️ Heed Shark Warnings
See seals? Get out of the water! Download Sharktivity app for real-time alerts.
🚫 No Dogs in Summer
Dogs are prohibited during nesting season. Check local rules before you go!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Seal Watching
Offshore
Witness grey seals basking and swimming just off the shore – a thrilling sight for all ages!
Vast Sandy Expanse
Entire Beach
Miles of pristine sand perfect for long walks, beachcombing, and soaking up the Atlantic sun.
Dune Views
Beachfront Dunes
Climb the dunes for breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean and coastline.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Shark Safety is Paramount
Seasonal Access & Dog Restrictions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⚠️ Heed Shark Warnings
See seals? Get out of the water! Download Sharktivity app for real-time alerts.
🚫 No Dogs in Summer
Dogs are prohibited during nesting season. Check local rules before you go!
🚗 Parking Access
Eastham resident stickers may not be checked after 5 PM, but lots can fill up.
🌊 Strong Currents
Be cautious swimming; strong currents and rogue waves are common.
Tips
from all over the internet
⚠️ Heed Shark Warnings
See seals? Get out of the water! Download Sharktivity app for real-time alerts.
🚫 No Dogs in Summer
Dogs are prohibited during nesting season. Check local rules before you go!
🚗 Parking Access
Eastham resident stickers may not be checked after 5 PM, but lots can fill up.
🌊 Strong Currents
Be cautious swimming; strong currents and rogue waves are common.
📸 Astro Photography
Great spot for night sky photos, parking lot accessible late.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Coast Guard Beach for its pristine beauty and expansive sandy shores, calling it a top beach in the USA. The opportunity to see seals offshore is a major highlight. However, many caution strongly about the powerful ocean currents, riptides, and the significant risk of shark encounters, emphasizing that swimming is at one's own risk and nearest medical help is far away.
"A top 10 beach in the USA......prestine. great walking north toward Nauset Lighthouse or south to the Nauset Marsh"
michael barnes
"This is by far my absolute favorite beach on the Cape! Beautiful beach that stretches on forever it seems! Gorgeous view especially from up on the dunes!
Wicked awesome beach to surf!!
But not for inexperienced surfers or swimmers!! Be very very careful while in the water! This is one of many remote beaches on our coast, you enter the water at ur own risk!! Nearest hospital is almost a hour away!! There are NO lifeguards, has some of the strongest currents, riptides & rogue waves, but most importantly SHARKS!🦈
Big mother f'ahs too!! Just cruising up an down Cape Cod hunting seal! Remember to alwsys FEAR THE FIN AND BE SHARK SMART!! SEE SEALS GET OUTTA THE WATER OR KEEP VERY CLOSE TO SHORE!! ALSO, DOWNLOAD THE SHARKTIVITY APP TO GET NOTIFIED WHEN & WHERE TAGGED SHARKS ARE IN REAL TIME!!❤️🦈"
Brandi Daugherty
"Beautiful well maintained beach that stretches on as far as you can see. We usually camp near here in August because we thought it was a dog friendly beach but this year we came in July and found out the are some rare nesting birds on the beach and dogs ate strictly not allowed so plan accordingly. During the summer months you will almost always see seals swimming just off the shore line which is a very nice treat for kids."
Damion Marino
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Coast Guard Beach is located in Truro, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod. Access is typically via Route 6. Parking can be limited, especially during peak season. Some areas may require a permit for vehicle access. +1
Yes, there is a parking lot, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during summer. Consider arriving early or during off-peak hours.
Access for driving onto the beach may be restricted and often requires a permit, particularly for non-residents. Check with local authorities for current regulations.
Public transportation options directly to Coast Guard Beach are limited. It's generally recommended to have a car for easier access to beaches on Cape Cod.
Information on specific accessibility features can vary. It's advisable to check the National Seashore website or contact local park services for the most up-to-date accessibility details.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is typically no admission fee to enter Coast Guard Beach itself, but parking fees may apply. Some areas might have permit requirements for driving on the beach.
The beach is generally accessible during daylight hours. Parking lots may have specific opening and closing times, and are often accessible for astro photography late into the night.
Yes, during summer months, dogs are not allowed due to nesting birds. Also, vehicle access to certain parts of the beach may be restricted to permit holders.
Yes, the beach and its parking lots are generally accessible at night, making it a popular spot for stargazing and astro photography.
Yes, Coast Guard Beach is part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, managed by the National Park Service.
🎫 🌊 Onsite Experience
No, there are typically no lifeguards on duty at Coast Guard Beach. Visitors are advised to exercise extreme caution when entering the water.
You can enjoy swimming (with caution), sunbathing, long walks, beachcombing, surfing, and wildlife viewing, especially seals. It's also great for astro photography.
Yes, Coast Guard Beach is known as a great spot for surfing, but it's recommended for experienced surfers due to strong currents and waves.
Absolutely! Seals are frequently spotted swimming just offshore, making it a fantastic location for wildlife observation.
The water can be quite cold and is known for strong currents, riptides, and occasional rogue waves. Always be aware of the ocean's power.
📸 📸 Photography
The dunes offer stunning panoramic views, and the shoreline provides opportunities to capture seals and the vast ocean. Nighttime offers excellent conditions for astro photography.
Yes, Coast Guard Beach is an excellent location for astrophotography due to its relatively dark skies and accessibility at night.
You can photograph grey seals, various seabirds, and potentially other marine life. Remember to maintain a safe distance from wildlife.
General photography is allowed. However, be mindful of any wildlife nesting areas and avoid disturbing the natural environment. Drone usage may be restricted.
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful golden hour light. Midday can be harsh, but the expansive dunes and ocean views are always photogenic. Nighttime is ideal for stars.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏄♀️ Surfers and Ocean Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers and Stargazers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Shark Safety
The powerful Atlantic currents and occasional rogue waves add another layer of caution for swimmers. Experienced surfers may find the conditions exhilarating, but beginners should exercise extreme prudence or opt for calmer waters.
Understanding Beach Access and Restrictions
The parking lot is known to fill up quickly, especially on pleasant days and weekends. Redditors have noted that Eastham resident stickers might not be checked after 5 PM, but this doesn't guarantee a spot.
The Appeal of Coast Guard Beach for Photography
Wildlife photographers will be thrilled by the frequent sightings of grey seals just offshore.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit