10 Best Beaches in Orleans, Massachusetts on Cape Cod

10 Best Beaches in Orleans, Massachusetts on Cape Cod

There are a lot of great beaches on Cape Cod and two of the most iconic can be found in Orleans, Massachusetts. Nauset Beach and Skaket Beach are widely considered to be top beaches on the Cape. Orleans is a unique town because it borders the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Cod Bay. This allows the town to have wavy beaches with seals to calm beaches with massive tidal flats that offer miles of pristine beach. 

Along with the saltwater beaches, Orleans boosts some great freshwater beaches at a few of its ponds. Moreover, there are two beaches that offer OSV driving which is a very unique experience and allows beachgoers to reach pristine strips of seashore. Ultimately, there is a beach for everyone in Orleans whether you are looking to swim, surf, or just relax. 


1. Nauset Beach

Nauset Beach is perhaps the most iconic beach on Cape Cod. This epic beach can be found at the end of Beach Road in Orleans, Massachusetts. The beach is located along the Atlantic Ocean and boasts so many great features. Firstly, the beach offers a lot of amenities during the summer months. There are hundreds of parking spots, a half dozen food trucks, small cottage shops, restrooms, changing rooms, showers, and aid stations. On the beach, there are many lifeguard towers complete with the notorious shark flags because, yes, Nauset Beach is a shark haven. During the summer, shark sightings often peak.  

When it comes to the beach itself, the white sand stretches for literally miles in each direction. To the north is Challhan’s Pass and to the south is Nauset Outer Beach, both of which are mentioned further down on this list. Visitors can walk (or run) for literally hours in both directions. The water at the beach is often pretty wavy and ranges from small swells to huge surfing swells. During high tide, there is often a pretty big drop-off. That said, all ages can often enjoy the water to some degree. And if you don’t jump in, there is plenty else to do!

Amenities: Seasonal food trucks, lifeguards, bathrooms, picnic tables, changing rooms, showers, small shops, and aid station.

Parking: Parking is free for residents with beach passes. Parking for out-of-town visitors is $30 per day. Free are charged weekends starting Saturday, May, 25th, through June 9th, 2024 and daily starting Saturday, June 15th, through Sept. 2nd, 2024. Weekly stickers are $125 and season passes are $300. No fees are collected during the off-season.

 

2. Skaket Beach

While Nauset Beach is known as the primary Atlantic Ocean Beach of Orleans, Skaket is known as the main Bayside Beach. Cape Cod Bay is incredibly beautiful and Skaket Beach is one of the best spots to enjoy it. The beach features some of the largest tidal flats in North America which it shares with the neighboring town of Brewster. At low tide, the tidal flats stretch out nearly a mile into the bay and this means everyone has plenty of space to enjoy the beach. The flats are great for playing bocce on, throwing a frisbee, and building sandcastles.  

Skaket Beach can be found at the end of Skaket Beach Road. There are about 120 parking spots available to beachgoers and these fill up very quickly during the summer. It is best to arrive around 8 am to get a spot. At the beach, there are bathrooms, changing rooms, and a snack shack that offers traditional beach food and ice cream too. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. 

Amenities: Seasonal bathrooms, changing rooms, lifeguards, and snack shack

Parking: Skaket Beach features 120 parking spots at its lot at the end of Skaket Beach Road. Parking is free for residents with beach passes. Parking for out-of-town visitors is $30 per day. Free are charged weekends starting Saturday, May, 25th, through June 9th, 2024 and daily starting Saturday, June 15th, through Sept. 2nd, 2024. Weekly stickers are $125 and season passes are $300. No fees are collected during the off-season.


3. Rock Harbor Beach 

Rock Harbor is a beloved spot in Orleans, Massachusetts. The area boasts an active fishing harbor home to recreational and commercial fishing vessels. Young's Fish Market can be found at the harbor too and it offers fresh lobster, fish, and shellfish along with lobster rolls. It’s a no-thrills place that provides great products at fair prices. 

Rock Harbor does have a great beach that appears when the tide goes out. At high tide, the area just has a small beach with marshland, but at low tide, things change completely. When the tide is low, the beach stretches out into Cape Cod Bay for over half a mile. There are no real beach amenities offered, but this is a lowkey beach worth checking out. It does offer free parking!

Amenities: Nearby working harbor and seasonal fish market

Parking: The Rock Harbor parking lot can be found at the end of Rock Harbor Road. There are well over 100 parking spots available and parking is free. Parking during the summer can be tricky because of the demand. This is a popular place for beachgoers and fishermen alike.


4. Nauset Outer Beach

Nauset Outer Beach is one of the few beaches on Cape Cod that allows beach driving. Beachgoers can apply for a Nauset Beach OSV Pass to drive miles through the dunes to enjoy the remote stretch of coastline. To get an OSV Pass, beachgoers must comply with a list of rules and regulations. A fee must be paid as well. Passes are all issued annually and no day/week passes are available. Residents of Chatham and Orleans get priority passes.

Nauset Outer Beach is the southern section of Nauset Beach. The beach stretches for miles and there is space for hundreds of cars and campers to park. There are no amenities on this beach so visitors must be safe and not leave any trash behind. The water is often pretty wavy and this is a popular spot for seeing seals and sharks.

Amenities: Air station for tires and trash bin at the OSV entryway 

Parking: Ample parking is available right on the beach, however, it does fill up quickly on nice summer days. Parking and driving are restricted for a few weeks each summer when piping plovers are nesting.



5. Sipson Island

Sipson Island is a pristine oasis located in Pleasant Bay. It is a 25-acre island that was privately owned for centuries. In 2018, the island was offered for sale. Instead of allowing it to remain in private hands, people from Cape Cod and beyond took action. An unprecedented private fundraising campaign resulted in the Sipson Island Trust being formed and the island being purchased by the trust. The island is now conservation land and open to the public.

To reach Sipson Island, you must use a private boat or a rental watercraft. It is best to access this island by landing on the beaches on the protected eastern shore. The island is surrounded by critical marine habitat so only boats 22 feet and under may land on the island. A dock at the north end of the island is for drop-offs and pickups. Once you are on the island, enjoy the pristine beaches by swimming, relaxing, and picnicking. Also, consider exploring the trail system on the island which is constantly expanding and becoming more informational.

Amenities: None (carry out whatever you bring!)

Parking: Ample parking for boats and paddle watercraft. Park boats on the eastern side and be sure they are less than 22 feet long. There is no fee for visiting the island, but consider donating to the Sipson Island Trust if you want to help protect this incredible place. 


6. Crystal Lake Beach

Crystal Lake is a gorgeous 38-acre freshwater lake in Orleans, Massachusetts. The lake is known for its clear, warm water and public beach at its southern end. The public beach is not very large, but it is just large enough to handle the amount of parking available. Sand is soft at the beach and provides easy access into the water. Crystal Lake is popular among beachgoers and people looking to fish, paddle, and picnic. 

Amenities: Portable bathroom

Parking: There is a lot right at Crystal Lake Beach along Monument Road. The lot can hold about 8 cars and it is often full during summer days. Parking is free.


7. Kent’s Point Beach

Kent’s Point is just a short distance from Crystal Lake. Kent’s Point is a 28-acre conservation area that is known as being one of the best places to hike and walk in town. It is super dog-friendly too! The area was acquired in 1988 and has become a beloved spot by locals. Visitors can enjoy views of Frost Fish Cove, The River, and Lonnie’s Pond. There is a small stretch of sandy coastline at Kent’s Point that some beachgoers enjoy.

Kent's Point Beach faces out towards Pleasant Bay and there are often sailboats and motorboats cruising around during the summer. For swimming, the water is often clear and calm. It is a great place to take a quick dip or spend a day. To reach the beach, a half-mile walk is required. This is likely a beach you just want to bring a towel too due to the walk.

Amenities: None

Parking: Visitors of Kent’s Point can park at the lot at the end of Keziahs Lane. There are about two dozen parking spots there. Parking is free. To reach the beach, a half-mile walk is required. 


8. South Orleans Beach

South Orleans Beach is a lowkey beach located on the shores of Pleasant Bay. The beach can be found right on the side of Orleans-Chatham Road (also known as Route 28) and beachgoers can park right along the busy road in designated areas. The beach itself is pretty small, but it is big enough to accommodate the number of parking spots available. While the beach is about a half-mile long, only a few hundred feet are public. 

Beachgoers can relax on the shore, go for walks, and swim. The water is calm, clear, and warm during the summer months. There are boats on moorings right off this beach and they can be fun to swim around. Some swimmers also enjoy bringing floats to enjoy the calm water. No lifeguards, restrooms, or any other amenities are provided. 

Amenities: None

Parking: Visitors can park along Orleans-Chatham Road (also known as Route 28) in dedicated parking areas. 


9. Challahan’s Pass

Nauset Beach is home to three main sections. Nauset Beach, Nauset Outer Beach, and Challahan’s Pass. Challahan’s Pass can be found at the northern section of the beach. This beach is accessible by walking up from Nauset Beach or by driving. Challahan’s Pass driving is open only to Orleans residents with proper OSV passes. 

Amenities: Limited lifeguard coverage

Parking: Ample parking is available at Challahan’s Pass right on the beach. The parking area can be reached by driving down Challahan’s Pass and onto Nauset Beach. Parking is limited to Orleans residents with OSV passes. The beach parking is prohibited during the summer months when the piping plovers are nesting. 


10. Pilgrim Lake Beach 

Pilgrim Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Orleans. It spans 45 acres and features warm, clear, and walk water during the summer. There is a public beach area located along the northern shore of the lake. This public recreation area has benches, picnic tables, and a roped-off swimming area. Pilgrim Lake Beach is a great spot to cool off during the hot summer months. It is also a popular spot for launching kayaks, fishing, and admiring wildlife. 

Amenities: Seasonal lifeguards, picnic tables, benches, and portable restrooms

Parking: There is a good-sized parking spot right at the beach that can hold about 40 cars. 


Conclusion:

I hope you enjoyed this post about the 10 best beaches in Orleans, Massachusetts on Cape Cod. Orleans is definitely one of my favorite towns on Cape Cod and the beaches there are world-class. Be sure to check out all the spots listed above and let me know which are your favorites! Low tide at Skaket Beach is truly otherworldly, while a shark sighting at Nauset Beach can be an unforgettable experience as well. Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with any of these beaches.

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