BEACHES Beach locations can be seen on the Pilot House homepage.  This is just a few of the hundreds of beaches in our area.  They are major beaches and are often used as reference points when discussing Cape Cod.

Head of the Meadow Beach

Head of the Meadow Beach in Truro is one of my favorites.  There is a Town beach here which is open to the public for a fee and to the left a National Seashore Beach.  The cliffs here in Truro are very high and are continually washed into the sea.  Offshore sand bars provide structure and the solitude makes it a perfect beach for doing some surfcasting.  It is worth the trip.  To get here take a right off of RT.6 on Head of the Meadow Rd.

Herring Cove Beach

Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown is one of the most popular for a variety of reasons.  The beach actually faces the Southwest so it has spectacular sunsets and the water is warmer than nearby Race Point Beach.  The Beach is managed by the National Seashore and has a concession stand and restroom facilities.  There is a fee.  Walk to the left and you will find yourself in a world of alternate lifestyles, stay to the right for a more traditional experience.  The fishing here is excellent but it is so crowded that night time/off hours and/or off season is the way to go here. To get to Herring Cove Beach just follow RT.6 to the end.

Race Point Beach

Race Point Beach sits at the tip of the Cape.  Here strong tidal currents have created the beach itself but also a steep drop off just offshore.  This creates a great fishing opportunity. The water is colder here as you are facing the ocean.   The Beach is part of the National Seashore.  Facilities include restrooms and showers as well as lifeguards in season.  You can purchase an Over Sand Vehicle Permit for use between April 10, and Nov. 15^th.  If you love to surf cast this is a great way to do it.  As with many beaches on the Cape, avoid the crowds by planning your fishing around them.  Take a right off RT. 6 on to Race Point Rd.

Cahoon Hollow Beach

It is a steep trek down to Cahoon Hollow Beach in Wellfleet often encouraging some to go elsewhere.  This leaves the beach primarily to the younger generation.  The “Beachcomber” Bar & Restaurant also adds to the attraction for many.  This is still a beautiful ocean beach.  There is a fee to park and the parking lot is not paved so be aware! 

Marconi Beach

Marconi beach in South Wellfleet was named after the inventor Marconi who first sent a wireless transmission from here to England in 1903.  Marconi Beach has a beautiful view and is a classic “Backside” beach.  Take Marconi Beach Rd. off of RT. 6 in South Wellfleet.

Nauset Beach

Nauset Beach has the largest parking lot and easiest access of all “Backside” beaches.  There are restrooms, lifeguards, and a “Snack Shack” that serves up all kinds of summer food (try the onion rings).  There are various access points through the dunes from the parking lot.  If I’m fishing I like to park near the entrance and walk to the left (North) and look for a place to fish or just keep walking with your favorite plug at the ready.  If you walk far enough you will end up at Nauset Inlet, one of my favorite places.  The strong currents and ever changing shoreline are of endless interest.  This is prime fishing grounds as Bass & Blues wait for bait washing out of the inlet and enter Nauset Harbor on the flood tide to invade their sanctuary.  The real fun starts at night when Surf Casters set-up and fish live eels or cast plugs looking for that “cow”.  Follow Main Street through East Orleans and to the end of Beach Rd.

If you have an Oversand Vehicle Permit you can drive south along Nauset Beach for miles.  The Rules & Regulations are beyond the scope of this review but go to http://www.town.orleans.ma.us/ for details. 

Skaket Beach

This bayside beach in Orleans is very popular.  At high tide you can catch a nice swim along its sandy bottomed beach and at low tide you can walk the flats for miles.  The water is warmer and it has all of the facilities you need including a snack stand (in season).  There is a parking fee.  Off season and at night this can become an inviting fishing venue as Bass & Blues invade the flats in search of food.  Do not be fooled, as many have, and venture to far away from shore as when the tide floods it can return faster than you can walk in waders.  Many fishermen have lost their lives stepping off a sand bar into waters that are too deep and getting deeper as they tried to make their way back to shore.  Take Skaket Rd. from RT. 6A in Orleans.

Nauset Light Beach

Nauset Light Beach features a steep cliff and long stairway down to the beach.  The views here are spectacular.  The light house was in jeopardy of being washed away and has been moved 300’ back from the edge.  I wonder how long before it is time to move again?  I love to go here during a Nor’easter, you can watch it all happening.  There are restrooms and showers and a fee to park at this National Seashore Beach.  Take Nauset and Cable Roads in North Eastham.

Coast Guard Beach

Coast Guard Beach is one of my favorites, especially offseason.  The old Coast Guard Station sits ever vigilant looking out to sea.  The parking is limited and during summer season beachgoers are shuttled to the beach from the Little Creek Parking Area.  Walk to the right (South) and you will find yourself at the north side of Nauset Inlet.  This is good fishing area although the seals, which are appealing to many, can be quite infuriating to fishermen.  This beach has restroom and shower facilities in season and is handicapped assessable. Get off RT. 6 at the National Seashore Visitor Center and keep going on Nauset and Doane Roads and there you are.

First Encounter Beach

Named after the first encounter between Native Americans and Pilgrims, First Encounter Beach is a typical bay beach, great for kids, easy surf and lots of parking. This is a town beach and there is a fee as well as restrooms and lifeguard in season.  At night about an hour and a half before high tide drive past the parking lot straight down to the dead end from here walk to the mouth of the Herring River and fish!  Take Samoset Rd. off RT.6 to the end.

Sunken Meadow Beach