Best Beaches on Cape Cod

Blue-and-white logo with a flying bird silhouette in front of a striped semicircle

Best Beaches on Cape Cod

Beaches close to The Tern Inn are primarily along the coast of the Lower Cape. Most of the beaches are along Nantucket Sound. The waters of the sound are relatively warm, around 72°F, which makes swimming and simply playing in the water pleasant activities. Our beaches are also characterized by clean white sands and, in some cases, an abundance of seashells.


A number of these beaches are just a short walk from the Tern Inn, which can save you the hassle and expense of parking. For more information about our local beaches, give us a call. We'll be happy to answer your questions.

Smiling woman in a straw hat and sunglasses sitting on a sandy beach by the water

Red River Beach

Location: Uncle Venie's Road, Harwich, MA

Distance: 3.8 miles


Red River Beach in Harwich, MA is a great location for a family outing. Located along Nantucket Sound, it's Harwich's biggest oceanfront area. The water is typically warm and calm, the sand is clean, and plenty of shells are available for collecting.


Red River Beach also has a kayak and canoe launch. Lifeguards are on duty during the day. Restrooms are on-site. You can typically park very close to the beach. Note that, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, you'll have to pay a $15/day fee.

Person floating face-down in calm water, eyes closed, with sunlight reflecting on the surface.

Bank Street Beach

Location: Bank Street, Harwich, MA

Distance: 2.4 miles


Bank Street Beach is an excellent beach for enjoying the warm waters of Nantucket Sound. The sand is sugar white, and there is an endless supply of seashells. It's also a great place to fly kites, sunbathe, or try your hand at surf casting.


Parking is available, as are bathroom facilities. Lifeguards are on duty. Typically, a food truck will stop by the beach. Bank Street Beach extends from the Wychmere Harbor entrance to the east to the Allen Harbor entrance to the west.

Sunglasses resting in sand on a sunny beach with the ocean in the background

Earle Road Beach

Location: Belmont Road, Harwich, MA

Distance: 1.0 miles


Earle Road Beach is a medium-sized beach along Nantucket Sound. This beach is close enough to our inn that you can simply walk down to it and avoid parking fees.


Earle Road Beach has clean sand and small waves. It's perfect for swimming or skimboarding. Restrooms are available. A lifeguard is on duty. You can also try your luck at fishing.

White and gray seagull standing on a beach with a blurred sandy background

Belmont Road Beach

Location: Belmont Road, Harwich, MA

Distance: 1.2 miles


Belmont Road Beach is a half-acre beach on the border between Harwich and Dennis, although it is owned by the town of Harwich.


Waters are typically calm. Crowds are small. Belmont Road Beach is perfect for swimming or walking along the shore. 

Person and dog standing on a paddleboard on calm water at sunset

Sand Pond

Location: Harwich, MA

Distance: 2.9 miles


Sand Pond Beach is a small, sandy beach on Sand Pond. This is actually a popular location and can be quite crowded at times. However, the area roped off for swimming has plenty of room. A lifeguard is on duty. Paring is plentiful, but you will need a daily/weekly parking sticker.


One nice thing about this location is its feeling of solitude. When you look across the way, you're viewing a pristine undeveloped shoreline. Note that, besides swimming, you can also drop in a canoe or kayak and just paddle or fish to your heart's content.