Coast Guard Beach is a well-known and popular beach in Eastham, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod. It is part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, a protected area managed by the National Park Service.
Coast Guard Beach is situated on the eastern shore of Cape Cod, which extends into the Atlantic Ocean. It is within the town of Eastham, which is known for its natural beauty and pristine landscapes.
The beach is renowned for its scenic beauty and natural surroundings. The area features wide expanses of sandy shoreline, rolling sand dunes, and picturesque coastal vegetation. It is a prime example of Cape Cod’s breathtaking coastline.
Coast Guard Beach is easily accessible by car and has a parking lot for visitors. During the peak summer season, parking spaces can fill up quickly, so it’s advisable to arrive early or consider using the shuttle service provided by the Cape Cod National Seashore to access the beach.
The beach is part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, which spans 40 miles of Cape Cod’s coastline and includes various beaches, hiking trails, and natural landmarks. The National Seashore is dedicated to preserving the region’s natural beauty and providing recreational opportunities to visitors.
Coast Guard Beach is known for its strong currents and potentially dangerous surf conditions, especially during certain tidal cycles. As a result, it typically has lifeguards on duty during the summer months to ensure the safety of swimmers and beachgoers.
The beach offers facilities such as restrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic areas, making it a convenient and comfortable destination for families and visitors.
In addition to swimming and sunbathing, Coast Guard Beach is a great place for activities like beach combing, bird watching, campfires and taking long walks along the shoreline. The surrounding dunes and coastal habitats are also ideal for exploring and nature observation.
The Cape Cod National Seashore and Coast Guard Beach, in particular, are committed to preserving the natural ecosystems and wildlife of the area. Visitors are encouraged to follow park rules and guidelines to help protect the fragile coastal environment.
In 2018, Forbes listed the Cape Cod National Seashore, particularly Nauset Light Beach and Coast Guard Beach, as one of three reasons to love Cape Cod.
In 2021, Cape Cod Times named Coast Guard Beach the number one best beach on the Cape Cod National Seashore.
In 2022, Travel & Leisure Magazine named Cape Cod one of the 15 best beach getaways in the U.S. and mentioned Coast Guard Beach as a family-friendly beach.
In 2023, Coast Guard Beach was named one of the best beaches in America by both The Points Guy and Dr. Beach and was named one of the best beaches on Cape Cod by U.S. News Travel.
Overall, Coast Guard Beach in Eastham, Massachusetts, is a stunning and ecologically significant destination where visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of Cape Cod’s coastline while also appreciating the efforts made to protect and preserve this unique environment.
Sources:
“Best Cape Cod Beaches.” US News Travel, 22 June. 2023, travel.usnews.com/rankings/best-cape-cod-beaches/
“Travel + Leisure names Cape Cod as one of the 15 best weekend beach getaways in the United States.” Masslive.com, 8 March. 2022, masslive.com/capecod/2022/03/travel-leisure-names-cape-cod-as-one-of-the-15-best-weekend-beach-getaways-in-the-united-states.html
Kickham, Debbi. “Three Great Reasons to Love Cape Cod, Massachusetts.” Forbes, 8 Aug. 2018, forbes.com/sites/debbikickham/2018/08/08/three-great-reasons-to-love-cape-cod-massachusetts/?sh=c4ec1b32b86d
Williams, Eric. “Shore bets: Ranking the 6 Cape Cod National Seashore beaches 2021.” Cape Cod Times, 30 April 2022, capecodtimes.com/story/news/2021/05/20/ranking-6-cape-cod-national-seashore-beaches-2021/5189486001/
Zaino, Lori. “The best beaches in the U.S. for summer trips.” The Points Guy, 14 June. 2023, thepointsguy.com/guide/best-us-beaches-for-summer/
“2023 Top 10 Beaches.” Dr. Beach, drbeach.org/