Nauset Light Beach is a popular beach in Eastham, Massachusetts on Cape Cod. It is renowned for its natural beauty, picturesque landscapes, and historical significance.
Nauset Light Beach is situated on the eastern coast of Cape Cod, facing the Atlantic Ocean. It is part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, a protected area known for its pristine beaches, sand dunes, and diverse ecosystems.
The beach features an expansive shoreline, wide sandy stretches, and picturesque dunes covered in beach grass. Visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean, particularly at sunrise and sunset. The beach is an ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming, and simply enjoying the natural beauty of Cape Cod.
Nauset Light Beach is home to the iconic Nauset Beach Lighthouse, which is also known as the Nauset Light. This iconic red and white lighthouse is perched on a bluff overlooking the beach and has played a significant role in maritime navigation for over a century. It is a popular subject for photographers and a symbol of Cape Cod.
While at Nauset Light Beach, visitors can engage in various activities:
Swimming: The beach offers relatively calm waters, making it suitable for swimming, although conditions can change with the tides and currents.
Surfing: The Atlantic Ocean at this location can provide excellent surfing conditions, attracting surfers of all skill levels.
Sunbathing and Picnicking: Many visitors come to relax on the beach, lay out in the sun, and have picnics in the designated areas.
Beachcombing: The shore is known for its interesting seashells, beach stones, and driftwood, making it a great place for beachcombers.
Bonfires: Nauset Beach is one of only a handful of beaches in Massachusetts that allows bonfires. A permit is required and only a limited number of permits are issued each day.
Cape Cod National Seashore, including Nauset Light Beach, is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Birdwatchers can spot various species of shorebirds and seabirds. Seals are often seen in the waters off the coast, especially during certain times of the year.
Nauset Light Beach offers amenities such as restrooms, outdoor showers, a bathhouse, lifeguards and a small on-site parking lot.
The Salt Pond Visitor Center, located nearby, serves as a gateway to the Cape Cod National Seashore and provides information about the park’s history, ecology, and activities.
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, Nauset Light Beach was named one of the best beaches 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 Nauset Light Beach as a great surfing spot.
In 2023, Nauset Light Beach was named one of the best beaches on Cape Cod by U.S. News Travel.
Nauset Light Beach is a beloved destination for both locals and tourists seeking a tranquil and scenic coastal experience. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor recreation, or simply relaxing by the ocean, this beach offers something for everyone in a beautiful natural setting.
Address: Ocean View Drive in Eastham, Mass
Website: www.nps.gov/caco/planyourvisit/nauset-light-beach.htm
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 2023, capecodtimes.com/story/news/2021/05/20/ranking-6-cape-cod-national-seashore-beaches-2021/5189486001/