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In the Outer Cape Cod town of Wellfleet, beaches stretch for miles along the Atlantic Ocean coast and dot the picturesque shores of Cape Cod Bay.
Marconi Beach - Wellfleet, MA
The Ocean-side beaches in Wellfleet feature towering dunes, golden sand and active surf.
On the Bay side, miles of woodlands, marshlands and inlets lead to calm, warm-water beaches that are perfect for shell hunters, nature lovers and families with small children.
Amenities: Lifeguards, restrooms, shower facilities, food concessions (on-site or mobile), and other amenities available in season only, during normal beach hours.
Parking Fees: Parking fee/sticker requirements vary, depending on whether the beach is town-owned or managed by the Cape Cod National Seashore.
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This icon indicates that the beach is accessible to people with disabilities via a boardwalk, ramp, Mobi-Mat, or beach wheelchair. |
History was made here on the Atlantic Ocean shoreline in 1903, when Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi completed the first trans-Atlantic wireless transmission between the United States and England.
Today, the high dunes and the long stretch of sand known as "Marconi Beach" is part of the Cape Cod National Seashore Park.
When you've had your fill of swimming, surfing or fishing at Marconi Beach, be sure to visit the nearby Marconi site. From the observation platform, you can see the entire width of the Outer Cape - all the way from the Atlantic Ocean to Cape Cod Bay. It's amazing!
Cahoon Hollow is a big, breezy, active beach that's very popular with young adults - thanks in large measure to "The Beachcomber", the rockin' bar and restaurant that sits atop the huge dune overlooking Cahoon Hollow.
The view from the parking area is breathtaking ... as is the climb down (and back up) the steep incline of shifting sand that serves as the pathway to and from the beach. It's a pretty physical climb and might be a bit too much for very young children.
White Crest is a long, wide, gorgeous stretch of surf-lovers beach, just a few miles south of Cahoon Hollow.
Like Cahoon Hollow and a number of other Wellfleet beaches, White Crest also sits at the base of enormous dunes, and there's no staircase. So be prepared to lug yourself and your belongings up and down the rather steep sandy path.
White Crest is one of the premier surfing venues in Wellfleet, and it's the only town-owned beach where hang gliding is allowed.
Important: Hang gliding hours are strictly regulated and enforced. Regulations can be obtained at the beach sticker booth at Town Pier.
LeCount Hollow (also known as Maguire's Landing) gets my vote for the most beautiful of all Wellfleet beaches.
My favorite time to visit LeCount Hollow is during the fall, after the boogie-boarders and beach volleyballers have migrated south to warmer locales.
As lovely as this beach is in summer, it's even better in the off-season, when the only ones you'll share it with might be a few seals here and there on the long, wide, deserted swath of sand. Heaven!
Newcomb Hollow is the northernmost of all Wellfleet beaches. It's a large expanse of soft, white sand backed by a very steep dune.
The surf at Newcomb Hollow is suprisingly gentle, compared with other Atlantic Ocean beaches. That's a big plus for more tentative or inexperienced swimmers.
During the day, Newcomb Hollow is popular with families. At night, it's a hotspot for surf fishermen. Just be prepared to haul your beach stuff or fishing gear down - and back up - the side of the dune. That's the access to the beach, and there aren't any stairs.
Most Wellfleet beaches on the Bay side of town are within the sheltered confines of Wellfleet Harbor. Not Duck Harbor. Duck Harbor faces right out onto Cape Cod Bay. Ahhhh, the view!
This remote Wellfleet beach is a nice place to spend the day with family or friends, or bring your sweetheart for a romantic sunset getaway.
These scenic bayside beaches have warm, relatively shallow water and pretty views of the Harbor.
They're also the only town-owned Wellfleet beaches where windsurfing/sailboarding is allowed.
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Mayo Beach |
Lots of folks love Mayo Beach for its location, adjacent to the Harbor and just a short walk from the shops, galleries and restaurants of "downtown" Wellfleet.
Mayo is on the Bay, so the water is warmer and much more calm than at the oceanside Wellfleet beaches.
When it's not a perfect beach day, or if the kids are looking for more activity than Mayo provides, there's Baker's Field just across the street. That's where you'll find a nice playground with slides, tunnels and lots of stuff for the young ones to climb on, plus a newly renovated skateboard park, recreation fields and public tennis courts.
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