Sandy superstars: What is the best Cape Cod National Seashore beach in 2024?

There are six fabulous Cape Cod National Seashore beaches, but which one is the best? Only a fool would take on the task of ranking these superb strands, but luckily, here I am!

First off, I would expect and encourage wild disagreement with this list. Beach preference is a deeply personal thing, and the only source of my so-called expertise is my tendency to goof off and drive around the Outer Cape. But I have visited these beaches dozens of times over the years.

Before we get started, here's a reminder that the Seashore offers a $60 annual entrance pass that permits vehicle access to all six Seashore beaches during the 2024 fee season. That way, you can make your own list! There are also America the Beautiful passes available, including a $20 annual senior pass that can be used to get into Seashore beaches.

Here we go with our 2024 Cape Cod National Seashore beach rankings:

6. Head of the Meadow Beach, end of Head of the Meadow Road, Truro (285 parking spaces)

There's a lot to love about Head of the Meadow Beach in Truro, an Atlantic-facing beach located in a wild and beautiful part of the Cape. However, according to the Seashore, the beach often has "large populations of seals nearby." I have seen tons of seals cruising close to the beach and pulled out onto sandbars a bit north of the parking lot. All that highly mobile blubber can be a bit unnerving, and makes me wonder if sharks sense a buffet in the area.

5. Nauset Light Beach, end of Cable Road, Eastham (87 parking spaces)

It's hard to complain about Nauset Light Beach, a lovely Atlantic-facing strand located across the street from a historic lighthouse. But the parking is limited, and according to the Seashore, "the lot typically fills by 10 a.m. during the summer months." Drop-off and pickup of passengers and their stuff at the beach is also prohibited. There's also an approximately 600 foot-long sloped access path, which could be a challenge for little kids and those with mobility challenges.

4. Race Point Peach, end of Race Point Road, Provincetown (360 parking spaces)

Race Point Beach in Provincetown has delivered some of my biggest offseason thrills. On several occasions, I have seen amazing whale shows from the beach, where the amazing leviathans were feeding within easy eyeshot. I also love the iconic eye candy of the nearby Old Harbor Life-Saving Station and the fact that the beach is connected by a spur off the epic Province Lands Bike Trail.

3. Coast Guard Beach, parking at Little Creek area off Doane Road (368 parking spaces)

Coast Guard Beach in Eastham is a classic slice of seashore, with a perfect curve and a sweet old Coast Guard station. The relatively short walk along the beach down to the Nauset Marsh inlet is one of my favorites. The only thing I'm not too fond of is the satellite parking situation. You have to park in the Little Creek Lot, about .7 of a mile from the beach, then hop aboard a shuttle for the final leg. This can be a tad inconvenient if you happen to forget something in your car.

2. Marconi Beach, end of Marconi Beach Road, Wellfleet (530 parking spaces)

I love the cinematic approach to Marconi Beach in Wellfleet. Anticipation builds as you roll more than a mile down the access road. And it's worth the drive: Marconi delivers big Atlantic-facing beach fun and a spectacular setting with a big parking lot that rarely fills up, even on the busiest summer day. You can walk two miles along the beach in either direction before coming to another access point on the backshore, a thrilling and unspoiled trek.

1. Herring Cove Beach, Province Lands Road, Provincetown, (578 parking spaces)

Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown takes the top spot in our list because it's the easiest Seashore beach to access. You don't have to climb down a staircase, take a shuttle or walk far from your car. The surf is gentler than other Seashore beaches, making it a better spot for younger kids. The sunsets are spectacular, and the beach hitches up to the Province Lands Bike Trail. The cherry on the sundae is the awesome snack bar — they even serve beer and wine!

Eric Williams, when not solving Curious Cape Cod mysteries, writes about a variety of ways to enjoy the Cape, the weather, wildlife and other subjects. Contact him at ewilliams@capecodonline.com. Follow him on X: @capecast.

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Cape Cod National Seashore beaches: Which one is best in 2024?