One of the most photographed beaches in New England, backed by dunes and the mouth of Nauset Marsh, with the Fort Hill bluffs visible to the south. Summer visitors reach the sand by shuttle rather than by driving straight to a lot, so plan on a short ride in during the season.
What to expect
Parking
Paid lot $25/day/vehicle (NPS, card only); $60 CCNS season pass
Swimming
Allowed water tested by the state
Hours
Beach open dawn-dusk; shuttle runs 9am-5pm in season
Accessible
Wheelchair access noted
Lifeguard
On duty late June-Labor Day
Dogs
Leashed dogs (6 ft max) allowed on the beach north of the main access point, outside the lifeguard-protected area; not permitted on lifeguard-protected beach in summer or through posted shorebird-nesting closures; dogs are not allowed on…
Surf
Allowed year-round, popular Atlantic-side break
Birdwatching
Allowed year-round
Managed by
Cape Cod National Seashore
508-255-3421 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Access points along this beach
Little Creek shuttle staging lot
main summer access; shuttle to the beach
Nauset Bike Trail beach access
paved bike-trail spur running ~1 mi from the Salt Pond Visitor Center directly to the beach
What's here
Facilities
Restrooms
Little Creek staging area / beach access
Common questions
Is Coast Guard in Eastham open today?
Open, no advisory on record in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-07-16). MA DPH is the authority. Check the status the morning you go.
Where do I park if the lot is full?
In summer there is no direct beach parking for the general public. Park at the Little Creek lot on Nauset Rd ($25/day) and take the free shuttle, which runs about every 10 minutes from 9am to 5pm. The tiny on-beach lot is reserved for Eastham residents with a sticker and handicap-placard holders.
Can I bring my dog, and when?
Leashed dogs on a 6-foot lead are allowed on the stretch north of the main access, outside the lifeguard-protected area. They're barred from the lifeguard-protected swim area in summer, from the shuttle, and from any posted shorebird-nesting closure.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
A gradually sloping ramp leads to the sand, and free beach wheelchairs are available first-come, first-served at the beach access point; a water bottle-filling station and outdoor rinse stations are nearby.
Are there restrooms at Coast Guard?
Public restrooms are listed near the beach. Seasonal hours are common, so they may be closed off-season.
What rules should I know at Coast Guard?
Popular surf break with a real undertow at times; swim near a lifeguard. Dogs not on shuttle; posted shorebird-nesting closures bar pets and sometimes pedestrians in specific areas spring-early summer.
Been here? Help keep it current.
Prices, hours, and facilities change. A quick note keeps the next visitor from guessing.