A long ocean beach beneath some of the Outer Cape's tallest dunes, split between a 160-space town lot and an adjoining National Seashore lot with its own lifeguards and bathhouse. Shifting sandbars off the beach draw bodysurfers and waders, and seals often haul out on the bars at low tide.
What to expect
Parking
Free lot Free with sticker; daily stickers offered
Swimming
Allowed water tested by the state
Hours
Open access, no posted gate hours; NPS lifeguards on the National Seashore section late June-Labor Day, roughly 9am-5pm
Accessible
Wheelchair access noted
Lifeguard
NPS lifeguards on duty on the National Seashore section, late June through Labor Day, roughly 9am-5pm
Dogs
All animals prohibited 9am-6pm, 3rd Saturday in June through Labor Day, at all 11 town-owned beaches. Head of the Meadow is also one of 7 beaches with a leash-only rule (max 6 ft) April 1-Aug 31 due to nesting shorebirds; the town may…
Surf
Allowed boogie-board-friendly waves and sandbars year-round; best at mid to outgoing tide
Managed by
Truro Beach Department & NPS Cape Cod National Seashore
508-487-6983 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Free lot
CostFree with sticker; daily stickers offeredStickerTruro Beach Parking Sticker (in-season)
Town lot (Truro Beach Parking Sticker)
Access points along this beach
Accessible mat to the sand
Runs from the parking area to the beach for wheelchairs and strollers
Town lot entrance
160-space town lot, sticker required in season
NPS lot entrance
Adjacent NPS-operated lot with its own daily fee, separate from the town lot
What's here
Facilities
Restrooms
CCNS bathhouse (chemical toilets + changing room + outdoor rinse showers); Town lot handicap-accessible portable toilets
Common questions
Is Head of the Meadow in Truro 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.
Which lot should I use, and does the town sticker work at both?
There are two separate lots at the same beach: a 160-space town lot that takes the Truro Beach Parking Sticker (daily stickers available), and an adjacent NPS lot that charges its own daily/seasonal fee and does not accept the Truro town sticker.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
An accessible mat leads to the sand, and beach wheelchairs are available 10am-3:30pm daily in-season (3rd Sat June-Labor Day); call the Beach Office at 508-487-6983 ahead to arrange one.
Is there a bike route here?
Yes, the Head of the Meadow Bike Trail is a 2-mile paved path connecting the beach to a dirt lot on High Head Road, rated easy though occasionally bumpy.
Is there parking at Head of the Meadow, and what does it cost?
Free lot (Free with sticker; daily stickers offered). Town lot (Truro Beach Parking Sticker)
Are there restrooms at Head of the Meadow?
Public restrooms are listed near the beach. Seasonal hours are common, so they may be closed off-season.
What rules should I know at Head of the Meadow?
No alcohol or glass at any time; nudity prohibited; dune climbing prohibited (designated access routes only); overnight sleeping/camping prohibited.
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