Nauset Beach

Running along the Atlantic east coast of Cape Cod, between Coast Guard Beach and Chatham Harbor for around 10 miles, Nauset Beach is the longest on the cape. This beautifully pristine stretch of fine, near-white sand is backed by low grassy dunes for much of its length giving it a wild feel.

Much of the year this part of the coast is pretty quiet. You can often go for long bracing walks along the shoreline and barely see another soul. Whilst you may not see many people at Nauset outside the summer season you’ll probably see plenty of seals. There is no shortage of seals anywhere on Cape Cod but Nauset is a particular hotspot.

The downside of there being so many seals around is they attract a bigger predator, namely great white sharks. There have been shark attacks on this coast and great whites are regularly spotted off Nauset Beach.

It is said that Nauset Beach has the biggest and most powerful waves along the Cape Cod coast. This makes it something of a magnet for local surfers who apparently aren’t afraid of sharks! Given the size of the beach there is plenty of room for everyone, but would you want to surf alone here.

Even if you don’t fancy grabbing a board and hanging ten the summer waves can be fun. With lifeguards patrolling much of Nauset Beach you should be safe from the waves at least.

Another popular activity at Nauset is fishing. Bluefish and striped bass are often caught from the beach here, although you’ll need a license first.

Oh, and if you were looking for Nauset Lighthouse, it’s up the coast at Coast Guard Beach of course…