Where: Cable Rd, Eastham View Map
Water Type: Salt water
Type: Surf
Good for: Skimboarding, Surfing, Swimming
Nauset Light Beach is a popular National Seashore beach perfect for adventurous families looking for great swimming, surfing, and bodyboarding. The temperature of the water is on the cool side, as it's the ocean. It is a wide, clean, sandy beach with ample parking. The parking lot, perched high above on the dunes, provides gorgeous views. Across the street sits iconic Nauset Lighthouse (which graces Cape Cod Potato Chip bags!)Note: Pedestrians and bicyclists also have daily fee. There is no entrance fee for active duty military and their dependents with proper ID, nor for any children under the age of 16. Fees for all visitors start on July 2.Lifeguards will be at this beach from July 2 thru Labor Day.Bathroom facilities will be sanitized on a regular basis, but there will be no public showers.
Andrea W.United States4 reviewsMember since: Jul 2015
I love this beach with all my heart. It's fascinating and beautiful. The changing rooms are brand new, as are the bathrooms, A long path to the beach replaces the old wooden staircase.
Christopher C.USA3 reviewsMember since: Feb 2021
Uncrowded - you can stay in the lifeguarded area or walk down miles toward Marconi or Coast Guard. Classic Atlantic side Cape beach w/ real waves and cold water. If you haven't been for a while, a graded path from the parking lot has replaced the long wooden stairs that kept getting washed away by winter storms. For those with mobility issues, there's a slightly steeper part at the top, with no rail, which could be tricky going down, and it's over a hundred yards of gravel over packed dirt down to the beautiful beach.
Anne J.1 reviewMember since: Feb 2023
Easy parking with a shuttle that dropped us off right at the beach entrance. Very helpful park rangers that answered any questions. Stunning beauty. Lots of seals to watch.
Alice S.USA2 reviewsMember since: Feb 2023
Nauset. We loved that there was very little drinking. There were many families there which we loved. The Lighthouse was so lovely. The walk to the beach from the parking lot was very easy. I am 82 and I was grateful for that.
Mary Q.Rutland, VT2 reviewsMember since: Jun 2023
Saw a pod of seals close up a lot of fun watching them
Tony B.Glastonbury, CT3 reviewsMember since: Oct 2020
The beaches are beautiful and seem endless.
Daniela A.W Hartford, CT2 reviewsMember since: Feb 2009
We loved it cause it was close to the house. But we love all the ocean-side beaches, especially those run by the National Seashore.
Staci R.3 reviewsMember since: Jan 2017
It was always been my favorite!
Lauran F.New Milford, CT2 reviewsMember since: Dec 2021
The surf was very rough the day we were here, which was very exciting, and we saw loads of seals. Beautiful wild beach for enjoying the power of the Atlantic but a little too scary for swimming
Reva S.Cambridge, MA2 reviewsMember since: Mar 2022
Lovely beach. There was a line of cars to get in but it moved quickly.
Daniel C.Holyoke, MA2 reviewsMember since: Jul 2019
Beautiful wide clean beach with fantastic views of the cliffs and ocean. Nice and flat by the shore made for easy beach walks. Smaller parking area and no shuttle service means arrive early or you'll wait in line for somebody to leave before you can get in. A huge plus is this means the beach never gets overcrowded!
Wendy M.Rochester, NY2 reviewsMember since: Sep 2020
Amazing beach—not crowded and beautiful at low tide.
Ilene F.USA2 reviewsMember since: Mar 2022
Love that this beach is not terribly crowded. It is well maintained. However, it only has port-a-potties and no bathrooms.
Aylin W.Pittsford, NY8 reviewsMember since: Aug 2020
Excellent surfing and kite flying!
Marta N.United States4 reviewsMember since: Jun 2017
Beautiful for the sunrise!
Karen B.Leicester, MA5 reviewsMember since: Mar 2007
Went for a walk on the beach every night after supper. It was cooler and quieter in the evening and we got to enjoy the seals watching us watching them.
Susan M. D.Longmeadow, MA3 reviewsMember since: Feb 2015
Nauset Light Beach is our family's favorite beach but bah house construction in the parking lot this summer reduced the normally small parking lot to only 20 non-resident spaces, usually taken by 8:00 in the morning. Occasionally you may arrive when a space opens up, and it's worth taking the chance as the beach is gorgeous and generally not overly crowded. If NLB isn't an option, Marconi just up the road in Wellfleet with a huge parking lot is the next best option. Marconi also has a big sand bar great for boogey boarding and surfing when the tide is right. The NLB parking lot and new bathhouses should be completed for the 2022 season and hopefully they will be able to add a few more non-resident spaces.
Aruna C.Westborough, MA2 reviewsMember since: Apr 2021
Beach is clean, plenty of waves during high tide, lots of seals to each :) We enjoyed walking up and down the beach, as its part of the National Sea Shore, it can look like an endless stretch of beautiful sandy beach & waves.
Joel W.Bronxville, NY2 reviewsMember since: Jul 2021
Very few people on the beach. If you have a National Parks pass, entry is free. Note that in 2021, you need to get there very early, or at the end of the day, as construction is going on, and parking is very restricted.
Pamela B.Ashland, VA2 reviewsMember since: Jun 2021
Nauset Beach was a highlight - we were able to drive on the beach and have a nice lunch with wine and watch the seals play in the water - incredible afternoon.
Christopher P.Cheshire, CT4 reviewsMember since: Oct 2016
Small parking area + big beach = privacy and space. Get there early, or you might wait in line at the gait.
Kelly B.Williston, VT2 reviewsMember since: Feb 2019
Nauset Light Beach is beautiful all day long. Sharks were not an issue for the two weeks we were there.
John F.USA2 reviewsMember since: Jun 2020
Must arrive early as parking lot is small but lighthouse views if you walk to the right are well worth the early efforts! Coastguard beach is just 400 yards down as well and equally beautiful at low tide. Amazing for viewing seals and natural dunes.
Frank K.Schenectady, NY3 reviewsMember since: Aug 2017
Nice beach - great sand bars at low tide ... Parking spaces limited - have to get there early ... People respectful of covid 19 restrictions .... There is a long walk down to beach , but well worth it ! Nice to go early or later in day to see surfers ...
Nathalie D.2 reviewsMember since: Aug 2019
My favorite for thé view and the wilderness. Can take long walks.
Kirt G.2 reviewsMember since: May 2018
Lots of parking available. The access to the beach is the easiest in the area for an ocean beach. The light is a quaint historic structure and it is still functional. You can climb to the top on occasion. My wife saw her first whale there.
shannon P.Rensselaer, NY3 reviewsMember since: Jan 2018
Great for surfing, plenty of space , but get there early parking fills fast.
Dave F.Avon, CT2 reviewsMember since: Jun 2014
Great place and not overcrowded at all. Water was warm and the location was perfect for us.
Lisa B.2 reviewsMember since: Jan 2019
Nauset Light Beach has easy access and never too crowded. Get there early if you need to park your car.
Bradley G.Eastham, MA2 reviewsMember since: Jun 2020
This visit we frequented Coast Guard and Nauset beach the most. It was hard to pick a favorite. We like the light house, so we are going to star this one this visit.
Anthony K.Fort Myers, FL2 reviewsMember since: Aug 2019
The beach is super clean and lots of room to spread out and enjoy. The parking can be a challenge but otherwise, it's my go-to beach. The view from the top of the walkway is breathtaking.
Jamie S.Torrington, CT2 reviewsMember since: Jan 2012
Beautiful beach with lighthouse. Catch a sunrise here and you won’t be disappointed.
Tim M.Jamaica Plain, MA2 reviewsMember since: Mar 2013
We actually couldn't find a place to anchor behind Nauset Light beach, the currents around the break were scary for our little boat. So we'd beach across the break and it was beautiful and deserted. Mostly shore break on a steep beach, there were a few spots where at low tide it was flatter with a good break for body surfing. Those cute seals are now in Nauset harbor so we were a little scared of sharks and had little luck with the blues and stripers.
Patricia M.USA1 reviewMember since: Feb 2017
Beautiful NE beach, I returned here again since family visits in the 1970’s. Same uncrowned ocean front, restricted parking keeps the number of people controlled, clean, well supervised with attentive lifeguards, beautiful at low tide with large sandbars. Sad to see the extensive and ever-growing erosion which is depleting the beach/dunes. Great waves for kids and adults; and low tide also great for babies and kids of all ages.
Joe T.Brighton, MA3 reviewsMember since: Aug 2018
The beach is very clean and is monitored by lifeguards, which makes it very family friendly. There is a nice, gradual ramp leading down to the beach, which eases the load of coolers and heavier items.
Jill B.Evans, GA2 reviewsMember since: Oct 2023
Stunning beach! Get up early to make sure you get in because they control the admissions. The temp bathrooms are actually really nice. Sad to see the storm damage and erosion from 2018 storms but the path down is actually easier to navigate than the old stairs. Great beach.
Erin K.United States2 reviewsMember since: Jan 2018
The beach was great and very close by! Get there before 10am for optimal space!
Erika W.Sandy, TX2 reviewsMember since: Jul 2018
We visited on cold and rainy day, but the weather just enhanced this beach's wild, natural beauty and the proximity of the picture perfect lighthouse was icing on the cake.
Jen S.2 reviewsMember since: Jul 2018
This was our favorite beach since it had limited parking. With limited parking it means you have to wait for a spot some days ( we waited 15 at the most one day) but less people on the beach. Life guards were always on watch, great waves and clean. If you are going to go to the national seashore beaches frequently look into a season pass for $60. Our pass paid for itself in three days and saved us a lot of money for the week.
Thomas o.Dekalb, IL6 reviewsMember since: May 2017
Atlantic side bigger waves sand dunes colder water just a beautiful beach.
Jeff V.Pepperell, MA2 reviewsMember since: Apr 2018
Nauset Light Beach is where you will find the Nauset lighthouse, a magnificent sandy beach, beautiful sunrises, and impressive post-storm waves. Tip: go during lower tides if you are a beachcomber.
Dave C.Manchester Center, VT4 reviewsMember since: Jul 2009
Go to the Salt Pond Visitor center to get a beach fire permit. Permits are available first thing in the morning on a first come first serve basis and must be reserved 3 days in advance.
Stephen H.Westwood, MA2 reviewsMember since: Aug 2017
Lots of space since the parking lot is not huge. Ride your bikes in order to cruise right in any time of day. This beach has great waves, plenty of beach to walk and is not crowded!
Just a stunning beach Atlantic side able to bike to. Just a gorgeous beach . Sunking meadow another good beach . Great pond was another . All with in a short sweet bike ride ! [Eastham Vacation Rental ID 20054]
Lura B.Easthampton, MA4 reviewsMember since: Jul 2014
The setting by the lighthouse is very nostalgic to us. The parking area is limited, but we like to go to the beach early in the morning, so that is not a problem.
This is a beautiful beach with a rapidly eroding dune.Limited parking keeps the beach from being overcrowded. The lot usually fills up by 9:30-10:00 but if you come a little later you can wait in line for a space to become available. The beach walk down to Coast Guard Beach and back during low tide is beautiful. Make sure you take the lighthouse tour on Tues. or Wed. in the late/afternoon/evening.
Fay G.Buffalo, NY3 reviewsMember since: Sep 2014
My dad started my love affair with Cape Cod when I was 10 years old, over 60 years ago. We stayed in N. Truro and made a visit to Nauset Light Beach. The waves were large and stole my heart. Every time I've been on the Cape since, I've made a visit to this beach. The amount of erosion that has occurred is amazing, even requiring moving the light house back from the shore. This year we walked a mile or more down the beach, being enthralled with the waves, the birds, the shells as well as the beautiful white sand. We've been there in storms as well, including the day after Hurricane Sandy in 2013. The power of the ocean in that time was enough to impress anyone. I love Nauset no matter the weather or season. I still need to see it in winter and hope to do that before long.
Trina R.USA2 reviewsMember since: Jul 2015
I saw a family of seals swim by. There were not a lot of people there. I could bike to it and did not have to pay for parking
Michael R.Valley Cottage, NY2 reviewsMember since: Jul 2015
Beautiful, clean, and visually magnificent.
Kate N.UK2 reviewsMember since: Feb 2007
Although the steps provide a good workout to get on and off the beach, it's well worth it! You can walk for miles in either direction, spotting the seals and, once away from the lifeguarded area, there is space to sit and stare.
Susan M.Wallingford, CT2 reviewsMember since: Apr 2015
The children enjoyed the delightful waves, the adults enjoyed the cool breezes.
Chris O.South Hadley, MA3 reviewsMember since: Sep 2010
Very quiet and clean and you can bring your dog.
lisa B.Needham Heights, MA1 reviewMember since: Sep 2014
The beach is relaxing for adults with plenty of activity for the kids. The change in tide throughout the days makes boogie boarding to skim boarding fun for all. There is always a nice breeze and it is never to hot even on 90+ days. Having the life guards there as well is reassuring.
Joane J.Yonkers, NY2 reviewsMember since: Mar 2010
Part of National Seashore- Dog friendly!
Sally G.West Springfield, MA3 reviewsMember since: Aug 2007
Loved walking along the shore and seeing the seals.
Carolyn H.Miami, FL2 reviewsMember since: Sep 2013
Could view seals and very nice beach for families.
Susan N.USA2 reviewsMember since: Jun 2013
Seals galore! We had an amazing time swimming with seals everywhere. It is impossible to pick one favorite beach, truly, in this area, but our most memorable experience was at Nauset Light.
Mary B.Reading, MA5 reviewsMember since: Jun 2011
Have loved this dramatic beach for decades. Nature at its most beautiful! The view as spectacular as you walk down the steps from the parking lot to the sand. As a treasured part of our National Seashore, the beach is kept in pristine condition. Have not been to it the past few years as the surf there would be too rough for the little ones now in our family. But when they grow older, it will be my joy to introduce them to Nauset Light Beach.
dennis s.Saddle River, NJ2 reviewsMember since: Feb 2014
It was just great, clean, neat, showers, whales, seals just like on a book.
Ken G.UK2 reviewsMember since: Sep 2012
Wonderful sea, surf and sand but get there early!
Laura M.2 reviewsMember since: Aug 2013
Nauset Beach was beautiful with clean water and excellent surf
Nancy W.Danbury, CT2 reviewsMember since: Apr 2013
This beach is less crowded than others in the area, probably due to limited parking.
Greg B.West Brookfield, MA2 reviewsMember since: Mar 2013
Easy to escape the usual crowed beach. Clean, nice surf.
Karen T.Reading, MA4 reviewsMember since: Mar 2013
Beautiful with big waves. Clean and so much fun.
Pauline D.Paxton, MA4 reviewsMember since: Oct 2018
Beautiful white sands as far as the eye can see from East to West.