Orleans is home to some of the most popular beaches on Cape Cod. The beaches range from Nauset Beach on the Atlantic Ocean to the calmer waters of Cape Cod Bay with Skaket and Rock Harbor beaches.
Nauset Beach is ten miles long with wide sandy beaches bounded by dunes. The public Nauset Beach at the end of Beach Road offers public parking for a fee, has lifeguards during the summer and several food trucks providing concessions. The Outer Beach at Nauset is a hidden gem accessible only via an off road vehicle and requires an oversand permit from the town of Orleans.
Great for toddlers, young kids and families is Skaket Beach, another public beach on the bay side. At low tide, both Skaket and Rock Harbor beaches reveal extensive flats that are great for long walks and exploring tidal pools.
Dogs are allowed on beaches only during specific times of year. Most beaches are closed to dogs between April 1 and Labor Day while Crystal Lake and Pilgrim Lake are May 15 thru Labor Day.
Where to get an Orleans beach sticker?
Beach stickers may be purchased online or at the DPW Sticker Office. The sticker office is open 9 AM - 4 PM at 40 Giddiah Hill Road Orleans, MA 02653.
Which beaches in Orleans have daily parking?
Nauset Beach and Skaket Beach have daily parking rates on weekends starting Memorial Day and daily starting June 15 thru Labor Day. $30/day (cash or credit at Nauset Beach and cash only at Skaket).