Summer Guide: Barnstable-Hyannis Beaches

Covell's Beach is a family-friendly, popular resident-only beach located in Centerville. Warm water and mild surf make this a popular destination for Barnstable residents. Restrooms, showers, volleyball nets, lifeguards, and a large parking lot are available on-site. Frequent visits from local ice cream trucks offer refreshments.

• Hours: Mon - Sun, 9:00am - 9:00pm.
• Handicap Accessible: Yes
• Public/Private: Private
• Beach pass information: Residents of Barnstable must acquire a beach pass to park here.
• Facilities: Restrooms, Showers
• Restrictions: No alcohol, No fires, No smoking

Craigville Beach is a public beach on the Nantucket Sound. It's one of the Cape's most popular beaches, and has lifeguards, restrooms, concessions and showers. Beach rentals are also available. This is a busy beach suitable for families and large groups.

• Hours: Daily, 9am - 9pm
• Handicap Accessible: Yes
• Parking: Paid lot
• Public/Private: Public
• Facilities: Lockers, Restrooms, Showers
• Restrictions: No alcohol, No fires, No smoking

Dowses Beach is a residents-only beach in Osterville is a popular place to watch the sunset over the back beach. There is a fishing pier, a huge parking lot and great sand and surf. The beach also has surf chairs and benches.

Dowses Beach has a no-ball-playing rule.

• Hours: Beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Lifeguards on duty daily, 9am - 5pm
• Parking: Free lot
• Public/Private: Private
• Type: Ocean
• Common activities: Fishing
• Facilities: Food/drink, Restrooms, Showers
• Restrictions: No alcohol, No fires, No pets, No smoking
• Cars allowed: No

Kalmus Beach is  located on the Lewis Bay at the end of Ocean Street in Hyannis, and has restrooms and concessions. Kalmus is a one of the best locations for windsurfing on Cape Cod. A residential beach sticker is required for free parking, otherwise it will cost $15 to park from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

• Handicap Accessible: Yes
• Parking: Free lot, Paid lot
• Public/Private: Public
• Beach pass information: A residential pass required for free parking during the summer.
• Common activities: Picnicking
• Facilities: Food/drink, Restrooms, Showers
• Restrictions: No alcohol, No fires, No pets, No smoking

Millway Beach is a small beach in Barnstable Village for residents only. It has lifeguard protection from 9am to 5pm and a bathhouse with shower facilities open from 9am to 4:30pm when open for the season. There is a canteen truck, surf chairs and is handicap accessible.

• Hours: Seasonal
• Handicap Accessible: Yes
• Parking: Free lot
• Public/Private: Private
• Type: Bay
• Beach pass information: Must have resident sticker
• Common activities: Picnicking
• Facilities: Food/drink, Restrooms, Showers
• Restrictions: No alcohol, No fires, No pets, No smoking

Loop Beach is a small beach located off Main Street that features scenic views of the Nantucket Sound and itsentrance to Cotuit Bay. It has one jetty and a point-style breakwater. Public restrooms and a bathhouse are on site as well as a small parking lot. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months.

• Hours: Daily, 9am - 9pm
• Handicap Accessible: Yes
• Type: Bay
• Beach pass information: Residents of Barnstable must acquire a beach pass to park here.
• Common activities: Fishing
• Facilities: Restrooms, Showers
• Restrictions: No alcohol, No fires, No smoking
• Cars allowed: Yes

Veteran's Beach is a quiet stretch, with beautiful views of the ocean and Hyannis. From late June through Labor Day weekend, lifeguards are on duty from 9am to 5pm and restrooms are open from 9am through 4:30 p.m. The beach is located next to the Korean War memorial and the JFK memorial.

• Handicap Accessible: Yes
• Parking: Paid lot
• Public/Private: Public
• Type: Ocean
• Facilities: Restrooms, Showers
• Restrictions: No alcohol, No fires, No pets, No smoking
  

Sea Street Beach is a beautiful beach with a picnic area, grills, the well-known Hidden Gem snack bar, and a bath house with changing rooms. It has lifeguards on duty from 9am to 5pm and is open from late June until Labor Day. 

• Handicap Accessible: Yes
• Parking: Paid lot
• Public/Private: Public
• Type: Ocean
• Common activities: Picnicking, Snorkeling
• Facilities: Food/drink, Restrooms, Showers
• Restrictions: No alcohol, No fires, No pets, No smoking
• Cars allowed: No

Sandy Neck is a barrier beach and a designated Massachusetts' area of Critical Environmental Concern. The beach is home to several endangered species. It is also a Cultural Historical District because of its cottages. The diverse beach has 4,700 acres of dunes, maritime forests and marshes. There are many recreational and educational activities available.

• Handicap Accessible: Yes
• Common activities: Camping, Kayaking/canoeing, Picnicking, Surfing
• Facilities: Food/drink, Restrooms, Showers
• Restrictions: No alcohol, No fires, No pets, No smoking
• Cars allowed: Yes
• Features: Beach
• Services: Restrooms, Showers
• Permit requirements: Resident sticker, Off roading sticker
• Wi-Fi: None
• Area: 4700 acres