The (Sun)Burn Book: Beaches Edition
Some people are die-hards for their favorite baseball or football team; others are ready to throw hands over deep dish vs. thin crust pizza. Here on the Cape, we display loyalty (and a fair amount of smugness) through our choice of beach.
Where to spend your time enjoying the wind, sand, and surf is a deeply personal choice. Are you a bayside person, as variable as high and low tide? Bold and rugged, like the National Seashore? Or perhaps you’re a sound-side person, steady and occasionally covered in seaweed. Staring at the waves and thinking one’s thoughts is a time-honored Cape tradition, so you’ll have plenty of time to mull it over. Whatever your dream beach is like, I’ve got options for you:
Beach must-have: Parking!
A quick way to ruin your chill vacation vibe is getting to the beach and discovering that there’s no parking. If you’re like me, you lie awake all night and stress about this eventuality. Fun AND relaxing!
Of course, the National Seashore lots are all large, but if you’re staying in the Mid- to Lower-Cape and want something close by, Red River Beach in Harwich and West Dennis Beach in (you guessed it) Dennis both have ample lots. Bonus: they run parallel to the beach so you can minimize the distance you have to drag one thousand pounds of beach chairs, small children, and assorted plastic toys across the sand.
Beach must-have: Tidal flats!
Sure, high tide is neat. The dramatic crash of the surf, wondering if the water is going to surge under your chair, getting really wet when the next wave does exactly that, it’s a hoot. But the cool kids know that low tide, especially on the bayside, is the bee’s knees. Brewster boasts some of the most impressive tidal flats in all of North America, stretching over a mile into Cape Cod Bay. Forget fighting over a tiny little strip of sand at high tide -- spread out on the flats, look for unique rocks, and stare off into the middle distance like your lover has forsaken you to sail the endless seas. Corporation Beach in Dennis and Skaket Beach in Orleans are both great places to do all three, but Crosby Beach in Brewster is really where you’ll get the full experience.
Beach must-haves: Absolutely no chance of sharks
The ocean is where sharks live, and they’ve been around for millenia, so we have to respect that. If you swim with exuberance, or you dislike ending the day crusted in sunscreen and sea salt, maybe you’re a pond person! Luckily for you, the Cape is essentially a big piece of Swiss cheese so ponds are myriad. Splash to your heart’s content in Harwich at Long Pond or Hinkley’s Pond. In Brewster enjoy Sheep Pond and in Eastham, Herring Pond. Remember to reapply sunscreen often and watch for pruney fingers!
At the end of the day, it isn’t about which beach is best for you: it’s about being vaguely condescending about other people’s beach preferences. Just kidding! It’s about enjoying whichever one you chose - so keep your distance, wash your hands, and leave the place nicer than you found it!
For more information on buying or selling on Cape Cod contact Amand Bebrin --HERE--