Barnstable - Hyannis Beaches

The Bay shoreline is very different from the Sound side, giving visitors a wide variety of beach experiences to choose from.

Amenities: Lifeguards, restrooms, shower facilities, and food concessions (on-site or mobile) are available at some Barnstable-Hyannis beaches - in season only.

Parking Fees: In season, parking at most town beaches is by daily fee ($15/day) paid to the attendant at the gate, or by non-resident parking sticker ($50/week). A few Barnstable-Hyannis beaches offer free parking, year-round.

Stickers may be purchased at the Community Youth Center, 141 Basset Lane in Hyannis. Call (508) 790-6345 for more info.

Sandy Neck Beach

The long stretch of spectacular coastline known as "Sandy Neck" spans all the way from Sandwich to Barnstable, on the north (Cape Cod Bay) side of the Cape.

If you're looking for crystal clear water, rolling dunes, and gorgeous views, Sandy Neck Beach is the place!

• Body of Water: Cape Cod Bay
• Crowd Factor: Lots of people go to Sandy Neck, but with a short walk in either direction you'll be on your own.
• Amenities: Lifeguards in season, restroom and shower facilities, food concessions. Handicap access surf chairs available.
• Location: Off Sandy Neck Road in West Barnstable.
• Parking: Large parking lot. Barnstable and Sandwich residents may park with their resident parking sticker. Others may pay a daily fee ($15) at the parking lot.

Craigville Beach

Craigville is a favorite Mid-Cape beach for teens, college students and families. This very long, wide expanse has warm waters with gentle surf, and a large designated swim area.

• Body of Water: Nantucket Sound
• Crowd Factor: Moderately to very crowded, especially on summer weekends.
• Amenities: Lifeguards in season, restrooms and shower facilities, snack bars just across the street. Handicap access surf chairs available.
• Location: Craigville Beach Road in Centerville
• Parking: Large parking lot. Parking by daily fee ($15) or non-resident parking sticker.

Kalmus Beach

Kalmus is one of the most famous Hyannis beaches. It's known worldwide as a fantastic windsurfing venue, thanks to our prevailing spring, summer and fall breezes.

Half of Kalmus is dedicated to windsurfing, kite flying and other sporty endeavors, while the other half is more sheltered for swimming, sunbathing and picnicing.

• Body of Water: Nantucket Sound
• Crowd Factor: Not overly crowded.
• Amenities: Lifeguards in season, restroom and shower facilities, snack bar. Handicap access surf chairs available.
• Location: At the end of Ocean Street in Hyannis
• Parking: Ample parking. Parking by daily fee ($15) or non-resident parking sticker.

Orrin Keyes Beach

This Hyannis beach is a great place to relax, have a picnic, and watch the tour boats and pleasure yachts making their way along the Hyannis Channel.

The water's calm here, and the sand is soft. It's a wonderful choice of Hyannis beaches for families.

• Body of Water: Nantucket Sound
• Crowd Factor: Rarely gets overly crowded.
• Amenities: Lifeguards in season, restroom and shower facilities, snack bar, stairs leading from parking lot down to beach.
• Location: 175 Ocean Avenue in Hyannis
• Parking: Ample parking. Parking by daily fee ($15) or non-resident parking sticker.

Veterans Beach

Veterans Beach has one of the prettiest settings of all Hyannis beaches, in a small park that has shaded areas and a large expanse of lush green lawn that slopes down to the shoreline.

Veterans Park features two historical monuments - one to the late President John F. Kennedy, the other to veterans of the Korean War.

The beach itself is somewhat "shelly", wonderful for kids with buckets and anyone who collects shells for jewelry or crafts projects.

• Body of Water: Nantucket Sound (Lewis Bay)
• Crowd Factor: Moderately busy.
• Amenities: Lifeguards in season, restroom and shower area, snack bar, and park area as described above. Handicap access surf chairs available.
• Location: 480 Ocean Street in Hyannis
• Parking: Sufficient parking usually available. Parking by daily fee ($15) or beach parking sticker.
• Note: It's a reasonably easy - and pretty - walk from Main Street through the Town Green and past Hyannis Harbor to Veterans Beach.