Orleans Beaches

As you'll see below, Orleans might not have many saltwater beaches. But it does have some beauties!

Parking Fees: In season, parking for non-residents is by daily parking fee ($15) paid to the attendant at the gate, or by weekly beach parking sticker ($60/week).

Stickers may be purchased at Nauset Beach Administration, 18 Bay Ridge Lane. Call (508) 240-3780 for more info.

Nauset Beach

Nauset Beach is a mecca for surfers, boogie-boarders, sun-seekers, fishermen, and photographers from all over the world. No wonder this spectacularly beautiful, long stretch of sand is regularly named a "Top 10 Beach" by prestigeous travel publications!

As wonderful as it is, Nauset Beach is not for faint of heart swimmers. The waves here are big and strong, and the water's cold.

Not to be confused with Nauset Light Beach farther north in Eastham, this is where you'll find Liam's - one of the best seaside snack bars ever created. (Try the onion rings. They're out of this world!)

• Body of Water: Atlantic Ocean
• Crowd Factor: Very busy, but plenty of room to walk and get away from the crowd.
• Amenities: Lifeguards in season, restroom and shower facilities, phenomenal snack bar, gazebo. Handicap access surf chairs available.
• Parking: Huge lot, but does fill up so get there early. Parking by daily fee ($15) or weekly sticker ($60).

Skaket Beach

Orleans beaches don't get any kid-friendlier than this!

When you're looking for warm water, soft sand, gentle surf, and a safe place for young children to explore the seashore, Skaket Beach is it.

Skaket is also a fantastic place for an evening stroll as the sun sets over Cape Cod Bay. (Be sure your camera is charged up ... you'll want to snap lots of shots of the setting sun!)

• Body of Water: Cape Cod Bay
• Crowd Factor: This beach is popular, but it's also large - especially at low tide.
• Amenities: Lifeguards in season, restroom and shower facilities, snack bar, picnic tables. Handicap access surf chairs available.
• Parking: The lot is decent sized, but it regularly fills up by 10 a.m. on sunny summer days. Parking by daily fee ($15) or weekly sticker ($60).

South Orleans Beach

Of the three saltwater Orleans beaches, this is by far the smallest. (It's almost tiny at high tide.)

Set near the town landing, this little chunk of Orleans shoreline has scenic views of Pleasant Bay, the bay islands and the backside of the Ocean barrier beaches.

The warm waters off South Orleans Beach are popular with sailboarders.

• Body of Water: Pleasant Bay, on the Atlantic Ocean side of Orleans.
• Crowd Factor: Not an issue.
• Amenities: None.
• Parking: There are a few spaces on the side of the road next to the town landing. No fee/sticker required.