Nearby Beaches and Ponds We Recommend
We have listed our favorite local Harwich beaches and ponds. There are several others but these are the ones we frequent. They will require a beach pass or daily fee 8 AM-4:30 PM . Parking is always an issue during high season, the end of May through the beginning of September. Non-resident beach parking stickers ($20 in 2015) are required at all of the major Harwich beaches and are on sale daily at Earle Rd, Pleasant Rd, Red River beaches, and at the Harwich Community Center (100 Oak St, 7 days a week from 8 am – 3 pm). Or Harwich Town Hall on Route 39, Tel. (508) 432-7638 The sticker is good for parking only at (all) the beaches where they are sold. Sticker sales begin the second Monday in June and continue through Labor Day. Leading up to and after the busy season, parking is not an issue. We also have listed our favorite beaches in other towns that we go after 4:30 and you do not have to have a sticker on your bumper or pay a fee.
Stickers for Harwich beaches and ponds are available at Harwich Town Hall on Route 39, Tel. (508) 432-7638
*****Some beaches and ponds DO NOT have a person checking stickers or to take money. You MAY STILL get a ticket if the police drive through the parking lot. If you do not have a sticker on your bumper you will get ticketed. Our last one was $40****
Harwich. Long Pond lies half in Brewster and half in Harwich. It is a large pond great for swimming, boating, jetskiing, and fishing.
2.2 miles away
Lifeguard
Restroom
Parking
Fishing
Boat Ramp
Nearby pond that requires a sticker 8 AM-4:30 PM
23 locals recommend
Long Pond
Harwich. Long Pond lies half in Brewster and half in Harwich. It is a large pond great for swimming, boating, jetskiing, and fishing.
2.2 miles away
Lifeguard
Restroom
Parking
Fishing
Boat Ramp
Nearby pond that requires a sticker 8 AM-4:30 PM
Brewster. ThIs a nice family beach surrounded by grassy sand dunes. Like most Brewster beaches there are not many facilities there are portable toilets, but, it does have plenty of parking. This is a must go when the tide is low and you can walk for hundreds of yards to explore tide pools. Tide comes in quickly and is fun to walk while the water fills the sand bars.
5 miles away
20 locals recommend
Breakwater Beach
Brewster. ThIs a nice family beach surrounded by grassy sand dunes. Like most Brewster beaches there are not many facilities there are portable toilets, but, it does have plenty of parking. This is a must go when the tide is low and you can walk for hundreds of yards to explore tide pools. Tide comes in quickly and is fun to walk while the water fills the sand bars.
5 miles away
Harwich. This is one of Harwich's bigger beaches. Like most of the Harwich beaches it has warm water and, usually, a moderate surf.
4 miles away
Lifeguard
Restroom
Parking
Fishing
41 locals recommend
Red River Beach
Red River Beach Parking LotHarwich. This is one of Harwich's bigger beaches. Like most of the Harwich beaches it has warm water and, usually, a moderate surf.
4 miles away
Lifeguard
Restroom
Parking
Fishing
Harwich. Pleasant beach, great for families. Warm water, soft sand, and calm waters characterize this fairly large West Harwich beach. Diane's favorite beach. Go early to get a parking space
3.9 miles away
Lifeguard
Restroom
Parking
Fishing
8 locals recommend
Pleasant Road Beach
Harwich. Pleasant beach, great for families. Warm water, soft sand, and calm waters characterize this fairly large West Harwich beach. Diane's favorite beach. Go early to get a parking space
3.9 miles away
Lifeguard
Restroom
Parking
Fishing
Orleans. Popular Skaket Beach is a great bayside alternative to Nauset Beach. The calm, warm waters are great for swimming at high tide. At low tide beachcombers can walk along tidal flats that stretch for miles. Children love exploring the small pools of water left at low tide, often finding small crabs and minnows trapped in them. Skaket Beach faces directly west across the bay, making it one of the best places to catch a stunning sunset on the Cape. Parking is limited and fills up fast, so get there early.
9.2 miles away
Lifeguard
Restroom
Snack Bar
Parking
56 locals recommend
Skaket Beach
Orleans. Popular Skaket Beach is a great bayside alternative to Nauset Beach. The calm, warm waters are great for swimming at high tide. At low tide beachcombers can walk along tidal flats that stretch for miles. Children love exploring the small pools of water left at low tide, often finding small crabs and minnows trapped in them. Skaket Beach faces directly west across the bay, making it one of the best places to catch a stunning sunset on the Cape. Parking is limited and fills up fast, so get there early.
9.2 miles away
Lifeguard
Restroom
Snack Bar
Parking
Orleans. Popular Nauset Beach, not to be confused with Nauset Light Beach of the National Seashore, is a lengthy 10-mile expanse starting in Orleans stretching all the way to Chatham. Surfing is permitted in the non- protected beach areas from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is also popular with swimmers and boogie boarders.
153 locals recommend
Nauset Beach
250 Beach RdOrleans. Popular Nauset Beach, not to be confused with Nauset Light Beach of the National Seashore, is a lengthy 10-mile expanse starting in Orleans stretching all the way to Chatham. Surfing is permitted in the non- protected beach areas from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is also popular with swimmers and boogie boarders.
Restaurants. Our favorites in Harwich and other towns
Our favorite restaurants
Harwich. Traditional inn with elegant decor & a restaurant for martinis, tapas & New American fare.
86 Sisson Rd Harwich Port, MA 02646
Tuesday - Saturday 5 pm - 10 pm
18 locals recommend
Mooncussers Tavern
86 Sisson RdHarwich. Traditional inn with elegant decor & a restaurant for martinis, tapas & New American fare.
86 Sisson Rd Harwich Port, MA 02646
Tuesday - Saturday 5 pm - 10 pm
Harwich. Upscale pick in a 19th-century home serving creative, carefully sourced New American cuisine
31 Sea St, Harwich Port, MA 02646
34 locals recommend
Cape Sea Grille
31 Sea StHarwich. Upscale pick in a 19th-century home serving creative, carefully sourced New American cuisine
31 Sea St, Harwich Port, MA 02646
Harwich. Cozy tavern decorated with vintage baseball memorabilia, serving pub grub, beer & wine.
Address: 551 MA-28 #4, Harwich Port, MA 02646
40 locals recommend
Hot Stove Saloon
551 MA-28Harwich. Cozy tavern decorated with vintage baseball memorabilia, serving pub grub, beer & wine.
Address: 551 MA-28 #4, Harwich Port, MA 02646
Harwich port. A favorite for breakfast and lunch. Take a stroll down Main street after your meal
86 Sea St, Harwich Port, MA 02646
Capeside Kitchen
537 Sea StHarwich port. A favorite for breakfast and lunch. Take a stroll down Main street after your meal
86 Sea St, Harwich Port, MA 02646
Dennis port. Longtime eatery serves up fried & fresh seafood, plus clam chowder, in casual, homey digs.
Address: 527 Main St, Dennis Port, MA 02639
Diane's favorite for fried seafood
22 locals recommend
The Original Seafood Restaurant
527 Main StDennis port. Longtime eatery serves up fried & fresh seafood, plus clam chowder, in casual, homey digs.
Address: 527 Main St, Dennis Port, MA 02639
Diane's favorite for fried seafood
Harwich. Cozy, Tuscan-themed restaurant offering sophisticated twists on Italian staples & a huge wine list.
Address: 4 Depot Rd, Harwich, MA 02645
55 locals recommend
Buca's Tuscan Roadhouse
4 Depot RdHarwich. Cozy, Tuscan-themed restaurant offering sophisticated twists on Italian staples & a huge wine list.
Address: 4 Depot Rd, Harwich, MA 02645
Harwich port. Long-running, no-nonsense Greek-style pizza, pasta & sub shop.
Address: 564 MA-28, Harwich Port, MA 02646
20 locals recommend
George's Pizza House
Massachusetts 28Harwich port. Long-running, no-nonsense Greek-style pizza, pasta & sub shop.
Address: 564 MA-28, Harwich Port, MA 02646
Harwich/Chatham line. Happening counter-serve hub featuring sandwiches, custom burritos & whoopie pies in cheery digs.
Address: 1403 Old Queen Anne Rd, Chatham, MA 02633
55 locals recommend
Corner Store
1403 Old Queen Anne RdHarwich/Chatham line. Happening counter-serve hub featuring sandwiches, custom burritos & whoopie pies in cheery digs.
Address: 1403 Old Queen Anne Rd, Chatham, MA 02633
Chatham. Casual spot for burgers & hot dogs with global accents, hand-cut fries plus draft beer & wine.
Address: 1603 Main St, Chatham, MA 02633
20 locals recommend
Mom & Pops Burgers
1603 Main StChatham. Casual spot for burgers & hot dogs with global accents, hand-cut fries plus draft beer & wine.
Address: 1603 Main St, Chatham, MA 02633
Dennis Port. Stylish but comfy locals' go-to pairs its signature dish & other seafood fare with house martinis.
Stylish but comfy locals' go-to pairs its signature dish & other seafood fare with house martinis
47 locals recommend
The Oyster Company
202 Depot StDennis Port. Stylish but comfy locals' go-to pairs its signature dish & other seafood fare with house martinis.
Stylish but comfy locals' go-to pairs its signature dish & other seafood fare with house martinis
Wellfleet. Located right at Cahoon Hollow Beach. Enjoy lunch or stay after your day at the beach for dinner and great music. Look online for band line-up
192 locals recommend
The Beachcomber of Wellfleet
1120 Cahoon Hollow RdWellfleet. Located right at Cahoon Hollow Beach. Enjoy lunch or stay after your day at the beach for dinner and great music. Look online for band line-up
Provincetown. Located right in the heart of P-Town. There will be a wait but it's worth it. We recommend waiting on a table on the deck for the views
56 locals recommend
The Lobster Pot
321 Commercial StProvincetown. Located right in the heart of P-Town. There will be a wait but it's worth it. We recommend waiting on a table on the deck for the views
Dennis, MA. Definitely one of the best places to get lobster rolls and seafood. They only take CASH so be prepared but they have had an ATM in the past located inside where you order. Dine outside on picnic tables with great views!
Sesuit Harbor Cafe is a shack -- literally. Situated on Cape Cod Bay by the Northside Marina in Dennis, the cafe serves the best lobster rolls along with a variety of fresh seafood dishes. Once you arrive, queue up to order. The line moves pretty quickly. The cafe does not serve alcohol, but BYOB is an accepted practice.
Important to note: They do not accept credit cards. This spot is cash only. Seating is outside on picnic tables and the waitstaff will run your order out once it’s ready. Plan to have orderers stand in line and table scouters waiting for an empty table. It’s a game -- finding the perfect table someone is just about to leave and swooping in to secure your seats. The tables are on the inlet to the marina next to a small beach and offer quintessential Cape vistas.
167 locals recommend
Sesuit Harbor Cafe
357 Sesuit Neck RdDennis, MA. Definitely one of the best places to get lobster rolls and seafood. They only take CASH so be prepared but they have had an ATM in the past located inside where you order. Dine outside on picnic tables with great views!
Sesuit Harbor Cafe is a shack -- literally. Situated on Cape Cod Bay by the Northside Marina in Dennis, the cafe serves the best lobster rolls along with a variety of fresh seafood dishes. Once you arrive, queue up to order. The line moves pretty quickly. The cafe does not serve alcohol, but BYOB is an accepted practice.
Important to note: They do not accept credit cards. This spot is cash only. Seating is outside on picnic tables and the waitstaff will run your order out once it’s ready. Plan to have orderers stand in line and table scouters waiting for an empty table. It’s a game -- finding the perfect table someone is just about to leave and swooping in to secure your seats. The tables are on the inlet to the marina next to a small beach and offer quintessential Cape vistas.
Activities
Wellfleet. One of the best walking trails on Cape Cod! 1.2 mile.
This trail descends through a stunted oak and pine forest into a mature woodland, leads to a boardwalk that winds through the picturesque Atlantic White Cedar Swamp, and returns via the historic “Wireless Road” (a sand road) to the starting location.
Conditions: Moderate difficulty; some steep stairs; return route is 0.5 mile in soft sand; swamp portion of this trail is boardwalk
29 locals recommend
White Cedar Swamp Trail
Marconi Site RdWellfleet. One of the best walking trails on Cape Cod! 1.2 mile.
This trail descends through a stunted oak and pine forest into a mature woodland, leads to a boardwalk that winds through the picturesque Atlantic White Cedar Swamp, and returns via the historic “Wireless Road” (a sand road) to the starting location.
Conditions: Moderate difficulty; some steep stairs; return route is 0.5 mile in soft sand; swamp portion of this trail is boardwalk
Every day of the fishing season, the fish pier at Chatham Harbor is bustling with visitors and residents alike, eager to observe the excitement of a fishing boat returning to port loaded with its catch. You can learn more about which fish they are bringing in as well as the history and future of Cape Cod's small-boat fishing industry when you take part in the seasonal Pier Host Program. Pier Hosts will be on the observation deck at the Chatham Fish Pier and ready to chat while boats are unloading fish between 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays in August and September.
77 locals recommend
Chatham Pier Fish Market
45 Barcliff AveEvery day of the fishing season, the fish pier at Chatham Harbor is bustling with visitors and residents alike, eager to observe the excitement of a fishing boat returning to port loaded with its catch. You can learn more about which fish they are bringing in as well as the history and future of Cape Cod's small-boat fishing industry when you take part in the seasonal Pier Host Program. Pier Hosts will be on the observation deck at the Chatham Fish Pier and ready to chat while boats are unloading fish between 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays in August and September.
If you are free on a Friday Night in the summer, bring your blankets, chairs, and enjoy a fabulous evening. Oh yes, it is the best entertainment in New England for the price.
Be there early to find parking. Best to lay out a blanket and then find dinner or have a picnic.
"It's old timey, a bit corny and that's what I love about it. The Chatham Band concert is a chance to step into a Norman Rockwell painting. Prepare to see lots of happy families and smiling children. Bring a picnic blanket and some chairs and enjoy a simpler time."
Whit Tileston Chatham Bandstand
11 Chatham Bars AveIf you are free on a Friday Night in the summer, bring your blankets, chairs, and enjoy a fabulous evening. Oh yes, it is the best entertainment in New England for the price.
Be there early to find parking. Best to lay out a blanket and then find dinner or have a picnic.
"It's old timey, a bit corny and that's what I love about it. The Chatham Band concert is a chance to step into a Norman Rockwell painting. Prepare to see lots of happy families and smiling children. Bring a picnic blanket and some chairs and enjoy a simpler time."
Port Summer Nights, Harwich Port Free Musical Strolls
Every Wednesday night in July and August
ex: Port Summer Nights 2019 Lineup-
Every Wednesday Nights July & August
6:00pm-9:00pm
July 3rd….July 4th Kickoff
Andrea, the Judge and the Sinner- Heather’s Hairport
Earth Junior- Cape Cod Five
Joe Marino-Sativa & Solis
Mr. Gotcha- Harwich Port Square (Village Center)
Tim & Jay – Reciprocity on Cross Street
Codcomm Radio 93.5 Frank FM- Harwich Chamber
28 locals recommend
Harwich Port
Port Summer Nights, Harwich Port Free Musical Strolls
Every Wednesday night in July and August
ex: Port Summer Nights 2019 Lineup-
Every Wednesday Nights July & August
6:00pm-9:00pm
July 3rd….July 4th Kickoff
Andrea, the Judge and the Sinner- Heather’s Hairport
Earth Junior- Cape Cod Five
Joe Marino-Sativa & Solis
Mr. Gotcha- Harwich Port Square (Village Center)
Tim & Jay – Reciprocity on Cross Street
Codcomm Radio 93.5 Frank FM- Harwich Chamber
Blue Rock Golf Course
48 Todd RdDennis. Par 3
The Captains Golf Course
1000 Freemans WayBrewster
Brewster flats during low tide* check tide charts online for Brewster. They change daily
The Brewster Flats measure approximately 12,000 acres at low tide and are the largest flats in North America. This unique area extends over 9 miles along the coastline from Brewster to North Eastham. When the tide goes out this natural phenomenon creates a spectacular, naturally reoccurring recreational area for our guests. If you hike out to the middle of the Bay you can see where the original wooden packet landing was built to allow packet ships to come into Breakwater landing where they ferried cargo and travelers to and from Boston.
13 locals recommend
Brewster
Brewster flats during low tide* check tide charts online for Brewster. They change daily
The Brewster Flats measure approximately 12,000 acres at low tide and are the largest flats in North America. This unique area extends over 9 miles along the coastline from Brewster to North Eastham. When the tide goes out this natural phenomenon creates a spectacular, naturally reoccurring recreational area for our guests. If you hike out to the middle of the Bay you can see where the original wooden packet landing was built to allow packet ships to come into Breakwater landing where they ferried cargo and travelers to and from Boston.
Harwich. Cape Cod Baseball League. The Harwich Mariners are a collegiate summer baseball team based in Harwich, Massachusetts. The team is a member of the Cape Cod Baseball League and plays in the league's East Division. The Mariners play their home games at Whitehouse Field in the historic village of Harwich Center.
Whitehouse Field
75 Oak StHarwich. Cape Cod Baseball League. The Harwich Mariners are a collegiate summer baseball team based in Harwich, Massachusetts. The team is a member of the Cape Cod Baseball League and plays in the league's East Division. The Mariners play their home games at Whitehouse Field in the historic village of Harwich Center.
Sightseeing
Chatham Lighthouse
37 Main StDennis. Scargo Tower is a 30-foot-tall cobblestone tower located atop Scargo Hill in Dennis, Massachusetts on Cape Cod
38 locals recommend
Scargo Tower
Scargo Hill RoadDennis. Scargo Tower is a 30-foot-tall cobblestone tower located atop Scargo Hill in Dennis, Massachusetts on Cape Cod
Eastham. The oldest lighthouse on the Cape and worthy of a visit. Nauset Light, officially Nauset Beach Light, is a restored lighthouse on the Cape Cod National Seashore near Eastham, Massachusetts, erected in 1923 using the 1877 tower that was moved here from the Chatham Light. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
72 locals recommend
Highland lighthouse
27 Highland Light RdEastham. The oldest lighthouse on the Cape and worthy of a visit. Nauset Light, officially Nauset Beach Light, is a restored lighthouse on the Cape Cod National Seashore near Eastham, Massachusetts, erected in 1923 using the 1877 tower that was moved here from the Chatham Light. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Sandwich. Heritage Museums & Gardens is the largest public garden in Southern New England. It is located on 100 acres of magnificent grounds and trails on the banks of Shawme Pond in Historic Sandwich. Within our peaceful confines you’ll find walking trails, outdoor discovery opportunities, gardens that invite lingering, and exhibits to expand your understanding of art and history. Heritage offers up-close experiences that can’t be found anywhere else. It’s a place of joy and fun. It’s a place to make lasting memories. And it’s a place you’ll want to visit again and again.
170 locals recommend
Heritage Museums & Gardens
67 Grove StSandwich. Heritage Museums & Gardens is the largest public garden in Southern New England. It is located on 100 acres of magnificent grounds and trails on the banks of Shawme Pond in Historic Sandwich. Within our peaceful confines you’ll find walking trails, outdoor discovery opportunities, gardens that invite lingering, and exhibits to expand your understanding of art and history. Heritage offers up-close experiences that can’t be found anywhere else. It’s a place of joy and fun. It’s a place to make lasting memories. And it’s a place you’ll want to visit again and again.
Chatham. Monomoy Island National Wildlife Refuge is a federal wildlife refuge located on Monomoy Island in Massachusetts.
Due to severe bluff and beach erosion the refuge has made significant changes to the boardwalk and staircase that led to the beach. There is no longer beach access from the staircase as the lower section of steps has been removed due to safety issues created by erosion. The staircase now ends at an observation deck. Access to the refuge beach and trails is through the private path with a deeded public right of way to allow access to Monomoy NWR lands off Tisquantum Rd. To get there park your car in the refuge parking lot and walk to the end of Wikis Way (the refuge driveway), turn left, and follow Tisquantum Rd. for about a quarter mile through the neighborhood until you reach a split rail fence on your left and a "Private Path" sign. Please respect the private property of our neighbors by staying on the road until you reach the path.
49 locals recommend
Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge
Chatham. Monomoy Island National Wildlife Refuge is a federal wildlife refuge located on Monomoy Island in Massachusetts.
Due to severe bluff and beach erosion the refuge has made significant changes to the boardwalk and staircase that led to the beach. There is no longer beach access from the staircase as the lower section of steps has been removed due to safety issues created by erosion. The staircase now ends at an observation deck. Access to the refuge beach and trails is through the private path with a deeded public right of way to allow access to Monomoy NWR lands off Tisquantum Rd. To get there park your car in the refuge parking lot and walk to the end of Wikis Way (the refuge driveway), turn left, and follow Tisquantum Rd. for about a quarter mile through the neighborhood until you reach a split rail fence on your left and a "Private Path" sign. Please respect the private property of our neighbors by staying on the road until you reach the path.
Harwich. Tucked away in Harwich, the Cape Cod Lavender Farm is a vast, twelve-acre farm of lavender surrounded by 60 secluded acres of woodland conservation areas and walking trails. If you want to see a truly magnificent sight, try aiming to visit this spectacular place when the lavender is in bloom, just before or even during the annual harvest in June and July!
20 locals recommend
Cape Cod Lavender Farm shop
Weston Woods RoadHarwich. Tucked away in Harwich, the Cape Cod Lavender Farm is a vast, twelve-acre farm of lavender surrounded by 60 secluded acres of woodland conservation areas and walking trails. If you want to see a truly magnificent sight, try aiming to visit this spectacular place when the lavender is in bloom, just before or even during the annual harvest in June and July!
Provincetown. Commemorating the accomplishments and sacrifices made by the pilgrims who gave up everything they ever knew to start life anew in what was then considered a hostile environment, this Cape Cod Massachusetts attractions is a stone tower that stands over 250 feet high. Construction began on this important monument in 1907 and wasn’t completed until 1910. When you visit this monument, you can feel the ghosts of those who risked everything standing a little taller.
124 locals recommend
Pilgrim Monument
1 High Pole Hill RdProvincetown. Commemorating the accomplishments and sacrifices made by the pilgrims who gave up everything they ever knew to start life anew in what was then considered a hostile environment, this Cape Cod Massachusetts attractions is a stone tower that stands over 250 feet high. Construction began on this important monument in 1907 and wasn’t completed until 1910. When you visit this monument, you can feel the ghosts of those who risked everything standing a little taller.
Traveler advice
Book before you go
Airbnb has changed how we can add to our guidebook
Once you arrive at our home, you will have a binder with our real Guidebook that will have more information. We are sorry that Airbnb has changed the format and we can no longer add in more information for you to read before your trip