The calendar says June which means we are on the cusp of beach parking fee season. A little-known fact about Cape Cod is that there are actually over a dozen beaches spread throughout the Upper, Mid, Lower and Outer Cape where you can find free beach parking. That’s right, no stickers, no passes, no fees, no tickets, do exist!
Sure, these beaches are not on any Top 10 lists. Most, you probably never heard of. But if you are looking for a new adventure, a reason to check out a new Cape Cod town or just want to save a few bucks, the beaches listed below do not charge fees to park/enter.
Of course, you can always visit the beaches that do require a sticker before or after the enforcement hours, generally 9:00-4:30 p.m. or park elsewhere and walk, bike or ride-share back.
Whatever your preference, enjoy the sun and sand!
Free Beach Parking Exists on Cape Cod
Chatham
Forest Beach: Public beach, limited parking, no restrooms, no fees.
Jacknife Harbor Beach: Public beach, no fees, no restrooms.
White Pond: Public beach, no fees, limited parking
Oyster Pond: Public beach, lifeguards, restrooms, no fee, medium sized parking lot (50 spots)
Falmouth
Grew’s Pond: toilet, bath house, ice cream truck, lifeguards
Wellfleet
Mayo Beach: Medium-sized parking lot (90 spots), walkable playground, restaurants and harbor
Yarmouth
Bay View Beach: No lifeguards, beach area, seasonal Porta-John, small parking lot (20 spots) calm, shallow water
Colonial Acres: Small beach, marina, no lifeguards, wooden bridge, small parking lot (15 spots), seasonal Porta-John, nearby Mill Creek is a good spot for fishing and crabbing
Dennis Pond: Parking area, seasonal Porta-John, no lifeguards
Englewood Beach: No lifeguards, beach, marina, jetty, small parking lot (20 spots); good sunset spot
Gray’s Beach (Bass Hole Beach): Good views, amenities including pavilion with picnic tables, charcoal grills and playground; Unpaved boat launch for kayakers, boaters and anglers; Good sunset spot; Medium-sized parking lot (50 spots)
Long Pond (Wings Grove): Parking area, small playground, wooded area, basketball court, seasonal Porta-John
Sandy Pond: Small beach, no lifeguards, recreation area, softball field, soccer field, tennis courts, basketball court, playground, picnic area (first come first serve), seasonal bathrooms, parking areas
Wilbur Park Beach: Picnic area, boat ramp, parking lot, seasonal Porta-john
Windmill Beach: Small beach, historic windmill, small parking area
Do you know of other Cape Cod beaches with free parking? Please let me know!
Gray’s Beach is not free. Parking fee required