Coast Guard Beach: Cape Cod National Seashore's Crown Jewel
QUICK FACTS
📍 Location: Doane Road, Eastham (shuttle access only in summer)
🎟️ Admission: $25 per vehicle (3-day National Seashore pass)
⏰ Hours: Dawn to dusk, year-round
🏖️ Beach Type: Atlantic Ocean beach, Cape Cod National Seashore
⭐ Must-See Rating: 5/5 - #1 Beach in America (2023), pristine and protected
🏆 Awards: Dr. Beach's #1 Beach in America, consistently top-rated
♿ Accessibility: Accessible shuttle, beach facilities, and viewing areas
WHAT MAKES COAST GUARD BEACH EXTRAORDINARY
Named America's Best Beach in 2023 by Dr. Beach (Dr. Stephen Leatherman), Coast Guard Beach represents the absolute pinnacle of Cape Cod's beach experiences. This spectacular Atlantic Ocean beach within Cape Cod National Seashore combines pristine natural beauty, excellent facilities, and carefully managed access that maintains its wild character.
Coast Guard Beach earned its #1 ranking through exceptional combination of factors: pristine sand, excellent water quality, outstanding natural beauty, comprehensive facilities, lifeguard protection, and the National Park Service's exemplary management.
AMERICA'S #1 BEACH DISTINCTION
Dr. Beach Recognition: In 2023, Dr. Stephen Leatherman (Dr. Beach) named Coast Guard Beach the #1 Beach in America, recognizing its exceptional qualities across 50 evaluation criteria including sand quality, water temperature, surf conditions, environmental management, facilities, and natural beauty.
SUMMER SHUTTLE SYSTEM
Mandatory Shuttle Access (Peak Season): During summer months (typically late June through Labor Day), direct vehicle access to Coast Guard Beach is prohibited. All beach access requires using the free shuttle system from Little Creek parking area.
How the Shuttle Works:
- Park at Little Creek: Large parking area on Doane Road, Eastham
- Pay admission: $25 per vehicle (3-day pass valid at all National Seashore beaches)
- Board free shuttle: Frequent departures throughout the day
- 3-minute ride to beach
- Return when ready: Shuttles run continuously during beach hours
PRISTINE ATLANTIC BEACH EXPERIENCE
Exceptional Natural Beauty: Coast Guard Beach showcases Cape Cod's Atlantic coastline at its finest, with clean sand, clear ocean waters, dramatic dunes, and the constant rhythm of Atlantic waves.
GETTING THERE & ACCESS
Summer Access (Late June - Labor Day):
- Park: Little Creek parking area, Doane Road, Eastham
- GPS: 41.8356° N, 69.9689° W (Little Creek lot)
- Admission: $25 per vehicle (3-day pass)
- Shuttle: Free, frequent service to beach
Off-Season Access (September - June):
- Direct parking: Small lot at beach (approximately 30 spaces)
- Early arrival: Required on nice weather days
FACILITIES
- Restrooms: Modern, clean facilities
- Outdoor showers: Multiple rinse stations
- Changing rooms
- Lifeguards (summer season)
- First aid: Staffed stations
- No commercial concessions (National Park beach)
TRAILS & SURROUNDING ATTRACTIONS
Nauset Trail: 1.5-mile trail connects Coast Guard Beach to Salt Pond Visitor Center
Salt Pond Visitor Center: Cape Cod National Seashore's main visitor center with exhibits, films, and ranger programs
