SCUSSET BEACH STATE RESERVATION - BOURNE

Scusset Beach: Gateway to Cape Cod's Canal Views

QUICK FACTS

📍 Location: Scusset Beach Road, Sandwich, MA 02563
🎟️ Admission: $8 per vehicle (MA residents), $30 per vehicle (non-residents)
⏰ Hours: Dawn to dusk, year-round
🚗 Parking: Large paved parking lot (500+ spaces)
🏖️ Beach Type: Cape Cod Bay beach with views of Canal and Plymouth
⭐ Must-See Rating: 4/5 - Unique canal views, excellent facilities
🏕️ Camping: RV and tent camping available on-site
♿ Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with beach wheelchair available

WHAT MAKES SCUSSET BEACH SPECIAL

Scusset Beach offers a unique Cape Cod experience as the only beach where visitors can watch ships navigate the Cape Cod Canal while enjoying classic Cape Cod Bay swimming and sunbathing. Located at the mainland entrance to Cape Cod, this expansive state beach provides spectacular views across Cape Cod Bay to Plymouth and serves as the perfect introduction to Cape Cod's beach culture.

The beach spans over a mile of sandy shoreline with gentle Cape Cod Bay waves perfect for families with young children. The combination of canal boat traffic, distant lighthouse views, and traditional New England beach atmosphere creates an experience unavailable at any other Cape Cod location.

SWIMMING & BEACH CONDITIONS

Water Characteristics:

Temperature: Cape Cod Bay waters warm faster than Atlantic Ocean beaches
Waves: Generally gentle, perfect for young children and nervous swimmers
Tides: Significant tidal range reveals extensive tidal flats at low tide
Current: Minimal current near shore, stronger near canal entrance

Beach Features:

Sand Quality: Clean, fine sand typical of Cape Cod Bay beaches
Beach Width: Wide beach allows plenty of space even during busy periods
Natural Features: Dune grass areas and natural vegetation preserved
Wildlife: Excellent bird watching, especially during migration seasons

GETTING THERE & PARKING

Address: Scusset Beach Road, Sandwich, MA 02563
GPS Coordinates: 41.7694° N, 70.5186° W

Directions:

From Route 3 South: Take Exit 1 (Route 6A East)
Follow Route 6A East for 1.5 miles
Turn right on Scusset Beach Road
Follow signs to state beach entrance

Parking & Fees:

Daily Parking: $8 MA residents, $30 non-residents
Seasonal Pass: Available for frequent visitors
Large Lot: Accommodates 500+ vehicles including RVs

FACILITIES & AMENITIES

Restrooms: Clean, modern facilities near parking area
Changing Areas: Separate men's and women's changing rooms
Outdoor Showers: Rinse stations for sand and salt removal
Lifeguards: Supervised swimming area during summer season
Picnic Tables: Multiple tables with ocean views
Playground: Children's play equipment near beach entrance
Beach Wheelchair: Available for mobility-impaired visitors

CAMPING & EXTENDED STAYS

RV Camping: 98 RV sites with electrical hookups, accommodating RVs up to 35 feet

Tent Camping: Tent sites available in wooded areas adjacent to beach

Reservations: Required via ReserveAmerica.com or (877) 422-6762

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center
Bourne Bridge views
Cape Cod Canal Bike Path (6.5 miles)
Sandwich village (historic downtown)