A sun-soaked vacation on Massachusetts’s Cape Cod begins with the right place to stay. And in a region famous for its coastline, there are a slew of options by the sand, from old-school motels to plush resorts. Looking for grand seaside views? There are plenty of choices in that area, too. Read on for our lineup of the best Cape Cod hotels on the beach.
After the tykes have had their fill of the tennis courts, the private quarter-mile beach, biking, and multitude of water sports, they can jump into hands-on and educational activities galore. All summer long, the Chatham resort offers a full slate of programs that run from seal-watching to clam digging to scavenger hunts, all led by CPR-and-first-aid-certified instructors who seem to be having nearly as much fun as the kids. Named a 2017 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best Family Lodging.”
Simple decor with retro touches is a reminder that this Provincetown beachfront motel was originally built as a Holiday Inn. Rooms are set aside for pet owners, and various configurations, including connecting rooms, ease family sleeping arrangements. Bring sticks and marshmallows to toast at the fire pit. Named a 2015 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best Child- and Pet-Friendly Lodging.”
This AAA Four Diamond resort in Brewster is a seaside oasis where amenities include a private beach and a lively beach bar. Inside, it’s a kind of choose-your-own adventure, as this high-end destination features both finely appointed guest rooms and two- and three-bedroom villas. Take some sunset selfies at an evening beach campfire. Collect sea-fresh oysters. Hit the Cape’s famous bike trails. Test your skills at the Jack Nicklaus–designed 18-hole golf course. Or just take to the sand with a good book, and relish this lavish opportunity to unplug.
This 128-room hotel in West Yarmouth offers a variety of accommodations, from Jacuzzi suites to larger, family-oriented connected spaces. Amenities include pools, an on-site pub, a fitness center, a game room, and a beachside fire pit.
Renovated in 2017, the Edgewater in Dennis Port features more than 300 feet of private beachfront, as well as multiple pools and spa services just steps from the rolling Atlantic. Studios, one-bedrooms, and two-bedrooms are available.
This popular oceanfront hotel in Falmouth features 11 spacious rooms, eight of which offer straight-on water views; all have private baths, while five include private balconies. Don’t pass on the inn’s famously large breakfast — it’s a beautiful way to start your day on the beach.
Good news, dog lovers. The Sea Crest in North Falmouth caters to not only beach lovers but also pooch owners as well. Choose from standard rooms and family suites, with king or double beds — or if you’re traveling with a large group, the Cape Cod Cottage can serve as an ideal home base.
Perched by Nantucket Sound, this resort in South Yarmouth (the Red Jacket chain owns five other Cape hotels) is situated on a thousand feet of private beach. The rooms are cozy, but the property is a prime family destination, with on-site restaurant, spa, multiple pools, counselor-led kids’ activities, and a nearby boat launch. For some off-campus fun, explore the caves and waterfalls at the nearby Pirate’s Cove mini golf.
Let us know your favorite Cape Cod hotels in the comments below!
This post was first published in 2019 and has been updated.