Here for the Waves

If waves are what draw you to the beach, Cape Cod’s Atlantic shoreline is where you want to be. While many Cape beaches are calm and bay-facing, the outer beaches feel active and alive, shaped by open-ocean winds and rolling summer swells. These are beaches for surfers, bodyboarders, strong swimmers, and anyone who prefers the sound and motion of breaking waves over glassy water. This page highlights the Cape Cod beaches that consistently deliver that energy during the summer months.

Marconi Beach - Marconi Beach Road, Wellfleet
Marconi Beach is where Cape Cod’s cliffs meet the Atlantic and where summer surf often surprises people. The steep shoreline and open exposure create punchy, energetic waves, especially when onshore winds kick up. It’s a favorite for bodyboarders and adventurous swimmers, and even when conditions aren’t perfect for surfing, the wave action here is visually spectacular. If you’re here for the sound, power, and movement of the ocean, Marconi delivers.

Nauset Beach - 250 Beach Rd, Orleans

If you’re serious about waves, Nauset is the name you’ll hear again and again. This long, exposed stretch of coastline consistently picks up Atlantic swell, producing larger, more powerful waves than many other Cape beaches especially in mid to late summer. Conditions can change quickly here, which is exactly why surfers love it. On the right day, Nauset delivers fast-breaking waves, strong currents, and a raw, untamed ocean feel that defines the Outer Cape.

Coast Guard Beach - 2 Ocean View Drive, Eastham

One of the most famous beaches on Cape Cod and for good reason. Coast Guard Beach faces directly into the Atlantic, making it one of the most reliable spots for summer waves. On breezy days, you’ll find clean, rolling surf that’s ideal for longboards, bodyboarding, and casual summer sessions. This beach balances great wave action with wide sandy shoreline, so even on busy days it never feels cramped. Add in dramatic dunes and sweeping ocean views, and it’s a classic Cape experience for wave lovers.

Quick Note
These beaches are all Atlantic-facing and located on the Outer Cape, where open-ocean exposure creates consistent movement and wave action throughout the summer. Conditions are highly dependent on wind, tides, and offshore swell, meaning some days are mellow while others bring stronger surf and noticeable currents. Because of this, these beaches are best suited for surfers, bodyboarders, strong swimmers, and visitors who enjoy an active shoreline rather than calm water. Parking is regulated during peak season, though all beaches are public with walk-on access available. As with most Outer Cape beaches, conditions can change quickly, so swimming near lifeguards and paying attention to posted advisories is essential.