Image may be subject to copyright

Great Local Beaches

Harwich and the surrounding towns are filled with a number of excellent beaches for you to explore. Most of them offer unforgettable views of Nantucket Sound and all the amenities you need for an enjoyable, and safe, day at the beach. Below, we've listed a few of our favorite Harwich-area beaches for you to consider visiting when you stay with us at Handkerchief Shoals Inn.

From Memorial Day until Labor Day, beach (parking) stickers are typically required at any Harwich beach with parking spaces available. A day-pass parking sticker can be purchased on-site at Red River Beach, Earle Road Beach, and Pleasant Road Beach. (If you walk or bike to a Harwich beach, no fee is required.) Forest Beach, in Chatham, Massachusetts, does not have a parking fee.

Image may be subject to copyright

Red River Beach

Location: Red River Beach, Harwich, MA
Distance from Us: 0.5 miles (via Deep Hole Road)

Red River Beach is one of our area's most popular beaches, and for good reason. The sand is soft, the water is warm, and the views of Nantucket Sound are fantastic. This is an excellent beach for enjoying swimming, playing in the waves, or paddling a canoe or kayak. Red River Beach is one of Harwich's largest beaches, so, even with its popularity, it doesn't usually feel crowded.

Lifeguards are on duty in season. You can usually pick up a snack since mobile food vendors are allowed at the beach. This location has plenty of parking, with 198 parking spaces available. Day stickers are available. Restrooms are on-site, including handicap-accessible restrooms. Red River Beach also has a canoe/kayak launch.

Bank Street Beach

Location: 16 Bank St, Harwich Port, MA
Distance from Us: 1.7 miles

Bank Street Beach is a relatively large beach that is very popular with folks in the Harwich area. This beach offers clean, soft sand and wonderful views of Nantucket Sound. Bank Street Beach is a nice place to take a stroll along the coastline, fly a kite, or fish in the typically calm surf.

Lifeguards are on duty in season. Mobile food vendors are also allowed here. Parking at Bank Street Beach can be a challenge. While 60 parking spaces are available, the beach is very popular and can be crowded, at times. Day stickers are NOT sold here. Restrooms are on-site, including handicap-accessible restrooms.

Image may be subject to copyright

Forest Beach

Distance from Us: 1.8 miles

Forest Beach is a small, quiet beach, typically frequented by locals. Located on Nantucket Sound, it's a great place to enjoy swimming, relaxing, or taking a walk on the beach. There is also a bird estuary nearby.

Forest Beach has no lifeguards on duty and no public restrooms. Forest Beach has a small parking lot, with a limited number of spaces, but parking is free: No parking pass is required.

If you're looking to escape the crowds found at other beaches, you'll definitely want to check out Forest Beach.

If you liked this article, check out these articles as well!

Image may be subject to copyright

Local Fishing

Image may be subject to copyright

The Best Hiking Trails on Cape Cod

Image may be subject to copyright

Cape Cod Lighthouses