East Sandwich Beach
Sandwich, MA
East Sandwich Beach lies along North Shore Boulevard, tucked behind a low line of protective dunes. Water on the Cape Cod Bay side is usually calm and shallow, and the beach draws a lighter crowd than the town's boardwalk beach farther west. Sunset views over the bay are the main draw.
Calm water and small crowds make it a fine bay option, but limited parking and few facilities keep it a 3.
How we score beachesBay tides go out a long way here. Time your swim for the two hours around high tide, when the water is deepest and warmest.
A Sandwich beach sticker or daily pass is needed in season, roughly 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Parking near the beach entrance is limited.
A short sandy path leads over the dunes to the beach. There is no boardwalk, so loose sand makes it tough for wheelchairs.
August is usually best for swimming, once the bay has warmed. Early fall often brings the clearest days and lightest crowds.
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