The Lower Cape…Orleans
Who has not heard of Nauset Beach !! A favorite for sure.
Nauset is the classic ocean Cape Cod beach, part of the National Seashore. Great for beach walking and surfer watching. It’s a 10 mile stretch of gorgeous beach of soft white sand and crashing waves. In the summer while it can get crowded, with a bit of a walk, you can find open space. This is a local favorite to catch a sunrise.
In-Season: Tips to know
Grab your beach bag…. let’s go!
First…. Coffee
There’s a Dunkin on Rt 28, but check out our favorite local coffee spots.
- Our favorite is Hot Chocolate Sparrow, 5 Colony Way. Besides coffee, they offer breakfast and lunch.
- Also close by is the Hole in One on Main St/98 MA 6A, home of the hand-cut donuts, and other baked goods, a favorite is the apple fritters. Parking is in the back.
Pack the Cooler – Local Spots
- We love Friends Market Place at 57 Main St., there’s options for everyone for the perfect beach picnic. A wide selection of house-made sandwiches, salads, and bakery. There’s many vegan options and local foods and an interesting liquor section. A fun recent item was “Welcome to Brewster” beer. (Great food/take-home dinner options as well!).
- Nauset Farms at 199 Main St., closer to the beach, is also a great option. Serving breakfast, sandwiches, desserts and liquor. You can order online for easy pick up.
Beach
- Nauset Beach – 10 miles on the Atlantic Ocean of white sand
- Skaket Beach on Franz Rd on the bay side, is more tidal and the perfect place to watch the sunset.
More to know…
Hot Chocolate Sparrow, It is very popular and located on the bike path, a busy place so plan accordingly. They also have an Express shop around the corner if you are in a rush. For a special late morning treat, we love the house special Espresso Mocha Sparrow. Full disclosure… they are also a chocolate shop, with an amazing selection of sweet treats that make it hard to walk by without indulging yourself!
Hole in One There is parking in the back. Check out the specialty coffee, we especially love the coconut iced to go with an apple fritter.
After the beach… explore Orleans
Traveler’s Tip – In season, parking is at a premium in town. There is parking at the Staples parking lot and around town, park and explore Orleans village on foot.
Hungry?
There’s lots of choices in Orleans. Here are a few of our favorites, all casual, after-beach choices.
The Knack at 5 Rt 6A, close to the Orleans rotary for take-out lunch and dinner with limited seating available. Additional parking in the back (seasonal).
The Barley Neck at 5 Beach Rd close to Nauset Beach opens at 4:30, full sit-down restaurant, live music (check website).
Hog Island Beer Co at 28 West Rd a fun bar/raw bar/restaurant, outside dining, live music (check website).
The Lost Dog Pub at 63 Rt 6A/Rt 28 junction great pizza, burgers, pub menu, open late.
An Ice cream Stop?…
Icecream Cafe at 5 South Orleans Rd, homemade icecream with lots of options including vegan and gluten free.
Fun Favorites
If you are looking for a good local book, Sea Howl Book Shop at 46 Main St next to the Whole Food Store.
Beach theme shopping at Oceana at 1 Main St and Snow’s at 22 Main St and Sunset Leisure at 96 Rt 6A whimsical unique products to check out.
Check out Oceanair Himalayan Salt Cave at 34 Main St, 20,000 pounds of pink Himalayan salt while absorbing all 84 trace minerals, so relaxing. Walk-ins accepted based on availability or book an appointment online. A fun friend event!
Sunset – Don’t miss Rock Harbor for the best sunset !! On Wednesday nights throughout the summer a steel drum band performs for free from 6 pm to sunset.
Lodging
Options abound for lodging accommodations in this area! We wanted to call out a special place, Nauset Beach Inn at 237 Beach Rd . This is a quaint Inn, “old Cape Cod” and the only lodging in the National Seashore. The views are spectacular. An ocean view from every room, wake-up to the sunrise over the ocean horizon. There are expansive seating areas around a fire pit and a beautiful lawn sloping down to its own path to the beach. 5 Stars from the 3 Beach girls! See pictures above! They have great off-season rates. Check out the Drone photography on the Nauset Inn website – beautiful!
Let us know what you liked on your fun Orleans Beach Day!!
Special Events
Coming Soon…
