The first national seashore managed beach you’ll reach as you travel up route 6 from the bridges is coast guard beach in Eastham. coast guard beach’s picturesque dunes and sand quality consistently rank it on lists of the top 10 beaches in the United States.
It’s a bit of a hassle to park since you need to take a shuttle. But the beach is worth it. Long stretches of pristine beach framed by crashing surf and grassy sand dunes.
The salt pond visitor center is located near coast guard beach, and can provide you with helpful information to plan activities during your cape code vacation.
coast guard beach in eastham: parking and beach shuttle info
Parking at Coast Guard is unique among the seashore beaches.
Coast Guard beach’s main parking area was lost due to erosion in the 1970’s. There is a shuttle that delivers beach goers from the newer parking area to the beach. Shuttles run constantly but can become busy at peak times. Note that dogs are not allowed on the shuttle, so pet owners will need to walk from the main lot.
Coast Guard beach has a large enough parking lot area so you will always find parking even during the height of the summer beach season.
coast guard beach dog rules
The cape cod national seashore beaches all share the same dog rules and regualtions:
- Dogs are allowed beyond the lifeguard protected sections of the beach all summer long
- Dogs are required to remain leashed – 6 foot leash max. Tickets are given to violators, so be aware.
- Pets not allowed on areas closed for nesting shorebirds
- Clean up poop!
Before trying to plan a trip to Coast Guard Beach be sure to check out the National Seashore’s dogs info page learn the latest pet restrictions due to nesting birds.
If this beach is closed to dogs there usually are several other National Seashore options that still have pet access.
coast guard beach parking fee info
The u.s. national park service has made access to the coast guard beach and the cape cod seashore beaches affordable to all visitors. a one-day parking pass or season-long pass for your vehicle can be purchased. There are also beach fees for walk-ins, bicycles, and motorcycles.
If you are over 65 you are eligible for a lifetime national parks pass for $10 which grants access to you and all passengers in your car. There are also free weekends at the beginning and end of each season.
All of the National Seashore beaches have several free admission days in the summer, check their site for exact dates. You can also access the beach after 4:30pm for free.
The money from sticker fees at coast guard beach is directed back to the national seashore beaches to provide the bathrooms, changing rooms, outdoor showers, lifeguards and park rangers that keep the park safe, clean and enjoyable for the thousands of visitors who enjoy these unspoiled cape cod beaches each year.
salt pond national seashore visitor center in eastham
The salt pond visitor center is located near the entrance to coast guard beach, adjacent to route 6.
A large sign on the eastbound side of the roadway near the stop lights at the salt pond visitor center will inform you of the parking lot capacity at Coast Guard and the other seashore beaches further up the highway.
would you like to share pictures of your dog playing at coast guard beach or other pet-friendly cape cod national seashore beaches? please email us
