Longnook Beach

Nice quiet beach (we were in June though) There is a hill to go down to the beach and it's not easy or at least not for everyone. Young kids or old people might have a hard time climbing back to the parking lot.

Gorgeous dunes and ocean overlooks (for the price of a steep dune climb), but direct access to the beach was closed for safety reasons when we visited.

A new favorite on the Cape, especially off season. We were there on two separate days in late September, once first thing in the morning to watch the sunrise and another day in the afternoon. On both days we probably saw less than 20 people during the 4ish hours we were there. A little bit of a chore getting to and from the parking lot but well worth it once we were on the beach. Water was still plenty warm for swimming too. Lots of seals swimming though so be shark aware.

If you are looking for a spectacular beach surrounded by huge sand dunes you might consider checking out Longnook Beach. After 4pm you don’t need a special resident permit. When we were there we spotted a few seals in the water. I was very impressed by the rules in place for social distancing and the insistence of wearing masks.

Coming from the west coast of Canada, I haven’t been able to stop talking about this place since visiting. Absolutely amazing spot. Panoramic views, big Atlantic seals, great swimming, friendly people everywhere, fruit stands on the way in. Loved it.

Just a 1/2 mile down from the Longnook entrance to the beach is a great nude beach. There aren’t usually more than 8 or 10 people there, and it’s a cool way to make some friends, too.

Visited Longnook Beach at the end of September and we were so stunned by the place. Beautiful dunes, big waves, and a couple of seals swimming close to shore!

Great beach, but be aware that as of August 2024 that the BEACH IS CLOSED. The dunes that give access to the beach have deteriorated too much. No word yet on when exactly it will reopen.