South Cape Beach State Park

I really enjoyed my visit here and gave it 4 stars for the well-maintained trails and scenic bay views. It’s a great spot if you’re looking for a low-key outdoor activity. Just be sure to check the specific dog-friendliness rules and restroom locations near the visitor center before you head out on the trails!

Really beautiful, serene Cape Cod beach. It is secluded from the main road. Beautiful weather in May before the official season starts and things get busy. Parking was simple and abundant (again, before the June summer season) and an easy, accessible walk to the beach. There are changing rooms and portable toilets near the parking lot. It's connected to Mashpee Town Beach (also nice) but the parking situation is different there. I wasn't prepared for all the seaweed and swarming mosquitoes, however. Could have just been that particular day/time. Definitely worth a visit. And yes, as many say, you can absolutely see Martha's Vineyard as clear as day.

The beach was a cold 20⁰ but the view was spectacular

Went off season and enjoyed this beautiful place to myself. Saw a large pod of seals off shore playing. Beautiful for bird watching, saw swans as well. Just a insanely magical experience.

Not easy to get to or find. South cape beach park is only 15 a day to park. Water is warm and there's lots of parking. A real Cape Cod hidden gem. Right across from Martha's vineyard, across the sound. Some good fishing off the beach too. Blues and stripers if your lucky

Went here for a night walk, which I’m not even sure is actually allowed, but even at night this beach is fantastic. When the tide isn’t drastically high the slope isn’t too bad and the dry area is fairly wide so you have a good bit to choose from. You can easily see Martha’s Vineyard from the shore and the water is balmy.

The beginning of April is not the best time to visit the Cape. All the public restrooms are closed. Many restaurants and activities are closed until May. It was chilly and windy, but we made the best of it! Beautiful views. We even saw a nesting bird.

Beautiful beach, it was out of season so we had the place to ourselves... Imagine it gets busy in season.

Hidden gem of the Cape! Why go to one of the crowded, overpriced beaches when you can come here?!?!? $7 a carload and the beach is gorgeous! There weren't many people there when I went which was perfect. The beach isn't wide so all spots are great spots! The only downfall is that there are no changing rooms/ showers. But it is still my favorite beach in the area!

Decided to stop by here after a late lunch since we were in the area. Saw the $40 price tag for out of state licenses, but that only applies during 9 to 5. The beach had some nice sand and is long, but narrow which made it nice to visit. A sign to restrict boogie boards and there is no lifeguard on duty. Not much on amenities here. Port-a-potties only and the changing rooms were closed (not clear if they are closed for the season). No snack bar either. It's a beautiful area, but just to visit.

So this beach gets 3 stars because 1. my state parks pass works for parking, 2. it's an ocean beach, which already puts it above others, and 3. it's long, so there's plenty of space to find your own quiet area. However, as others have said, it's not the best as it has tons of seaweed - which results in an unpleasant smell and lots of horseflies. In order to swim, I walked down to the Mashpee town beach section, where there was little to no seaweed. There I enjoyed a pleasant swim in perfect temperature ocean water. This section was more crowded, but I understand why.

July 18 2020 The red seaweed has rolled in unfortunately 2 weeks ago we had to go to the town beach (pass) for clean swim able water. The state beach was thick from shore to 25 ft out. Now the seaweed has taken over both Mashpee town and state beaches. Kids get scared . Can't take them in the water plus it smells ! The week looks hot temperature wise so it will be frustrating to try to cool off.

There are two "sides" to South Cape beach--the state side ($12 for Mass plates) and the Mashpee town side (resident sticker required). I have been to both, and in my opinion the Mashpee side is slightly better because it is less rocky, but they're both on the same stretch. The waters are really refreshing, but there is usually an ample amount of seaweed, so be prepared. The Mashpee town beach has lifeguards during the summer season but the state beach never had any on duty during the few times I've been there. The beach is very clean and I hardly ever see any trash. The ice cream truck also makes frequent appearances!

Don't bother with this place. Bugs, seaweed, crowded and very little space between water and sand dunes. We have travelled the cape extensively over the past 10 years so we get "Cape" beaches. I don't mind the rocks and the crowds but this place has nothing to offer. Try anywhere else. Very disappointed.

Nice beach, not crowded and very clean.... $12 parking and a nice board walk from lot to the beach makes getting there with stuff easy.

This is one of my favorite beaches on Cape Cod. It has a large gay section, which is not commonly known by many. It is to the far right as you're facing the water pass the wooden walkway over the dunes. You will see several guys spread out throughout the beach however you must stay off the dunes. This was once known as a nude beach however it is patrolled and suits must be worn at all times. The local harbormaster will also go by his boat and look for nude bathers. It's a great place for the first time gay beachgoer or for the more advanced openly gay men. Just make sure you behave yourself.