Cahoon Hollow Beach on Cape Cod is one of the most beautiful and fun places to visit. Why? Well, because it offers incredible views of the Atlantic coastline, has dramatic sand dunes, doesn’t necessarily get as busy as some of the other beaches, and it’s also home to The Beachcomber Restaurant & Bar. I mean, what more could you need for the perfect beach day?
Located in Wellfleet in the Outer Cape, Cahoon Hollow is also flanked by coastline along the Cape Cod National Seashore, which is the most beautiful part of the region. It’s most definitely a place you want to have on your radar when you come to visit, and this post is all about things to know when planning your day at this gorgeous beach.
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APRIL 2023 UPDATE: It’s been mandated for the summer 2023 season that no alcohol will be permitted on Cahoon Hollow Beach for public safety reasons.
11 Things To Know When Visiting Cahoon Hollow Beach
1. It’s GORGEOUS
I know I’ve already said this in the intro, but it bears repeating – Cahoon Hollow Beach is really gorgeous.
When you first arrive at the beach, you’re actually up high in the sand dunes looking down onto the shoreline, so you get a pretty epic panoramic view right from the start. I think the tallest sand dune here is actually 75 feet high! And once you make your way down to the water, you really feel the height of the dunes, which just adds even more to the already impressive scenery.
And of course, since this is an Atlantic Ocean beach, the water is beautiful and seemingly endless. You can walk along the shoreline here for quite a bit, too.
2. It’s Home To The Beachcomber Restaurant & Bar
Even though its beauty warrants a visit on its own, Cahoon Hollow Beach is probably most known for The Beachcomber, which is a casual bar and restaurant that sits right at the top of the beach.
Not only is The Beachcomber fun to visit because of how close it is to the beach, it’s also a fun place to hang out, and you can order takeout to bring down to the beach for the perfect beach picnic.
At The Beachcomber, you’ll also find one of their most popular drinks, the Goombay Smash. This drink is actually harder to come by in the U.S. It originated in the Bahamas, and that’s also where I had it for the first time (and subsequently, fell in love with it). The Goombay Smash is a mix of different rums and pineapple juice, and depending on where you get it, it may also have some other citrus juices and bitters. And guys, it’s goooooood. Perfect for a hot summer day!
In addition to a great drink and cocktail list, though, you’ll find awesome seafood, a raw bar and yummy pub-style dishes on their menu. Everything I’ve ever had here has been delicious and fresh. I mean, is it one of the top 5 restaurants on the Cape? No. But it’s still really good.
In the evenings, they’ll often have live music, so if you’re looking for a more relaxed visit, you’ll want to swing by during the day. Just keep in mind that they tend to play music that’s not super loud, but not quiet, either. It definitely has a lively vibe, even in the afternoons.
One thing to note about The Beachcomber is that there are no views of the water from the tables. I always like to let people know this because when you see pictures, you assume that it’ll have epic views from your table. But that’s not the case. When you’re sitting at the bar, you can sneak a peak of the water and the horizon, but there are no direct (or even great) water views from the restaurant.
3. Cahoon Hollow Beach Parking Is Tricky (But Here Are Some Tips!)
Most people are confused by the beach parking at Cahoon Hollow, and I totally get it – so was I on my first visit. But I’m here to help! Here’s the deal:
Regardless of why you’re at the beach, whether it’s for the actual beach only, or you just want to eat at The Beachcomber, or visit both the beach and restaurant, all the parking is the same. And it’s very limited. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Parking costs $30* per vehicle between 9am-6pm, and after 6pm, parking is free.
- But don’t fret at the price to park! Your parking fee comes with a voucher to use at The Beachcomber, and all $30 can be applied to your purchase of food and merchandise (unfortunately, it can’t be used toward alcohol). But even if you have two people in your group, you can easily spend $30 on food. And if you’re not there for the food, buy a hoodie! In a nutshell, if you plan to dine at The Beachcomber, your parking is essentially free because of the voucher.
*Prices as of 2024. Please check The Beachcomber website for updated information prior to your visit.
Tips for Parking at Cahoon Hollow Beach & The Beachcomber:
- Get there early. That goes without saying, right? If you want a spot, you really need to get there by 11am at the latest in the summer. After that, the parking lot is likely to be full. I usually try to get there between 9-10am in the summer.
- My suggestion is, if you want to eat at The Beachcomber, arrive early to enjoy the beach in the morning, and then grab a table for lunch. Then, you have flexibility to leave for the day, or stay and continue to enjoy the beach.
- You’ve paid for the day, so you can stay as long as you want!
- Sometimes, I’ve had luck getting parking in the late afternoon, between 3-4pm. Usually, beachgoers are leaving around this time, and it’s also not quite lunch time, and not quite dinner time. This would allow you to enjoy the beach for a few hours, and then grab dinner at The Beachcomber.
- Parking begins to fill up again after 6pm when they stop charging, and everyone begins to pile back in for drinks and dinner. So keep this in mind if you want to have dinner here.
What To Do When Cahoon Hollow Beach Parking Is Full?
Unfortunately, your only real option is to visit another beach. The Beachcomber and Cahoon Hollow parking attendants don’t let you wait in the street for a spot to open unless they know someone is leaving. So if you arrive and are told the lot is full, you’ll have to leave.
But there are a few things to consider when the lot is full:
- You can circle a few times and try your luck. I did this once on a summer day in July, and got lucky. I pulled up, found out the lot of full, was told to try again later, and came back about 5-10 minutes after to find that a spot just opened up. The roads in this area are scenic, driving around is pretty easy on the eyes 🙂
- You can park at White Crest Beach, which is about 1 mile down the road. From here, you can either walk up to Cahoon Hollow on a narrow road, or choose to stay at White Crest Beach. I’ve seen people lugging all their beach gear from this lot to Cahoon Hollow, and honestly, it doesn’t seem fun. But if you’re full of energy and don’t want to wait for a spot, it may be worth it. Just know that the roads in this area are more narrow with minimal to no shoulders.
- If you do park at White Crest, there is a daily fee, but it can NOT be applied to your bill at The Beachcomber. So this option will cost you extra money.
- You can spend the day site sighting in this area (scroll to the end of the post for ideas!), or lounging at another beach. Then come back between 2-4pm to see if some spots have opened up at Cahoon Hollow. It’s unfortunately just a waiting game, but it’s a great area to be stuck in because there are some lovely things to do.
4. The Beachcomber Is Worth It, Too
So, you may be wondering, is The Beachcomber worth all the effort and planning? My vote is YES. I’m actually not a big crowds/loud bars/busy place person, but for some reason, I really enjoy The Beachcomber.
I think the food is great (the raw bar is especially good), and I love getting a Goombay Smash and delicious lunch here in the middle of my beach day. I’m personally not a big fan of the evening scene here (because, well, hi .. I’m an introvert 😂), but I don’t find the daytime scene to be overwhelming.
And it’s honestly really nice to have such a beautiful beach to enjoy all day long, and not have to worry about packing my own food because The Beachcomber is right there. I also love that you get a voucher to redeem for food and merch with your parking, and most other beaches will charge you a fee to park, anyway (without this fun perk!).
If you’re unsure, I would say, give it a go once, and plan to arrive early so the experience is as stress-free as possible.
Pro Tip: Expect a wait for a table at The Beachcomber. Usually during weekdays in July and August, we wait about 20-30 minutes for a table at prime lunch time (between noon and 2pm). However, there is full service at the bar, and if you can snag some barstools and don’t mind eating there, you may not have to wait at all.
5. Yes, There Are Shark Sightings (But You’ll Be Fine)
One thing I hear a lot from people when planning to visit the Atlantic beaches on Cape Cod is, “I’m so scared of the sharks!” And I totally get it. Who wouldn’t be at least a little concerned? And here’s the thing: there have been shark sightings at Cahoon Hollow Beach.
And even more full disclosure: Newcomb Hollow Beach is just down the road, and that’s the site of the latest shark attack that resulted in a fatality, and made national news.
I absolutely do not say these things to scare you, but I do say them so you can be aware. Having frequently visited the Cape for so many years in all seasons, and mostly swimming in the Atlantic beaches, here’s my take on sharks at the beaches:
Be aware, be smart, but don’t let it ruin your fun.
The park service is actually really great at watching for shark activity in the waters. I mean, Cape Cod is a beach destination that relies on summer tourism – no one wants anyone to get hurt for a variety of reasons. So, they take this very seriously. If there’s been a recent shark sighting, the beach will close down until experts are certain the shark has moved on.
In fact, Cape Cod has only seen a few attacks and one fatality in the last 70-80 years, so your chances are very, very low for any kind of encounter with a shark.
This is what I do to stay safe when swimming in Atlantic waters on Cape Cod:
- Don’t swim alone. If there’s no one else in the water, I won’t go in, especially if seals are nearby. This almost never happens, though, because everyone loves the water on Cape Cod in the summer.
- If you see seals, stay away from them. Sharks don’t naturally hunt humans. They’re hunting for seals. And you will often see seals swimming at the Atlantic beaches. For their safety, and yours, stay away from them, and enjoy watching them from the shoreline (they are super cute to watch).
- Don’t swim out further than anyone else. Sharks don’t typically hunt for food in shallow water. They prefer deeper areas. My rule of thumb is, don’t be the furthest one out.
I’ve personally never felt unsafe swimming at the Cape beaches, even after the tragic attack that happened recently. But you should absolutely have awareness, and follow all safety protocol, but then, allow yourself to have fun and enjoy it.
6. There’s A Steep Walk Down A Sand Dune To The Beach
To get down to the shoreline and beach at Cahoon Hollow, you have to walk down a pretty steep sand dune. This is not going to be easy for those with sore joints or mobility limitations.
And just remember, if you get down, you’ll have to get back up! The only way to get back up with all your beach gear is to climb up the sand dune. You’ll often see people standing off to the side out of breath (I’m usually one of them 😂), so this is something to keep in mind.
Most people should be able to do it, though. You’ll just want to go slowly.
7. The Water Is Usually Pretty Cold
This is the Atlantic Ocean in the Northeast, after all. If you’re visiting for the first time, the water will likely feel cold. This stretch of coastline is just … chilly. There’s really no other way to put it. I personally enjoy it because I don’t tolerate summer heat very well. And yes, it feels frigid getting in sometimes, but once I’m in, I usually adjust pretty quickly.
The average ocean temperature at Cahoon Hollow is about 67°F in July & August. If you visit in September, it will probably be a bit warmer after having been heated by the sun all summer long. But generally, most people find it pretty cold.
8. Yes, It’s Usually Crowded, But Can Feel Secluded
There’s no other way to say it – this beach can get pretty crowded on weekends. Sometimes on Saturdays, coach buses will drop off loads of people, so even with limited parking spots, it can still feel busy.
However, there’s SO much room to spread out, and most people stick to the lifeguarded area. If you walk just a bit further down, it can feel pretty secluded. In full honesty, I sometimes feel like Cahoon Hollow is more serene and less busy on weekdays than other popular beaches on Cape Cod like Mayflower. I almost never feel like it’s too busy on a weekday, even in July and August.
I’ve actually spent plenty of summer days here without a single person even close to my beach tent. It’s very relaxing!
So really, it can pretty much cater to everyone’s preferences. You can certainly stick close to the entrance and enjoy a bit more of a party scene, or walk down further away, and only have a few people near you.
9. Dogs Are Allowed At Cahoon Hollow Beach … But There Are Some Rules
If you’re hoping to bring your furry friend with you to Cahoon Hollow Beach, you can! But, the rules vary by season, and it’s good to know what to expect. Here are some things to know about bringing your pup with you:
- In the summer, dogs are allowed on Cahoon Hollow Beach outside of the lifeguarded areas.
- In lifeguarded areas, dogs are allowed before 9am and after 5pm (basically, don’t bring your pup with you during the day in the summer).
- Outside of the summer months, dogs are always permitted at the beach as long as they follow all other behavior rules (must be leashed, owners must pick-up after them, and pup must be well-behaved and not bother other beachgoers).
10. There Are Lifeguards & Volleyball Nets
Speaking of lifeguards, you’ll find those at Cahoon Hollow! There is a lifeguarded area right at the entrance of the beach, so you can rest assured that shark activity and safety are being monitored. Lifeguards are only at the beach, though, during the summer, and during the day (usually 9am-4/5pm).
There are also volleyball nets for all to use! These are right at the entrance, too, so you don’t have to go far to use them. Just bring your own ball, and you’re all set.
11. You Can Use The Bathrooms At The Beachcomber
While there are portable bathrooms at the entrance to the beach in the summer season, no one actually wants to use them, right? Good news! Beachgoers are able to use the bathrooms at The Beachcomber restaurant.
Just be respectful and try to clean sand off your feet, use proper footwear and help to keep the bathrooms clean for all to enjoy.
So, Is Cahoon Hollow Beach Worth It?
As I’m sure you’ve guessed, I think so! It’s one of my personal favorite beaches on Cape Cod. And while I’ve already confirmed earlier in the post that The Beachcomber is also worth it, I love coming here for both the beach and the restaurant.
That said, I understand it’s not for everyone. I do avoid this beach on weekends because I’ve heard it can be a lot more busy and bustling. It’s also not ideal for those with mobility limitations because of the steep climb down.
But, if you’re thinkin’ this beach is up your alley, or it’s at least piqued your interest, I highly encourage you to visit.
What Other Beaches Are Near Cahoon Hollow?
When you’re at Cahoon Hollow, you’re also pretty close to some other great beaches in the Outer Cape. Here are some more to check out when in the area:
- Newcomb Hollow Beach (5-minute drive)
- White Crest Beach (2-3 minute drive)
- Lecount Hollow Beach (5 minute drive, town-resident or sticker required for parking)
- Marconi Beach (10-12 minute drive, National Park Services beach)
- Nauset Lighthouse Beach (15-minute drive)
- Ballston Beach (15-17 minute drive)
More Fun Things To Do Near Cahoon Hollow Beach
In addition to all the awesome beaches nearby, there are also some really great attractions, restaurants and sites to check out near Cahoon Hollow. Here are some places I recommend adding to your list when in the area:
- Marconi Wireless Station Sites (great views from here!)
- Cedar Swap Trail (same parking lot as Marconi Wireless Stations)
- Wellfleet’s downtown (very small, but cute little shops and atmosphere!)
- Wellfleet Harbor – there are some fun places to eat here, including Mac’s on the Pier
- Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
- Moby Dick’s seafood restaurant
- Great Wing Trail (epic Cape Cod hiking trail)
- Ice Cream at the Savory & Sweet Cafe
- Nauset Lighthouse (15 minutes south of the beach)
- All the amazing things to do in Provincetown are only about 25 minutes from Cahoon Hollow Beach, too 🙂
Here are some more of my Cape Cod posts you may find helpful:
- Best Time To Visit Cape Cod
- Best Towns To Stay In On Cape Cod
- What To Pack For Cape Cod
- Top Things To Do On Cape Cod For First-Time Visitors
- Best Things To Do In Chatham, MA
- Gorgeous Sunsets On Cape Cod
- Ultimate List Of The Best Things To Do On Cape Cod
- Best Lobster Rolls On Cape Cod
- Best Places To See Seals On Cape Cod
- Ultimate Guide To The Cape Cod National Seashore Beaches
And here are some guides to Cape Cod towns you may also enjoy:
- Best Things To Do In Wellfleet, MA
- Best Things To Do In Harwich, MA
- Best Things To Do In Dennis, MA
- Best Things To Do In Falmouth, MA
- Best Things To Do In Brewster, MA
- Best Things To Do In Provincetown, MA
- Best Things To Do In Chatham, MA
- Best Things To Do In Sandwich, MA
- Best Things To Do In Eastham, MA
- Best Things To Do In Orleans, MA
That’s A Wrap On Visiting Cahoon Hollow Beach
Now you’re ready to plan the perfect day at Cahoon Hollow Beach! This beach is honestly worth the effort to plan your visit and find parking – the views from the top of the sand dunes are amazing, and that’s just when you first arrive. Between the food and drinks available at The Beachcomber, and the gorgeous shoreline, it’s one of the best beaches to see on the Cape.
