A Cape Cod beach ranked among the 10 best in the U.S., according to ‘Dr. Beach’

It's part of the Cape Cod National Seashore.

Coast Guard Beach in Eastham. Margo Tabb

May 24, 2024

Dr. Beach has again analyzed America’s beaches ahead of the summer season, and a Cape Cod stretch of sand remains among the best in the land.

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Dr. Stephen Leatherman, also known as “Dr. Beach,” released his annual list of the top 10 beaches in America, and Coast Guard Beach in Eastham, part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, ranked No. 9.

Coast Guard Beach moved up the list this year after placing No. 10 on last year’s list.

Leatherman is a professor and director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University. Since 1991, he has released a list of America’s best beaches ahead of Memorial Day weekend.

He rates the beaches using 50 criteria scored on a five-point scale, analyzing factors such as sand softness, beach shape, water color, views and vistas, amenities, rip currents, and number of sunny days.

Here’s what Dr. Beach wrote about Coast Guard Beach:

“Coast Guard Beach, accessible by bicycle or shuttle bus from the Salt Pond Visitor’s Center, was formed where a sand spit attached to the glacial cliffs. The sand is fairly coarse so the beach slopes steeply into the water. The picturesque old Coast Guard station still sits atop the glacial bluffs, allowing for a spectacular view down upon the Nauset Spit barrier system and bay. During the summer, beach-goers take quick, refreshing dips in the ocean as water temperatures only reach 60-70 degrees.”
— Dr. Beach

The No. 1 beach in America is Duke Kahanamoku Beach in Oahu, Hawaii.

Traveling to Eastham this season? From lighthouses to beaches to hiking trails, discover 5 great things to do while visiting the Cape Cod town. Visiting other parts of the Cape? Check out the best beach in every Cape Cod town, according to local experts.

View Dr. Beach’s list of 10 best beaches in America.