Photo: mgstanton

The perfect spot to take a stroll on Cape Cod, the iconic Sandwich Boardwalk is extremely popular, especially during the summer months. In fact, it’s on National Geographic’s list of the top 10 boardwalks in the nation.

It just so happens it’s the only boardwalk on the list without food or rides. Instead, visitors simply enjoy the scenic surroundings, including birdwatching and the sounds of the tide.

Constructed of hundreds of wooden planks, the more than 1,300-foot long boardwalk stretches over beach grass and salt marsh before connecting up to the beach. Although many view the boardwalk as simply a scenic location, it has a more practical purpose.

It actually helps with beach erosion. Instead of trampling the dunes and

It’s surely a name you won’t forget, but Thumpertown traces its roots to an entirely spiritual beginning. It’s said the name Thumpertown in North Eastham originated with the old-time revival meetings once held in the area.

In the mid 1800s, a 10-acre lot in North Eastham played host to some spirited Methodist revival meetings on the beach. The “thumping” and hollering of those visitors, in turn, lead to the coining of Thumpertown.

Some of the largest revivals drew in thousands of people and well more than 100 ministers to the area. Worshippers came from Cape Cod, and as far away as Boston.

Many of them erected tents at the site, all drawn to the area for a similar purpose. To this day, the old Thumpertown namesake still marks a road in North

Known by some as the flower cottages, the Days’ Cottages in Truro are truly part of an iconic Cape community. A staple in the area since the early 1930s, the cottages offer perhaps some of the best and most immediate access to the sand and water.

Identical from the outside, the 22 cottages are right on the beach between North Truro and Provincetown. Standing all in a row, the cottages have no doubt been the subjects of countless photographs over the years, and they have quite a story to tell.

The Days’ Cottages are all painted white with green shutters, but they’re individually recognized by their names. The original owners named each after its own flower, giving some individualized identity to the Truro beach cottages.

After all, it’s hard

Popular for its bay beaches, its deep-sea fishing and its quaint location, historic East Dennis is filled with generations of charm. Steep in history, it’s not hard to take a step back in time when visiting or laying down roots in the region.

As one of the five villages of Dennis, East Dennis is known for its historic homes and businesses. Generations ago, the old Shiverick’s Shipyard sat in East Dennis. A plaque now marks the spot, plus another plaque indications the location of the very first salt works business in the area.

The landmark Evangelical Free Church still stands on Center Street, as do a number of historic old homes. In fact, many locals in East Dennis can trace their families on the Cape back for generations.

The coveted Sesuit

With the incredible opportunity to play right on Cape Cod Bay, Sea Pines serves up easy access to swimming, sailing and other popular beach activities. Boasting its own private sandy beach, this also allows for kayaking, fishing and clamming, plus the enjoyment of exploring the Brewster tidal pools during low tide.

Those staying at Sea Pines also enjoy the property’s very own seasonal swimming pool and clubhouse, plus a fitness center and several tennis courts. Condo fees at Sea Pines take care of access to the beach and other on-site amenities, while also helping to promote a low-maintenance lifestyle on the Cape. In addition, residents also have the opportunity for boat mooring on Cape Cod Bay and the community provides space for seasonal kayak

Ideal for cooling off in the water, soaking up some sun on the sand or searching for shells, a visit to Brewster isn’t complete without visiting some of its beautiful beaches. One of the biggest reasons to visit is perhaps to see the famous Brewster tidal flats, some of the largest in all of North America. However, there’s much more to see and experience in the Brewster area.

Good choices for visitors include Breakwater Beach, known for its soft sand and calm water. You’ll find a number of tidal flats and pools to explore during low tide at this popular beach.

There’s also the option of Crosby Beach, one of the largest beaches in Brewster and recommended for families. This beach also features warm, calm water and soft sand, best experienced during the

A favorite of locals and visitors alike, Ballston Beach just gained top honors when it comes to the Cape’s best beaches. The designation from Cape Cod Magazine details the ’20 Best Beaches on Cape Cod’, with Truro’s Ballston Beach listed in the top spot.

The Atlantic-facing beach is praised for its endless sand, stretching out along the Cape Cod National Seashore. It’s also pointed out that this picturesque beach is quiet and peaceful, with small waves, cliffs, and even sandbars at low tide.

Situated at the end of a residential road and flanked by hills, the large beach is also praised for its soft sand and its spacious appeal. A great place for boogie boarding and for surfing, you won’t find a boardwalk or space to picnic, but you will find plenty of room

Protected Herring Cove Beach promotes an adventurous and secluded destination for beachgoers in Provincetown. This indulgent stretch of beach allows for ideal ocean access, particularly enticing for the more adventurous visitors to the Cape.

Part of the National Seashore, Herring Cove Beach is found at the extreme tip of Cape Cod, just a few miles from Downtown Provincetown. Serving up incredible views, it’s also one of the most favored beaches in the region, most popular during the late summer season. Part of that attraction comes from the stunning sunsets on display from the beachfront, though lifeguards protect only a portion of the sand and water.

Sadly, though, the beach has had some problems with erosion in recent years, specifically over just the

It’s not always visible today, but the Cape Cod Bay Target Ship is somewhat of a unique addition to the waters off Eastham. Officially known as the SS James Longstreet, the ship sits several miles off the coast, in the same spot its sat for well more than a half-century.

Named after a Confederate general, the ship is more commonly called the Target Ship by locals. It gets its nickname, unsurprisingly, from the role it played for the military for decades.

Originally built in the 1940s for carrying cargo, the World War II vessel was soon severely damaged in a storm. With the only other solution of turning the entire ship into scrap, the US Navy soon began using it in a new role as target practice.

That’s a role it held through the early 1970s, often

A popular destination for those of all ages, Mayflower Beach in Dennis offers up plenty of fun for the entire family. This large beach is just a short walk from nearby parking, a place where kids enjoy splashing in shallow pools during low tide and parents enjoy the peacefulness and natural scenery of the fantastic shoreline.

Connecting with Bayview Beach and with Chapin Beach nearby, Mayflower Beach is one of the most scenic in the Dennis area, with a boardwalk stretching over the dunes, leading from the parking lot to the sandy beach. Low tide also presents the opportunity to walk for several miles upon the tidal flats, ideal for catching a sunset or some spectacular photographs during your time on the Cape.

The flat and sandy beach is also ideal for