Summer is here, which means endless beach days are on the horizon! If you’re on the hunt for the best beaches on Cape Cod, you don’t have to go far. Harwich, MA, is home to some great beaches, including Earl Road Beach at the end of our road and Red River Beach. Red River Beach is an expansive stretch of sand and is the largest beach in town. It’s a favorite among both locals and visitors, offering gentle waves, ample parking, and sweeping views of Nantucket Sound.
Whether you’re lounging by the shoreline, taking a walk along the jetty, or enjoying a summer picnic with friends, this is the kind of spot that delivers all the quintessential Cape Cod beach vibes, without the crowds you’ll find at some of the more tourist-heavy spots. Of course, no trip to the Cape is complete without exploring beyond the beach. Spend a morning biking the Cape Cod Rail Trail, grab a lobster roll from a roadside shack, or take a scenic ferry ride to Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard.
You’ll also find charming downtowns worth exploring in nearby Chatham and Dennis, filled with indie shops, art galleries, and ice cream counters worth the detour. Whether you’re into whale watching, antique hunting, or just making the most of long summer days on the coast, there’s no shortage of things to do on Cape Cod, all of which (and more!) are at your fingertips when you’re based at our Bed and Breakfast in Harwich.
For a stay that matches the relaxed-but-refined pace of the Cape, check into the Platinum Pebble Boutique Inn. This adults-only Cape Cod bed and breakfast offers a luxurious, laid-back retreat just minutes from Red River Beach, Harwich, the Cape Cod Rail Trail, and more. With stylish guest rooms, exceptional hospitality, and easy access to both hidden gems and popular attractions, it’s the perfect home base for a couple’s getaway or solo escape. After a day in the sun, you’ll appreciate coming back to your private oasis, glass of wine in hand, beach sand in your bag, and tomorrow’s plan wide open. Book your stay today!
Beach Day at Red River Beach
Red River Beach is Harwich’s largest and most popular public beach. Located just under a 10-minute drive from the Platinum Pebble Boutique Inn, or an easy ride with our complimentary bikes along the Cape Cod Rail Trail, this wide stretch of sand on Nantucket Sound is the perfect example of a Cape Cod Beach. With soft sand, calm and usually warmer waters, and scenic views that go on forever, it’s exactly what people picture when they dream of spending a summer day on the best beaches on Cape Cod.Â
There’s plenty of room to spread out at Red River Beach, whether you’re setting up for a lazy beach day or looking for a long shoreline walk. The sandy beach stretches for nearly 1/3 of a mile along Nantucket Sound, and there are staffed lifeguard stations onsite. The gentle surf at Red River Beach is perfect for swimming, especially for those who aren’t into big Atlantic waves. The jetties are a favorite spot to fish or watch boats pass by, and there’s a calm, no-rush vibe that makes it easy to spend an entire afternoon doing absolutely nothing, and loving it.
This is also one of the few beaches on Cape Cod with a designated area for launching kayaks and paddleboards, making it an excellent spot for those seeking a little adventure. There is a large parking lot at Red River Beach, but it can become crowded during the summer, so we recommend arriving early if you plan to drive. There’s a $20 daily fee for parking at Harwich Beaches. The easiest way to get there is by bike. Dogs are not allowed on this beach during peak season, from June 15 to Labor Day.Â
Once you’re at Red River Beach, claim a spot near the dunes, take a dip in the warm Sound water, or go for a beachcombing walk to the end of the jetty. There are bathrooms onsite, and during the summer, food trucks and mobile concessions are available. Whether you’re a beach regular or it’s your first time exploring the best Cape Cod beaches, Red River Beach is a laid-back classic.
Unwind at our Bed and Breakfast
After a sun-soaked day at Red River Beach, there’s no better place to unwind than the Platinum Pebble Boutique Inn. Just minutes from the sand, this top-rated, adults-only Cape Cod bed and breakfast blends upscale comfort with the laid-back vibe you associate with Cape Cod getaways. It’s the perfect match for a beach vacation, whether you’re planning to hit every local shore or spend your days relaxing with zero agenda. When it comes to enjoying the best beaches on Cape Cod, we make it incredibly easy.
Guests of the Platinum Pebble have access to tons of amenities, including complimentary bikes, perfect for a scenic ride to Red River Beach or along the Cape Cod Rail Trail. The Inn also provides everything you need for a hassle-free beach day, including beach towels, beach chairs, umbrellas, coolers, and sun tents, so there’s no need to overpack or run last-minute errands. And when you return, you can take a dip in the outdoor pool, sip a cold drink in the shade of the garden patio, or stretch out in your stylish, thoughtfully designed guest room. Every detail at the Inn is meant to elevate your stay while keeping things easy and relaxed.
Whether you’re planning a romantic retreat or just looking to recharge by the coast, our Cape Cod Bed and Breakfast offers an experience that’s hard to top. With close proximity to Red River Beach and other top-rated Cape Cod beaches, and thoughtful amenities that let you enjoy all the things to do on Cape Cod without any stress, it’s no wonder we’re considered one of the best places to stay on Cape Cod. Book your stay at your private hideaway today!
