11 Best Oceanfront Hotels in Cape Cod

An idyllic Cape Cod summer is all about lush, pastel hydrangeas, calm sea waters, and the perfect cup of clam chowder. While the beach will always be the highlight of your Cape Cod vacation, the place has a lot to offer beyond the beautiful seashore. But a sun-soaked vacation to this part of the coast is incomplete with oceanfront living, right? Cape Cod’s many towns have unique offerings and character, including their staying options. The best options for an oceanfront hotel in Cape Cod by the beach range from charming B&Bs and historic inns to large seaside resorts that’ll take your breath away. So, no matter what your budget is while you’re looking for grand seaside views. Cape Cod has plentiful options depending on the kind of vacation you want to experience. To that end, here are the 11 best oceanfront beach hotels in Cape Cod.

Sea Crest Beach Hotel, Falmouth

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The Sea Crest Beach Hotel is the best oceanfront hotel in Cape Cod. This quaint luxury hotel sits right on the sands of Old Silver Beach. So, when you step off the property, you’re right on the beach! What’s more, the staff are more than happy to provide umbrellas and chairs for a day of lounging by the sea. Moreover, there are many activities ranging from beach volleyball and kayaking to sailing and windsurfing. If you want to spend time on the property, there are lovely outdoor and indoor saline pools and a baby pool for toddlers for the whole family to spend time together. Even food and drinks are taken care of at the Red’s Restaurant and Lounge. It serves American comfort food throughout the year on its oceanfront patio. But that’s not all. Red’s even opens an outdoor poolside snack bar during the high season!

Rooms and suites are spacious and decked out in bright hues like yellows, lime, and turquoise, mirroring the effect of the ocean. The look is contemporary Cape; think striped fabrics and seaside knickknacks complemented by mod-cons such as plush beds, TVs, Keurig coffeemakers, and mini-fridges.

Lighthouse Inn, West Dennis

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The Lighthouse Inn in West Dennis is one of the best beach hotels in Cape Cod, MA. This family-owned hotel, which has been around since 1938, has an actual 159-year-old lighthouse on the property. What’s more, this multi-generational inn offers a host of room types, including standalone rooms, family suites, and Cape-style guest cottages. The best of the lot are ocean-view cottages, which come with huge living rooms and fireplaces and look out to the Nantucket Sound. The best bit is that they’re just steps from the inn’s private beach out front. The rest of the rooms overlook the lush gardens or have partial ocean views.

Aside from the beach cottages, the beach can be accessed via the main restaurant, which fronts the beach and serves delicious meals. Eat like a local and order clam cake while sitting out on the deck after a swimming session in the sea. Finally, there are many things to do for families during the season, such as shuffleboard, basketball, tennis, and mini-golf.

The Mansion at Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club, Brewster

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The Mansion at Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club in Brewster is a luxurious oceanfront hotel in Cape Cod. If sprawling seaside luxury is your style, this massive beachfront property is just right for you. Basically, it’s two resorts in one, The Villages and the Mansion. If you want access to the private beach out front, then the Mansion side of the property, which is more suited for couples, is where you should stay. These modern rooms and suites have four-poster beds, luxe bathrooms, and huge balconies looking right out to the ocean. Meanwhile, families with children and pets will be more comfortable in the garden-facing condo-type rooms in The Villages due to more space.

No matter where you’re staying, all guests can enjoy many perks here. These include access to the private Bay Pines beach and one of the best seasonal beach bars in Cape Cod. Since concierge service is available at the beach, grab a sunbed and a towel and order specialty cocktails and snacks to enjoy right on the sands. Other amenities include the choice of four pools, many hot tubs, an indulgent spa, an 18-hole golf course, clay tennis courts, and bicycles.

Winstead Inn And Beach Resort, Harwich

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The Winstead Inn And Beach Resort is one of the best beach hotels in Cape Cod, MA. This hotel has been around for more than 30 years and is one of Cape Cod’s most unique properties. That’s because it has two separate locations, one with 14 rooms and the other with 15 rooms. That said, you want the Winstead Beach Resort, which lies right on the long stretch of sandy beach. The staff is more than happy to set up beach chairs, white-and-blue umbrellas, and towels for you daily. Since only guests can sit here, there’s never a crowd!

Your day begins with a generous breakfast with homemade blueberry muffins and fresh seasonal cherries. Later, enjoy a dip in the outdoor heated pool or grab a bicycle and cycle the 30-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail. Choose from a host of oceanfront rooms, some of which lie right on the sand and some a little bit away. The newer rooms have balconies facing the ocean, heated bathroom floors, and even fireplaces. Even though the resort doesn’t have a restaurant, it’s surrounded by some of Harwich’s best restaurants and pubs.

A Little Inn on Pleasant Bay, Orleans

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If peace and quiet are what you’re looking for, A Little Inn on Pleasant Bay is the best oceanfront hotel in Cape Cod. This bed-and-breakfast-like hotel has just nine rooms, all of which have views of Pleasant Bay. Besides bay views, the rooms are modern and comfortable with plush beds, deluxe bathrooms, and mod-cons such as flatscreen TVs, Wi-Fi, and coffeemakers. Since the inn is right on the water, the private dock out front makes it perfect for activities like sailing, paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming. But do not that the beach out front is a pebbled one.

Begin your day with a European buffet breakfast spread on the outdoor patio overlooking the bay. You can choose cheese from Zabar’s, coffee, homemade jams, smoked fish, cucumbers, fresh tomatoes, three kinds of cheeses, cold cuts, fresh fruit, yogurt, juices, and cereal. No matter what you do during the day, don’t miss the 5:00 p.m. reception when the host puts out sherry and aperitifs like Pimm’s on the patio.

Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, Harwich

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The Wequassett Resort and Golf Club is one of the best beach hotels in Cape Cod, MA. This resort sits on acres of well-manicured waterfront property and features iconic Cape-Cod-style architecture. You’ll especially love the grounds brimming with flowers ranging from azaleas and tulips to hydrangeas. Take advantage of the Adirondack chairs scattered throughout the property to soak in views of Pleasant Bay and the ocean.

With just 120 rooms and suites, staying at this resort feels intimate. Moreover, the spacious rooms give you a taste of the outdoors one way or another. If you want to splurge, the extravagant suites have fire pits and patios, but even the standard rooms have furnished balconies. Bathrooms are luxe, and well-stocked minibars and Keurig coffeemakers enhance the experience. The oceanview rooms look out to the sound, and a downward path through the gardens brings you to the narrow but andy strip of beach.

Families with kids will love the Children’s Center and its many activities, including swimming, sailing, game nights, and even a nautical-themed playground. Besides two onsite pools and a fabulous restaurant, the highlight here is the private 18-hole Cape Cod National Golf Club, which offers stunning bay views and to which guests have exclusive access.

Chatham Bars Inn Resort & Spa

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The grande dame of oceanfront hotels in Cape Cod is the Chatham Bars Inn Resort & Spa. This expansive 1914-built property boasts coveted views of the ocean. What’s more, it’s one of the most romantic hotels in Cape Cod! Choose from a host of suites and cottages that have fireplaces, flatscreen TVs, Nespresso coffeemakers, and sleek bathrooms. However, the ocean-facing spa suites take decadence to the next level with fireplaces, steam showers, saunas, and oversized hydrotherapy tubs.

Outside the rooms, the quarter-mile stretch of private beach is the crown jewel and can be accessed via wooden boardwalks that lead from everywhere in the resort to the sand. After beachside fun, move to the oceanfront pool with daybeds and poolside service. The onsite restaurants are some of the best in Cape Cod and serve everything from casual fare to seafood. Families will especially love the CBI’s Kids Crew, the innovative and hands-on programming for kids staying here during summer.

Brass Key Guesthouse

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The Brass Key Guesthouse is not just one of the beach hotels in Cape Cod, MA, but it’s also one of the best hotels in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Since Provincetown is a queer hub on the East Coast, you’ll find some fantastic top gay-friendly hotels in Provincetown, Massachusetts, including this one. In fact, the Brass Key has been gay-owned and operated since the ’60s and is a laidback party hub. But staying here is all about poolside sunshine and drinks-in-hand vibes, no matter the kind of holiday you’re looking for. The best bit is that this resort is adults-only! Begin your day with a hearty breakfast and lounge by the pool or the beach, which is a hop, skip, and jump from here.

You can choose from many rooms ranging from private cottages to poolside suites. What’s more, many also have fireplaces and whirlpool tubs, making it the perfect place for a romantic vacation. Additionally, antique furnishings meld with modern touches, making your stay all the more memorable.

Fort Hill Bed and Breakfast, Eastham

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The Fort Hill Bed and Breakfast is the best oceanfront hotel in Cape Cod. Its enviable location in the heart of the Cape Cod National Seashore makes it perfect for those wanting to explore the region. Coming back to the property, it boasts picturesque charm in spades, especially since it sits right on the Town Cove in Eastham. The 1864-built main structure is classic New England with wall-to-wall bookshelves and wood stoves. What’s special about this place is that there are just three rooms, two suites in the main structure and a separate cottage with a private patio and garden.

But it’s the oceanview Nantucket cottage that takes the cake. The 2001-built honeymoon cottage has a full kitchen, living room, cozy bedroom, a private patio, and a garden! And ocean views, of course! Your day begins with a complimentary breakfast that’s a gourmet and delicious affair. If peace is what you’re looking for, then these Cape Cod digs are where you should be.

Red Jacket Beach Resort & Spa, South Yarmouth

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Families visiting Cape Cod will love the Red Jacket Beach Resort & Spa, one of the best family beach hotels in Cape Cod, MA. This South Yarmouth resort, which is perched by Nantucket Sound, lies by the private Thatcher Park beach! In fact, your feet hit the sand as soon as you step off the lush, landscaped gardens. Beach time is complemented by multiple pools on the property, which include adults-only and family-friendly kiddie pools. Thanks to the nearby boat launch for you to explore the Nantucket Sound. In the afternoons, enjoy a couple’s massage at the spa while your kids enjoy counselor-led activities. Finally, the day ends at the onsite restaurant, which serves delicious meals, including special kids’ ones!

The rooms and suites here are cozy, but the oceanfront ones are very special, as they have huge windows with views of the ocean! Couples will love the oceanfront king room, which even has a balcony overlooking the sound. Families can choose the queen rooms with ocean views, which have two double beds.

Inn on the Sound, Falmouth

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The Inn on the Sound in Falmouth is the best oceanfront hotel in Cape Cod. With just 11 rooms, staying at this popular oceanfront hotel is as intimate and exclusive as it gets. Of them, eight offer straight-up water views, like the king room with a sea view and the queen room, which has a wall of windows. However, the best of them all is the king room with a balcony, which has a verandah with gorgeous views of the sound. Nevertheless, all rooms boast plush furnishings, including swish bathrooms with bespoke bath products.

Since it sits on the sound across Grand Avenue, the beach access at Falmouth Heights beach is a mere three-minute walk, which is as good as it gets. Don’t miss the inn’s famously large breakfast with waffles, eggs, coffee, juice, fruits, cereal, and what-not. It’s a wonderful way to start your day by the beach.

Recommended Beach Bars/Restaurants in Cape Cod

• Ocean Terrace, Brewster: This upscale Cape Cod restaurant in Brewster features an ornate stone patio with cushy seating and fire pits overlooking the bay. So, yes, this place is waterside-mansion dining at its finest, complete with oysters and beer at sunset.
• The Skipper, Yarmouth: The award-winning clam chowder has a genius spin here in the form of fried clam chowder, all frizzled up like a patty. Indulge in this hedonism, along with sundaes and soft serve, on a huge outdoor patio that overlooks Nantucket Sound.

Recommended Things To Do in Cape Cod

• Beachcomber Boat Tours, Chatham: There’s no better way to enjoy watching Chatham’s picturesque coastline and wildlife than the Beachcomber Boat tours. These seal tours offer exciting tours of Chatham’s picturesque harbors, sandy beaches, and seals onboard the bright yellow Beachcomber boats. What’s more, they also offer round-trip boat rides and beach shuttles from the Fish Pier on Shore Rd.

Best Beach Areas in Cape Cod

With a rich mix of numerous thrilling activities, mouthwatering delicacies, and seaside charm, Cape Cod is the place to be. We begin with the dynamic and unique Provincetown, the zenith of everything “coastal great” in Cape Cod. Aside from delicious cuisine, it’s also home to the gorgeous Race Point Beach, one of Provincetown’s most beautiful beaches. Next, there’s small, isolated Wellfleet, which has fantastic trails and beaches and is famous for its fresh seafood. Art lovers will love Orleans, whose main street is home to many galleries. But that’s not all. The town’s Skaket Beach is very famous for legendary sports such as kite flying and tidepool exploring.

The coastal Falmouth is famous for its beautiful beaches, including Falmouth Heights, Falmouth, and Surf Drive Beaches. What’s more, the town is divided by a dock with the main road full of diners, cafes, and adorable shops. Meanwhile, couples with a taste of everything elegant will love Sandwich, which is commonly called a gateway to the cape. Since the town has long stretches of beautiful sandy beaches, the area is a hotspot for families, kayakers, and distance swimmers.

The northern Eastmouth and the mid-Cape Cod-located Yarmouth are also famous for their beaches, but Yarmouth is very serene and perfect for laidback travelers. Finally, there’s Chatham, Cape Cod’s liveliest and most weird town with the most amazing dining scene. Did you know that Chatham also happens to be one of the best cities for Halloween in the US? Yes!