Top 5 Beach Bars on CApe Cod - The Ultimate List

Summer and beachside cocktails go hand in hand. Who doesn't spend the winter dreaming about it? Nobody, that's who. So get your summer cocktail dreaming on with this insider's guide to the top 5 Cape Cod beach bars. New England winters are long - making the most of summer is absolutely required and these gems will help you do just that. In no particular order, here we go...

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Wellfleet Beachcomber, Wellfleet
This one is on every 'best of' beach bar list. It sits within the Cape Cod National Seashore housed in a former US Lifesaving Station. Back in the day, when we all lived free and loose, you could bring your drinks right down onto the beach. Now you'll need to enjoy your Goombay Smash within the property's confines, but you're still just a stone's throw from the water's edge. My favorite time to go is happy hour, but they've got great bands every night from Memorial Day through Labor Day.  Sound like a proper local and call it the "Comah". ​

Photo courtesy of the Wellfleet Beachcomber

Photos courtesy of Wequassett Resort

Libaytion at Wequassett Resort, Harwich
On the one hand, you've got sandy floors, vinyl tablecloths and bar stools from the 70s at the Comah.  On the other, you've got the waterfront pergola bar at Libaytion which was built to take your Instagram to the next level. This is the spot to order a glass of rosé or a dark 'n stormy and take in the view of Pleasant Bay with the Lilly Pulitzer and Nantucket Reds crowd. If you get chilly, just grab a cozy spot by the poolside fire pit. ​

Ocean House Beach Bar, Dennisport
The Ocean House Restaurant is one of the best on Cape Cod and this sweet little beach bar is a recent addition to the property. Perched on a tiny hill at the edge of Nantucket Sound, live acoustic tunes and great drinks bring out locals and visitors alike. It closes early, around 8:30 pm, so plan to get your cocktails and your view before it gets too late.

Photo courtesy of Baxter's

Baxter's Boathouse Club, Hyannis
When people reminisce about Old Cape Cod, they are thinking of places like Baxter's. Paneled wood walls, canvas captain's chairs, old nautical stuff on the walls. It reminds me of my grandparent's house on Cape Cod in the 70s. It's literally on top of Hyannis Harbor which means you'll be sipping their famous Binnacle Bloody watching the ferries and boats make their way out to Nantucket and the Vineyard and home again. AND it's the only bar in Hyannis with a transient dock that you can drive your boat right up to. The waitstaff will even serve you onboard. So convenient when cocktail hour calls!  21+.

Trader Ed's, Hyannis
Located inside the Hyannis Marina, Trader Ed's is the closest you can get in the Northeast to feeling like you are in Florida or the Caribbean. The high top bar tables at the edge of the docks are perfect for an afternoon of cocktails in the summer sun and it's where the nicest yachts are docked. The pool is for a dockage customers only, but no matter because it's Cape Cod, you've got a Hurricane Bob in your hand and it's summer! Cheers!