{"ok":true,"data":{"id":2768,"slug":"cahoon-hollow-beach-wellfleet","name":"Cahoon Hollow Beach","country":"USA","state":"Massachusetts","city":"Wellfleet","coords":{"lat":41.9152,"lng":-69.9698},"beachType":null,"tags":["famous"],"article":{"hero":"The walk down to Cahoon Hollow feels like entering an amphitheater. Steep sand cliffs rise a hundred feet on either side, their faces striped with rust and ochre, while the Atlantic stretches endlessly ahead. When swells roll in from the northeast, you'll hear the waves before you see them—a rhythmic boom that echoes off the dunes. Surfers dot the line-up year-round, their silhouettes black against the green water, waiting for the sets that peak reliably off the outer bar.\n\nWhat sets this beach apart is The Beachcomber, the only establishment on Cape Cod National Seashore where you can dig your toes into sand while ordering lobster rolls and cold drafts. The 1897 lifesaving station turned beach bar draws crowds that spill onto the sand at sunset, creating a scene that's equal parts surf culture and summer pilgrimage. Live bands play weekend evenings, their music drifting down the beach as bonfire smoke curls into the dusk.\n\nCome in shoulder season and you'll have the strand nearly to yourself. September brings warm water, consistent surf, and none of the July parking chaos. The undertow here demands respect—rip currents are common, and the drop-off is abrupt. But for those who know how to read the ocean, Cahoon Hollow offers some of the Cape's most powerful, most rewarding waves.","teaser":"You'll descend weathered wooden stairs to find Wellfleet's most exhilarating stretch of sand, where waves slam against the shore with enough force to rattle your chest. The Beachcomber—a legendary shack perched on the dune—pumps reggae across the strand as wetsuit-clad locals paddle out into the break.","uniqueAngle":"The only National Seashore beach in America with a full-service bar and live music venue built directly on the sand.","accessType":"Stairs / Drive-up parking","thingsToDo":[{"icon":"surf","title":"Ride the Break","subtitle":"Consistent swells off outer bar"},{"icon":"food","title":"Beachcomber Deck","subtitle":"Raw oysters and draft beer"},{"icon":"sun","title":"Dune Sunsets","subtitle":"Watch from steep cliff edge"},{"icon":"swim","title":"Cold Plunge","subtitle":"Bracing sixty-degree Atlantic swells"}],"audience":{"surfer":"Cahoon Hollow fires on northeast swells, typically three to six feet, breaking over a sandy bottom with a steep drop. The outer bar creates fast, hollow rights and lefts best surfed two hours either side of high tide when the rip isn't raging. Locals congregate dawn patrol; summer afternoons bring beginners and chaos. Respect the pack—this is one of the Cape's most crowded breaks. Bring a 4/3 fullsuit spring through fall; winter demands 5/4 with hood and booties. Wax cold formula year-round.","couples":"Arrive an hour before sunset and claim a spot on the cliff's edge, where you can watch the sky turn tangerine over the Atlantic. The Beachcomber serves decent wine and excellent oysters on its weathered deck—reserve ahead on summer weekends or risk an hour wait. For lodging, skip the chain hotels and book one of Wellfleet's vintage cottages near Duck Pond, a ten-minute drive inland. Morning walks are best at low tide when the beach widens to reveal tidal pools and the crowds haven't yet descended the stairs.","backpacker":"Parking costs twenty-five dollars in summer but drops to fifteen after Labor Day; Massachusetts residents with beach stickers enter free. The Beachcomber's fish tacos run twelve dollars, but you can pack sandwiches from Wellfleet's PB Boulangerie for under eight. Camp at Pines Campground in Truro, five miles north, for thirty dollars a night, or stealth-camp the national seashore trails if you're careful. Bike the rail trail from Wellfleet center—it's three miles and saves parking fees entirely. Showers are coin-op at the beach lot.","local":"Hit the beach before eight a.m. when the lot's still free and the sand belongs to you and the piping plovers. September through October offers the warmest ocean temps and smallest crowds—locals call it 'second summer.' The southern end near the lifeguard stand gets trampled; walk north fifteen minutes past the last umbrella to find elbow room. When nor'easters blow through in winter, the beach transforms entirely, with fifteen-foot swells carving the cliffs into new shapes and exposing shipwreck timbers in the shorebreak.","family":null,"party":null,"diver":null,"explorer":null},"faqs":[{"a":"Cahoon Hollow Beach has strong surf and can present challenging swimming conditions, especially during high tide and stormy weather. Lifeguards are on duty during summer months (typically late June through early September), and they post daily flags indicating water conditions. The beach is known for powerful waves and occasional riptides, making it more suitable for experienced swimmers and surfers. Always swim near the lifeguard stand, obey posted warnings, and avoid swimming alone. The steep drop-off and undertow require extra caution, particularly for families with children.","q":"Is Cahoon Hollow Beach safe for swimming?"},{"a":"Summer (June-August) offers warm weather, lifeguards, and full amenities, though parking lots fill quickly by mid-morning on sunny days. Fall brings excellent surfing conditions with fewer crowds and beautiful foliage views. Spring and winter attract surfers and beachcombers but can be cold and windy. For swimming, July and August provide the warmest ocean temperatures (60-68°F). Surfers prefer fall through spring for consistent swells. Sunset views are spectacular year-round. Arrive early in summer to secure parking, as beach stickers or daily passes are required during peak season.","q":"When is the best time to visit Cahoon Hollow Beach?"},{"a":"From Route 6 in Wellfleet, take Cahoon Hollow Road directly to the beach (approximately 1.5 miles). The beach has a parking lot that requires either a Wellfleet beach sticker or daily parking pass during summer season. Passes can be purchased at Wellfleet Town Hall or the beach entrance (cash or card accepted). The lot fills quickly on summer days, often by 10-11 AM on weekends. No parking is allowed along Cahoon Hollow Road. Off-season parking is typically free but check current regulations before visiting.","q":"How do I get to Cahoon Hollow Beach and where can I park?"},{"a":"The Beachcomber restaurant and bar sits directly on Cahoon Hollow Beach, offering lunch, dinner, and drinks with ocean views during summer months (typically Memorial Day through September). It's famous for its casual atmosphere and live music. The beach has restroom facilities and outdoor showers. No other food vendors operate on-site, so bring snacks and water if the Beachcomber is closed. For lodging, Wellfleet center (3 miles away) offers motels, inns, and vacation rentals. Numerous restaurants and shops are located in Wellfleet village and nearby towns.","q":"What food and amenities are available at Cahoon Hollow Beach?"},{"a":"Cahoon Hollow is one of Cape Cod's premier surf beaches, known for consistent waves and powerful breaks that attract experienced surfers year-round. The beach faces directly east, catching swells from Atlantic storms and nor'easters. Wave heights typically range from 2-6 feet but can exceed 10 feet during major storms. The steep beach profile creates hollow, fast-breaking waves ideal for shortboarding and bodyboarding. Fall and winter offer the best surf conditions. The Beachcomber hosts surfing events and competitions. Local surf shops in Wellfleet provide rentals and lessons for beginners.","q":"What makes Cahoon Hollow Beach special for surfing?"}]},"seo":{"title":"Cahoon Hollow Beach: Wellfleet's Legendary Surf Break","description":"Where Atlantic swells meet towering dunes and the Beachcomber's deck pulses with salt-soaked energy. Cahoon Hollow delivers Cape Cod's most reliable surf and unforgettable sunsets.","ogImage":"https://live.staticflickr.com/8434/7795023016_515d0f78e2_b.jpg"},"images":[{"id":"522979","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/8434/7795023016_515d0f78e2_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/8434/7795023016_515d0f78e2.jpg","alt":"Shark Sightings on Cape Cod"},{"id":"522980","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/1264/969942215_48e80dbe3f_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/1264/969942215_48e80dbe3f.jpg","alt":"Cahoon Hollow Beach, Wellfleet"},{"id":"522981","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/5514/10547044685_d8903b0230_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/5514/10547044685_d8903b0230.jpg","alt":"Cahoon Hollow Beach, Wellfleet"},{"id":"522982","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/8445/7795024636_db744c55b5_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/8445/7795024636_db744c55b5.jpg","alt":"Cahoon Hollow Beach"},{"id":"522983","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/1232/1332882431_bd37b263d7_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/1232/1332882431_bd37b263d7.jpg","alt":"Beach Food"},{"id":"522984","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/7138/7795026566_f752c86fdb_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/7138/7795026566_f752c86fdb.jpg","alt":"Cahoon Hollow Beach"},{"id":"522985","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/2615/3759506218_baf5d85004_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/2615/3759506218_baf5d85004.jpg","alt":"Cahoon Hollow Beach"},{"id":"522986","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/3456/3895808447_d5638a940d_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/3456/3895808447_d5638a940d.jpg","alt":"Cahoon Hollow, Wellfleet, beach"},{"id":"522987","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/3278/2776368072_04b4e448bc_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/3278/2776368072_04b4e448bc.jpg","alt":"Bill at The Beachcomber"},{"id":"522988","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/3224/2815947616_ef0d9a6181_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/3224/2815947616_ef0d9a6181.jpg","alt":"Halfway to sand"}]}}