Harwich Area Guide: Harbors, Beaches & the Rail Trail

Sandy path to the beach in Harwich
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Around Harwich

Harbors, sound-side beaches, and the bike trail

Harwich keeps four things close: a walkable village, two working harbors, calm Nantucket Sound beaches, and the Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Small boat on the water in Harwich Port
Harwich Port

Walk to dinner, ice cream, and the water

Main Street in Harwich Port puts restaurants, shops, and ice cream within a few blocks of the beach.

Dinner by the water

Brax Landing on Saquatucket Harbor and The Port on Main Street are local favorites for seafood.

Sundae School

A Cape Cod ice cream institution for 50 summers, right on Route 28 in Harwich Port.

Village shops

Browse the shops and galleries along Main Street, then walk down to the beach.

Boat docked at a pier in a Harwich harbor
Wychmere & Saquatucket

Two working harbors, minutes apart

Wychmere is the picture-perfect harbor ringed with moored boats. Saquatucket is home to the Nantucket ferry, fishing charters, and Brax Landing.

Sunset at Wychmere

Snow Inn Road overlooks the harbor. Arrive a little before sundown for the best light.

Freedom Ferry to Nantucket

Freedom Cruise Line runs seasonal passenger service to Nantucket from Saquatucket Harbor, with easier parking than Hyannis.

Charter fishing

Striper and bluefish charters run out of Saquatucket. Book early in summer.

Wooden walkway to a Harwich beach
Sound-side beaches

Calmer water, warmer waves

Harwich's south-side beaches face Nantucket Sound, so the water is calmer and warmer, great for little kids.

Red River Beach

A long sandy beach with a snack bar and restrooms. A beach sticker or daily parking fee applies in season.

Pleasant Road Beach

A smaller neighborhood beach, popular with families staying nearby.

Dogs and the beach

Dogs aren't allowed on Harwich town beaches from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Off-season, check the town's current rules before you go.

White Adirondack chairs on a lawn
Cape Cod Rail Trail

A paved bike path right through town

The Cape Cod Rail Trail crosses Harwich on its way from Dennis to Wellfleet, so you can ride to Brewster, Orleans, and beyond without the car.

Bike rentals

Shops along the trail in Dennis and Brewster rent bikes by the day or week.

Coffee stop in Orleans

The Hot Chocolate Sparrow in Orleans is a popular break, a short detour off the trail.

Nickerson State Park

Ride into Brewster for Nickerson State Park's freshwater ponds. Pack a towel.

Harwich, Pets Welcome

Dog-Friendly Homes In Harwich

Fenced yards, room for the kids, and walk-to-water addresses. Browse our Harwich homes where the dog is welcome.

Easy day plans

Four easy days in Harwich

A few of our favorite ways to spend a day, all close to home.

Boardwalk over a sandy Cape Cod beach

Cape Cod Rail Trail

Hop on the Rail Trail and ride toward Brewster and Orleans. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail.

Cape Cod beach with a lighthouse in the distance

Sunset at Wychmere

Walk down to Wychmere Harbor near sunset for the fishing boats, the breakwater, and the best light of the day.

Chatham Lighthouse on a sunny day

Chatham Lighthouse Beach

About 20 minutes east. Watch for seals below Chatham Light, then grab dinner in downtown Chatham.

Beach grass and ocean on Cape Cod

Red River Beach

Calm, shallow, warm Nantucket Sound water. A great beach day with little kids.

Good to know

Harwich Questions, Answered

Still have a question? Call or text (508) 286-7928 or email [email protected].

Contact
[email protected]508-286-7928
100 Independence Drive
Hyannis, MA 02601
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