Sandy beach
Yes
Hike-in Required
No
Surfing
No
Snorkeling / SCUBA
No
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Cape Hedge Beach is tucked away behind a giant wall of pebble rocks in Rockport, Massachusetts. Cape Hedge Beach is not widely-known and can be difficult to get to, which lends itself to solitude.

With a giant pebble wall surrounding the beach, clear water, and views of the twin lighthouses on Thatcher Island, Cape Hedge Beach is a hidden oasis. Although most of the beach is composed of pebble rocks that go from the pebble wall to the water, there are some sandy areas the farther you get from the wall, especially during low tide. On the other side of the pebble wall is the parking lot and a footbridge that goes over a river onto Long Beach. Long Beach is a very long, sandy beach that also features views of the twin lighthouses.

Because you can’t see the beach tucked behind the pebble wall, there are two options to get to the other side. One way is to walk across the parking lot around the wall, and the other way is a ramp positioned in the middle of the beach that goes up and over the wall right at the entrance to the parking lot.

Parking here is very limited, and the parking lot is only for Rockport residents, unless a seasonal pass is purchased. This makes visiting Cape Hedge Beach difficult for tourists. There are also no restrooms or showers available. However, if you are lodging nearby and can bike or find some on-street parking, you should try and stop by this beach.

With its fascinating pebble wall, connection to Long Beach, and views of the twin lighthouses, Cape Hedge Beach is well worth a stop.

Logistics + Planning

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

Resident parking only

Pros

Great views. Wildlife. Unique shoreline.

Cons

Very limited nonresident parking.

Features

Bird watching
Wildlife

Location

Nearby Adventures

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