Barnstable Harbor & Millway Beach

The working harbour just north of Barnstable Village, at the end of Millway. Fishing boats, a small marina, and a calm bay-side beach looking across the water to Sandy Neck Lighthouse and the long barrier dune beyond.

This is also the departure point for Cape Cod Bay whale watch cruises, which run from spring into autumn and typically last three to four hours — worth booking ahead if you want to build a half-day around it rather than just stopping for the view.

The beach itself is quiet, shallow and better at low tide for walking the flats. Sunset here is excellent; bring something for the bugs.