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Bass River Beach (Smuggler's Beach)

4.5
·46 reviews·Yarmouth, United States

A beautiful, clean sandy beach on Nantucket Sound, known for its year-round sunrises and family-friendly atmosphere.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Year-round mornings

Spectacular sunrises await!

CrowdLow
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Pre-sunrise Day #1

Bass River Beach (Smuggler's Beach)

Best Time

Year-round mornings

Spectacular sunrises await!

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A beautiful, clean sandy beach on Nantucket Sound, known for its year-round sunrises and family-friendly atmosphere. Reddit

4.5
(46 reviews)

"Beautiful clean beach can't wait to get back I was able to relax on the beach and my husband was able to fish. Reddit"

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TIP

🌅 Year-Round Sunrise Spot

Don't miss the stunning sunrises here, a highlight for many visitors any time of year!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly Waves

The gentle waves of Nantucket Sound are perfect for families with young children.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Nantucket Sound Shoreline

Nantucket Sound Shoreline

Bass River Beach

Miles of sandy shores perfect for leisurely strolls and relaxing beach days. Feel the gentle waves lap your feet.

Reddit
Sunrise Spectacle

Sunrise Spectacle

Bass River Beach

Experience breathtaking year-round sunrises over the water. A truly magical start to any day.

Reddit
Fishing Jetty

Fishing Jetty

Bass River Beach

An ideal spot for anglers or simply to sit, watch boats, and make plans. Great for photos too!

Reddit
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Embrace the Off-Season Charm

While Bass River Beach (Smuggler's Beach) is lively in summer, locals and visitors alike rave about its off-season beauty. Enjoy peaceful walks and stunning sunrises without the crowds. It's a perfect spot for year-round enjoyment. Reddit

Family-Friendly Fun & Amenities

This beach is ideal for families, offering a sandy expanse perfect for kids and a snack stand for convenience. The gentle waves of Nantucket Sound make it a safe and enjoyable spot for little ones to play. Reddit

Best Times

When
Year-round mornings
Why
Spectacular sunrises await!
Crowd
Low
When
Off-season weekdays
Why
Peaceful walks, fewer crowds.
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Lively beach atmosphere.
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Send this to someone you want to go on a roadtrip to Maine with in 2026! 🥰 places in this video: LL Bean Outlet in Freeport Bar Harbor Kennebunkport Boothbay Harbor Bass Harbor Headlight Portland Ogunquit Cape Neddick Lighthouse Union River Lobster Pot Marshall Point Lighthouse Old Orchard Beach 📌save this for your next Maine trip! #visitmaine #lobsters #barharbor
ourrvventure
12.5K likes • 167K views

🌅 Year-Round Sunrise Spot

Don't miss the stunning sunrises here, a highlight for many visitors any time of year! InstagramReddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly Waves

The gentle waves of Nantucket Sound are perfect for families with young children. Reddit

Different scene Mid-January here on Cape Cod. It’s hard to believe in a little more than 100 days the beaches will be lively and bustling with people. This is Bass River Beach aka what the locals refer to “Smugglers” located at the mouth of Bass River, overlooking beautiful Nantucket Sound. At just a mile away, it has it all…waves, fishing dock, handicap ramp, concession stand, restrooms, bench...
saltyairrentals
17 likes • 639 views
5 THINGS TO DO ON CAPE COD that are not eating or drinking. 1. Red River beach yoga. This is offered everyday from 7:30-8:30 for $20. 2. Boat cruise, we did a sunset cruise but they also offer whale watching, shark tours and seal tours depending on your vibe!! 3. On wednesdays from 1-3:30pm you can take a tour of the Chatham lighthouse!! It’s super cute and has a stunning beach across the street...
amanda_gallant
474 likes • 26.9K views

🚶‍♀️ Off-Season Strolls

Enjoy peaceful walks along the shore; the beach is beautiful even in cooler months. Reddit

🎣 Angler's Paradise

The jetty is a prime spot for fishing or simply watching boats cruise by. Reddit

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Perfect Beach?

Tips

from all over the internet

🌅 Year-Round Sunrise Spot

Don't miss the stunning sunrises here, a highlight for many visitors any time of year! InstagramReddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly Waves

The gentle waves of Nantucket Sound are perfect for families with young children. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Off-Season Strolls

Enjoy peaceful walks along the shore; the beach is beautiful even in cooler months. Reddit

🎣 Angler's Paradise

The jetty is a prime spot for fishing or simply watching boats cruise by. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(46 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Bass River Beach (Smuggler's Beach) for its beautiful, clean shores and year-round appeal. It's a favorite for relaxing walks, family fun with gentle waves, and stunning sunrises. The fishing jetty also adds to its charm, making it a versatile coastal spot. Reddit

"Love this beach! Nice for walking, beach day, fishing, you name it. It’s even nicer in the off-season as well."

Ariel Folkerts

"Fantastic beach! Great place for a picnic near the grass or delightful walk along the shore, let the gentle waves lap yours feet while telling stories. Jetty is ideal spot for a pic or maybe sit at the end watch boats cruise as you make detailed plans 👍🏽"

Nelson Bernardo

"Best place for a year round sunrise experience"

Harry Witherspoon

What People Like

Beautiful clean beach
Great for walking
Year-round sunrise

What People Dislike

Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Bass River Beach is located at the mouth of Bass River, overlooking Nantucket Sound. Access is typically via River Road in Yarmouth, MA. Parking is available, though it can fill up quickly during peak season. Instagram

Yes, there is parking available at Bass River Beach. However, it's advisable to arrive early, especially during the summer months, as it can become quite busy. Reddit

While primarily associated with Yarmouth, its location on Nantucket Sound means it's a popular destination for visitors from surrounding Cape Cod towns. Instagram

During peak season, consider arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon to secure parking. Carpooling or using ride-sharing services might also be options. Reddit

Public transport options on Cape Cod can be limited, especially to specific beach locations. It's best to check local bus schedules for Yarmouth or consider ride-sharing services. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Bass River Beach typically has a parking fee during the summer season. The exact cost can vary, so it's good to check local town regulations or signage upon arrival. Reddit

The beach itself is generally accessible year-round for walking and enjoying the scenery. However, amenities like restrooms and snack stands usually operate during the summer season, with specific hours. Instagram

Tickets are not typically required for entry to the beach itself, but parking fees are usually collected on-site during the operational season. Reddit

Discounts may be available for residents of Yarmouth or for season passes, if offered. It's best to inquire locally or check the town's official website for details. Reddit

Absolutely! The beach is beautiful and accessible year-round for walks and enjoying the scenery, with no entry fees outside the main season. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Bass River Beach offers restrooms, a snack stand, and a fishing jetty. It's a great spot for picnics, especially near the grassy areas. InstagramReddit

Yes, Bass River Beach is known for its gentle waves on Nantucket Sound, making it a good spot for swimming, especially for families with children. Instagram

The jetty at Bass River Beach is a popular spot for fishing, offering a great place to cast a line and enjoy the coastal views. Reddit

Regulations regarding dogs can vary by season and town. It's advisable to check the current local ordinances for Bass River Beach regarding pet access. Reddit

Bass River Beach features a lovely sandy shoreline, perfect for walking, sunbathing, and building sandcastles. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The fishing jetty offers great vantage points for capturing boats and coastal scenery. The shoreline itself is perfect for capturing sunrises and beach activities. Reddit

Early mornings are ideal for capturing stunning sunrises. Golden hour in the late afternoon also provides beautiful light for beach photography. Reddit

The confluence of the Bass River and Nantucket Sound, along with the jetty, provides unique perspectives. The changing tides also offer dynamic photographic possibilities. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive shoreline and sunrises. A telephoto lens can be useful for photographing boats or distant wildlife. Don't forget a tripod for low-light sunrise shots! Reddit

Drone usage is subject to FAA regulations and local restrictions. Always check for any no-fly zones or specific rules before operating a drone. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families with Kids

Bass River Beach is a fantastic choice for families. The gentle waves of Nantucket Sound are perfect for little ones to splash and play safely. Instagram The sandy shores are ideal for building sandcastles and exploring. Plus, the convenience of a snack stand means easy access to refreshments for hungry children. Reddit

Consider visiting during the weekdays or in the early morning to avoid the biggest crowds. The beach also offers a pleasant grassy area for picnics, providing a comfortable spot for families to relax. Reddit

🎣 Anglers and Photographers

For fishing enthusiasts, the jetty at Bass River Beach is a prime location. It offers a stable platform to cast lines and enjoy the coastal scenery. Reddit Photographers will find ample opportunities here, especially during sunrise, which is consistently lauded as a breathtaking spectacle. Reddit

The interplay of the river mouth and the ocean, along with the jetty itself, provides unique compositions. Whether you're aiming for dramatic sunrise shots or capturing the daily life of local boaters, Bass River Beach offers a rewarding experience for visual storytellers. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Dual Identity: Bass River Beach vs. Smuggler's Beach

Bass River Beach is affectionately known by locals as 'Smuggler's Beach.' This nickname hints at a colorful past, though the exact origins are often debated. What's certain is that the beach's strategic location at the mouth of the Bass River, offering access to both the river and the vast Nantucket Sound, has made it a point of interest for centuries. Instagram

Today, this dual identity reflects its multifaceted appeal. Whether you're seeking the calm waters of the river estuary or the more dynamic waves of the Sound, the beach offers a diverse coastal experience. It's a place where families can enjoy gentle play and anglers can cast their lines, all within a beautiful natural setting. Reddit

This blend of history and natural beauty makes Bass River Beach a unique destination on Cape Cod. It’s a place that invites exploration, relaxation, and a connection with the coastal environment. Instagram

Year-Round Beauty and Activities

While summer brings the bustling beach scene, Bass River Beach truly shines year-round. Visitors consistently praise the beach's beauty and tranquility during the off-season. The opportunity to witness spectacular sunrises is a major draw, offering a peaceful and inspiring start to the day. Reddit

Beyond sunrise viewing, the beach is perfect for long, contemplative walks. The expansive sandy shores provide ample space to explore, collect shells, or simply enjoy the sound of the waves. This makes it an ideal spot for those seeking a quieter, more reflective beach experience, away from the summer crowds. Reddit

Whether you're an early bird catching the dawn or a winter wanderer seeking solitude, Bass River Beach offers a consistent charm. Its accessibility and natural splendor make it a valuable destination throughout the year. Reddit

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