Scusset Beach

A state reservation beach at the mouth of the Cape Cod Canal. Great for fishing off the jetty, and the only Cape beach with proper oceanfront camping. The canal bike path starts right here.

Scusset Beach is a Massachusetts state reservation at the eastern mouth of the Cape Cod Canal — technically on the mainland side, technically Sandwich-administered, and unlike any other beach on or near the Cape. The east jetty stretches out into Cape Cod Bay, providing what's widely considered the best shore fishing on the entire South Shore: striped bass, bluefish, and false albacore come through in season. The campground behind the beach is the only oceanfront state campground anywhere near the Cape and books up months in advance; sites range from primitive to RV hookup. The canal bike path begins at the parking area and runs seven miles to the Bourne end of the canal — a flat, scenic, family-friendly ride that's one of the great rides anywhere on Cape Cod. The beach itself is wide and exposed to Cape Cod Bay's modest surf, with lifeguards in summer, a bathhouse, and a snack bar.