Cape Cod sunset photos are a great way to capture the natural beauty of the Cape. For more than two centuries, the stunning natural beauty of Cape Cod has inspired the imaginations of both naturalists and artists. From the writings of Henry David Thoreau, which were inspired by sunset walks along the beach at Highland Light, to the sun-kissed paintings of Edward Hopper, many have tried to capture the peninsula’s changing light in their works.
Today, the Cape’s breathtaking sunsets continue to inspire both professional and amateur photographers. Or maybe you are not looking for the perfect sunset photo that will win contests or go viral, but just to capture the tranquil moment in your mind’s eye or enjoy the experience with your significant other. Whatever the reason for your pursuit of the for perfect Cape Cod sunset photos (the one that Thoreau and Hopper would have recognized), we know some great places to start your search.
5 Locations to Capture Cape Cod Sunset Photos:
Chapin Memorial Beach, located on Cape Cod Bay in Dennis is a great place to experience a beautiful Cape Cod sunset. This wide expanse of undeveloped beach and sand dunes, gives you plenty of room to explore and immerse yourself in nature. Many beachgoers visit Chapin Memorial Beach at low tide to take in views of the bay as they walk along the beach’s wide tidal flats. During the day, the sun shines almost constantly on this exposed north-facing beach, but – in the evenings – it’s one of the best places to watch the sun go down on the Cape. As the sun goes down the light reflects off the many tidal pools.
Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, in Chatham, is a secluded location that’s perfect for the dedicated nature and sunset photographer. Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge encompasses more than 7,000 acres of forest, kettle ponds, sand dunes, freshwater marshes, salt marshes, and shoreline – including a long expanse of beaches along the western shore of the Monomoy Peninsula. Many sunset photos from Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge are dotted with silhouettes of birds. More than 250 species of birds, including rare species like American Avocet and Hudsonian Godwit, live in the refuge.
Race Point Beach is located in Provincetown, on the northern tip of the Cape Cod peninsula. Race Point is named for the strong crosscurrent or “race” that brings water from the Atlantic Ocean into Cape Cod Bay. The beach, which is a fantastic place to take photos of the sunset, is popular with surfers, windsurfers, and people flying kites. Many sunset photos from this beach include silhouettes of these beachgoers. The Keepers House and the Whistle House at Race Point Light are available for rent, if you want to extend your trip to an overnight stay and work on your best shots without being rushed.
Rock Harbor is located on Cape Cod Bay in Orleans. While the population of Orleans has never been more than a few thousand people, Rock Harbor actually saw significant action in three different wars. In the War of 1812, for example, the town successfully defended its salt works during the Battle of Rock Harbor. Today, this harbor – which looks west over the bay – has some of the most stunning sunsets on the Cape.
Skaket Beach is located on Cape Cod Bay in Orleans. This popular family beach has both soft sand and warm waters, which make it a perfect place to both sunbathe and swim. At low tide, children love to explore this beach’s many reflective tidal pools. At sundown, the beach’s picture-perfect sunsets send shocks of color across its smooth tidal flats.
These are only some of the many coastal options you have for enjoying the perfect Cape Cod sunset. Read further if you wish to find more beaches to explore or comment below on your favorite sunset spot.
