Sound Side
Craigville Beach
Centerville, Barnstable, MA
Plover closureAccessible
(348)
FamiliesSwimmingteensvolleyball+1
Calm waterLifeguardsSunsets
1 / 5
Heads up
- Piping plover nesting closure active this month — sections of the beach may be roped off.
Sound SideFree & OpenBest in July
Veterans Park Beach
Hyannis, Barnstable, Massachusetts · Lewis Bay / Nantucket Sound
4.6(969 reviews)
Free parking, playground, and the JFK Memorial all in one stop
Hyannis's most accessible beach — free parking, a playground, picnic areas, and a bathhouse. Calm water and full amenities make it the go-to for families who don't want to deal with sticker hassles.
Veterans Park Beach is the most family-friendly setup on the south shore — free public parking, a large playground, shaded picnic pavilions, a snack bar, and a JFK Memorial overlook all sharing the same park. The beach itself is a calm, lifeguarded Nantucket Sound swim zone with mostly gentle chop and a sandy bottom that warms up quickly. Because it doesn't charge for parking, the lot fills earlier than the paid lots at Kalmus or Keyes; arrive by 10am on a summer weekend or come by bike from downtown Hyannis (the bike path runs right past). The JFK Memorial across the parking lot is worth a five-minute walk — a granite plaza facing Lewis Bay with the President's medallion at its center.
History
The adjacent JFK Memorial, dedicated in 1966, sits on the bluff above Lewis Bay where John F. Kennedy and his family spent many summers.
Photo spot
JFK Memorial plaza with Lewis Bay in the background
Arrive
Anytime — free parking takes pressure off arrival timeCrowds
ModerateDogs
SeasonalLifeguards
On dutySunsets
Great spotBest for
FamiliesPlaygroundSwimming
The beach
Lay of the land
- Orientation
- South-facing
- Length
- ~0.3 mi
- Backshore
- Dune / flat
- Sand
- Fine golden sand
- Shade
- Picnic pavilions and playground area shaded
Wildlife
Birds you may see: common tern, herring gull, mute swan, osprey
Things to know
- Jellyfish more likely in August.
Plan your visit
Parking & fees
- Lot size
- Large
- Enforcement
- Free; lot fills by 10am summer weekends.
Free public parking
Getting there
- From Sagamore Bridge
- 30 min
- Transit
- CCRTA bus stop within ¼ mi
- Cell signal
- good
Accessibility
- Beach wheelchair
- Available
- Mobi Mat
- Yes
- Accessible restroom
- Yes
- Accessible parking
- 6 spaces
- Path from parking
- level
Dogs
No dogs May 15 – Sept 15. Allowed on leash off-season.
Pairs well with
Rules & activities
What’s allowed
UmbrellasTents / canopies · small onlyAlcoholGrillsFiresDronesSmoking
Activities
Unofficial SUP/kayak launch
Safety & stewardship
Lifeguards on duty· Late June – Labor Day Partial plover closure (seasonal)
Photo by David Hollinger via Google Places
Today
Water67°F
Sunrise5:07 AM
Sunset8:18 PM
Conditions
WavesCalm water
Water68–72°F (July–Aug)
TidesLow variance
SharksLow risk
Jellyfishlow
Length~0.3 mi
Facilities
LifeguardsRestroomsShowersChanging roomsAccessibleBike rack
Late June – Labor Day, 9am–5pm
On-site snack bar; downtown Hyannis ~0.5mi north
Veterans Park Beach — good to know
How much does parking cost at Veterans Park Beach?
Parking at Veterans Park Beach is free and open to the public, but lots fill early on summer weekends — arrive before about 10am for the best chance of a spot.
Are dogs allowed at Veterans Park Beach?
Dogs are not permitted at Veterans Park Beach during the summer season — No dogs May 15 – Sept 15. Allowed on leash off-season.
Does Veterans Park Beach have lifeguards?
Yes — Veterans Park Beach is staffed by lifeguards during the summer season (Late June – Labor Day).
Are there restrooms at Veterans Park Beach?
Veterans Park Beach has public restrooms and showers available in season.
What is the water like at Veterans Park Beach?
Veterans Park Beach is a Nantucket Sound beach on Lewis Bay / Nantucket Sound. Expect calm, gentle water that's good for young kids and easy swimming. Average summer water temperature is around 68–72°F (July–Aug).
What is Veterans Park Beach best for?
Veterans Park Beach is especially good for families, playground and swimming.
When is the best time to visit Veterans Park Beach?
Anytime — free parking takes pressure off arrival time.
