When you pull into Nauset Beach parking lot, you not only smell the familiar sea air, but also Liam's, the clam shack that's been dishing up delicious fried clams and onion rings for years.
It's summer all wrapped up in one intoxicating whiff.
Nauset Beach is popular for sunning and swimming. There's nothing like seeing the white sand beach speckled with colorful umbrellas.
It is the quintessential Cape Cod Beach.
The waves are perfect for body surfing but be careful because we've walked away with bloody knees and elbows from tumbling on the rocky shoreline. Yes, the water is a tad bit cold, but when the waves are robust, and the sun is shinning, it's worth the limb numbing chill.
If you plan on going during a heat wave, the thick of summer, or around the 4th of July, make sure to head out well before noon to make sure you get a parking spot. We've been turned away before.
When it's crowded, and often it is, be prepared to walk down the beach to secure a bit more space. It can be that crazy and although we like to occasionally eavesdrop, (okay, Karen should have worked for the FBI) we don't like being able to count the hairs on a stranger's back.
Yes, we've been that close and nothing spoils a beach day more than watching a furry man clip his toenails.
Liam's at Nauset Beach has an extensive menu- plenty of fried beachy food, salty, greasy, savory- perfect food for the beach. It's a bit expensive but hey, you're on vacation and clam shacks on Cape beaches are a rarity so go on and splurge.
The lines at Liam's can be long so either go before or after peak lunch hours or give them a call from your beach chair and order take out.
There's a separate window for take out so you can bypass the long lines and get down to enjoying your crispy clams, lime rickey, thick shakes, and rings at the tables provided or back under your umbrella.
Seals like to congregate here so keep your eyes open for them in the distance. If beachgoers are pointing toward the ocean, it's a good bet there's a seal or two swimming in the water.
There are outdoor showers, restrooms and changing facilities. Parking costs $15.00 per day.
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