Head of the Meadow Beach, located in Truro, Massachusetts, within the Cape Cod National Seashore, is a magnificent coastal destination managed by the National Park Service. Stretching along miles of pristine shoreline, this beach is a haven for visitors seeking a variety of coastal experiences, from swimming and sunbathing to leisurely walks along the expansive coastline.

One of the defining characteristics of Head of the Meadow Beach is its vastness, offering plenty of room for beachgoers to explore and enjoy. The beach is an excellent place for long walks, allowing you to stroll for miles in either direction, immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Cape Cod's coastal landscape.

The waters at Head of the Meadow Beach often feature gentle waves, making it an inviting spot for swimming and relaxation. While the waves are typically not too large, visitors should exercise caution and be aware of the potential for rip currents, as well as the presence of seals and sharks in the waters.

Head of the Meadow Beach boasts a range of amenities, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable beach experience for all. These amenities include handicap parking, convenient bike racks, and the opportunity for beach fires. During the summer season, the beach offers additional amenities such as lifeguards for added safety, volleyball courts for recreational fun, food vendors to satisfy your cravings, handicap beach wheelchairs for accessibility, and restrooms for convenience.

Parking at Head of the Meadow Beach is available at the Head of the Meadow parking lot, located at the end of Holden Street in Truro. During the summer months, a parking fee of $25 per vehicle is charged. However, visitors can enjoy unlimited free parking at Cape Cod National Seashore beaches by purchasing a Cape Cod National Seashore Pass or an America The Beautiful Pass. Additionally, Truro residents with a valid beach pass can park for free.

To enhance beach access for individuals with disabilities, Head of the Meadow Beach provides an accessible mat leading out to the beach. Beach wheelchairs are also available for transportation to the beach, with service hours from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm daily, beginning the third Saturday in June through Labor Day. Handicap-accessible portable toilets are available at most beaches within the Cape Cod National Seashore.

The geographical location of Head of the Meadow Beach is particularly unique, situated at the "wrist" of Cape Cod, where the landform begins to curve back toward the mainland of the United States. This area is characterized by dynamic shifting sands, with sandbars forming off the main beach, often serving as lounging spots for herds of seals during low tide.

The sandy expanse of the beach provides essential nesting habitat for shorebirds, including the Federally-threatened piping plover. To protect these fragile habitats, the beach is typically closed to pets during much of the summer season.

A fascinating historical note about Head of the Meadow Beach is the presence of the wreck of the Frances, which sank during a December gale in 1872. United States Life Saving Service personnel heroically rescued all aboard by dragging a whaleboat across the Cape from the bay to the outer beach. Sadly, the captain succumbed to exposure several days later and is buried in Truro, marking a poignant piece of local history.

In summary, Head of the Meadow Beach in Truro, Massachusetts, situated within the Cape Cod National Seashore, offers a diverse array of coastal experiences amidst a pristine and captivating natural environment. With its ample amenities, accessible features, and expansive shoreline, this beach provides a splendid setting for enjoying the beauty and serenity of Cape Cod's coastal treasures. Whether you're swimming, taking in the sun, or exploring the dynamic landscape, Head of the Meadow Beach invites you to savor the charm of this remarkable coastal destination.