Summer on Cape Cod means one thing above all else: the beach. And if you're planning to park at any of Barnstable's seven public bathing beaches this season, you'll need a beach parking sticker — or be prepared to pay daily parking fees. The Town of Barnstable's 2026 Beach Sticker and Parking Permit Program is now open, and the process has never been easier thanks to the new online application portal.
Whether you're a year-round resident, a summer renter, a landlord with tenants, or a visitor planning a week on the Cape, this guide covers everything you need to know: permit types, how to apply, which beaches are included, hours, costs, and the rules you need to follow once you're there.
Ready to Apply for Your 2026 Beach Sticker?
Apply online through the Town of Barnstable's permit portal. Current turnaround time is 1–2 weeks. You can also apply by mail or drop off at the Hyannis Youth & Community Center.
2026 Barnstable Beach Permit Types
The Town of Barnstable offers four types of beach parking permits to cover residents, seasonal visitors, weekly guests, and rental property owners. Here's a breakdown of each:
Resident / Taxpayer Permit
Who qualifies: Town of Barnstable residents and property taxpayers
Proof required: Proof of residency or property ownership required
Handicap stickers available for those with a handicap placard or registration in their name
Seasonal Permit
Who qualifies: Non-residents visiting for the season (Memorial Day – Labor Day)
Proof required: Valid for the full summer season
Covers Craigville, Hathaway's, Kalmus, Sea Street, Veteran's, and Bodfish Park at Sandy Neck
Weekly Permit
Who qualifies: Visitors staying for a week
Proof required: Valid for 7 consecutive days
Same beach access as the seasonal permit — ideal for vacation rentals
Landlord Permit
Who qualifies: Rental property owners distributing to tenants
Proof required: Current Real Estate Tax Bill required as proof of ownership
Apply separately for each property. Permits are distributed to renters by the landlord.
How to Apply for a Barnstable Beach Sticker
The Town of Barnstable offers three ways to apply for your 2026 beach parking permit. The online portal is the fastest and most convenient option.
Apply Online (Recommended)
Visit the Town of Barnstable's online permit portal at barnstablema.viewpointcloud.com. Create an account, select your permit type, upload your proof of residency or ownership, and submit. Current turnaround time for 2026 stickers is 1–2 weeks.
Open Online PortalApply by Mail
Download the mail-in application from the Town of Barnstable Recreation Division website (townofbarnstable.us/Departments/Recreation/Beach-Stickers.asp). Complete the form, include your proof documents, and mail to the Recreation Division.
Drop Box at HYCC
Completed applications can be placed in the drop box located outside the front door of the Hyannis Youth & Community Center (HYCC). Blank permit applications are also available at the HYCC if you cannot print one at home.
July 4th Holiday Notice
In observance of the July 4 holiday, beach parking permits cannot be picked up in person at the HYCC on Friday July 3 or Saturday July 4. Plan accordingly if you need your sticker before the holiday weekend.
Barnstable Beaches Covered by the Parking Permit
The Barnstable beach parking permit covers seven public beaches across the town's villages — from the wide sandy shores of Craigville to the barrier beach wilderness of Sandy Neck. Here's what you need to know about each:
Craigville Beach
CentervilleThe most popular beach in Barnstable — a wide, sandy stretch on Nantucket Sound with calm, warm water ideal for families. Lifeguards on duty, full bathhouse, snack bar.
Gates open 7AM. Parking fees collected 7AM–4:45PM. Staffed from Memorial Day weekend.
Covell's Beach
CentervilleA quieter alternative to Craigville with a more relaxed atmosphere. Freshwater pond nearby makes it popular with families with young children.
Staffed from Memorial Day weekend.
Veteran's Park Beach
HyannisLocated on Lewis Bay in Hyannis, this beach offers calm protected waters and is close to downtown. Great for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Staffed from Memorial Day weekend.
Kalmus Beach
HyannisA windsurfer and kiteboarding hotspot on Nantucket Sound. Known for consistent winds and a lively atmosphere. Lifeguards on duty in season.
Parking fees collected 9AM–3:45PM.
Sea Street Beach
HyannisA smaller, neighborhood-feel beach on Nantucket Sound. Less crowded than Kalmus, with calm water and easy access.
Parking fees collected 9AM–3:45PM.
Hathaway's Pond
BarnstableA freshwater pond beach — perfect for young children and those who prefer calmer, warmer swimming. No saltwater, no waves.
Parking fees collected 9AM–3:45PM.
Bodfish Park at Sandy Neck
West BarnstableAccess point to the stunning Sandy Neck barrier beach — 6 miles of pristine barrier beach on Cape Cod Bay. Popular for walking, birding, and off-road vehicle access.
Parking fees collected 9AM–3:45PM.
Beach Wedding Permits
Planning a beach wedding in Barnstable? The Town of Barnstable offers Beach Wedding Permits valid January 1 through December 31, available through the Recreation Division. Applications must be submitted at least two weeks in advance for approval.
Rules and regulations are available when applying through the online portal, or under Supplemental Forms and Help Documents on the Permitting home page.
Apply for a Beach Wedding PermitBarnstable Beach Rules & Regulations
All Town of Barnstable beaches operate under a set of rules designed to keep everyone safe and the beaches clean. Failure to comply with beach staff can result in loss of beach privileges, fines, and/or arrest per Town of Barnstable by-laws.
No fires, glass containers, or alcohol on the beach or in parking lots
No smoking on any bathing beach or recreation area
No dogs on any beach or recreation area from May 15 – September 15
No drones — launching or landing on any Town of Barnstable beach is prohibited
Swimming in designated areas only
Flotation devices allowed during on-shore breezes only
All umbrellas must be secured and may not obstruct the lifeguard's view
Lifeguards on duty 9AM–5PM daily (where available), starting late June
Restrooms open 9AM–4:30PM
Gates open at 9AM and locked promptly at 9PM
No littering or solicitation
No disturbances or breach of the peace
Full Rules & Regulations
The complete Town of Barnstable Beach Rules and Regulations and Town Ordinances for Bathing Beaches are available for download.
Beach Hours & Staffing Schedule
Barnstable's public beaches follow a consistent schedule throughout the summer season, with a few exceptions for Craigville Beach.
| Detail | Most Beaches | Craigville Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Gates Open | 9:00 AM | 7:00 AM |
| Gates Locked | 9:00 PM | 9:00 PM |
| Parking Fees Collected | 9:00 AM – 3:45 PM | 7:00 AM – 4:45 PM |
| Lifeguards On Duty | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Restrooms Open | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Staffed From | Late June | Memorial Day Weekend |
Questions About Your Beach Permit?
Contact the Town of Barnstable Recreation Division Beach Permit hotline. A team member will get back to you as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a Barnstable beach sticker?
The current turnaround time for 2026 stickers is 1–2 weeks when applying online. If you need your sticker sooner, you can apply in person at the Hyannis Youth & Community Center or use the drop box outside the HYCC front door.
Can I get a beach sticker if I rent a property in Barnstable?
Yes. Non-resident renters can purchase a Seasonal Permit (valid Memorial Day through Labor Day) or a Weekly Permit (valid for 7 consecutive days). Alternatively, your landlord can purchase a Landlord Permit and distribute it to you — ask your property owner if they participate.
Is there a daily parking fee if I don't have a sticker?
Yes. Visitors without a parking permit pay daily parking fees at the gate. Fees are collected from 9AM–3:45PM at most beaches and 7AM–4:45PM at Craigville Beach.
Are there freshwater beaches in Barnstable?
Yes — Hathaway's Pond is a freshwater pond beach, popular with families with young children who prefer calmer, warmer water without waves or saltwater.
What is the best beach in Barnstable for families?
Craigville Beach in Centerville is the most popular family beach — wide, sandy, calm Nantucket Sound water, lifeguards, a full bathhouse, and a snack bar. Covell's Beach is a quieter alternative nearby. Hathaway's Pond is ideal for very young children.
Ready for the Beach?
Get your 2026 Barnstable beach parking sticker sorted before the summer rush. Apply online in minutes — turnaround is 1–2 weeks.
