When vacationing on Cape Cod, you’ll want to spend as much time outside as possible. Of course, you’ll also require some time to relax and center yourself, especially if crowded beaches and busy parking lots add stress to your life.
Luckily, many Cape Cod beaches offer yoga classes throughout the week, and most take place in the morning or evening when the beaches aren’t busy at all. These classes, which are drop-in friendly, allow you to appreciate the area’s serenity while helping you to start or finish your day in peace.
We’ll look at a few of the beaches offering regular classes here, but remember that casual classes take place up and down the Cape all summer long. If you’re into practicing yoga on your Cape Cod vacation, you’ll have numerous options from which to choose.
About Beach Yoga
Just as is sounds, beach yoga involves heading to one of Cape Cod’s beautiful beaches and participating in a session. Trained professionals lead these classes, and they allow you to get outside and enjoy the area’s exceptional summer weather while achieving complete relaxation. The sunshine, crashing waves, and gentle breeze add something to the experience that can’t be replicated indoors.
Most classes don’t require pre-registration, so all you have to do is show up with your beach towel or yoga mat and sunglasses. Sunscreen and water bottles are also recommended. Keep in mind that classes are generally canceled on rainy days, but will go ahead if it is foggy or cloudy. Instructors will usually post updates via social media if there is a cancellation.
Beaches Offering Drop-In Classes
When you’re just visiting the Cape, you probably won’t want to invest in a yoga studio membership or go through the hassle of having to register. It’s also unlikely that you’ll want to schedule too much for yourself, just in case another activity comes along. The good news is that most beach yoga classes allow you to show up without registering, so if you’ve got nothing going on and want to participate at the last minute, you’ll have the chance.
There’s a yoga class at Chatham Lighthouse Beach every day between the middle of June and the middle of September. The sessions get started at 7:30 AM and run until 8:45. Chatham Lighthouse Beach sits at the far south end of Main Street, not far from the downtown area, and parking is free before 9:00 AM. There is a $10 drop-in fee, and you don’t have to pre-register.
On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays all summer long, Poppy Spit Beach in Mashpee hosts yoga sessions at 8:00 AM. Each class lasts an hour, and it’s $15 for a drop-in. You can also purchase a Mashpee Yoga Pass for $75, which is good for five classes at five different locations. One thing to remember is that Poppy Spit Beach sits in a residential neighborhood at the end of Wading Place Road in Popponesset and, therefore, doesn’t have a public parking lot. As a result, you’ll have to ride your bike or walk from your vacation rental or drive to Popponesset Marketplace and walk from there to attend.
For some yoga in the heart of Wellfleet, Mayo Beach has you covered. The classes here start at 8:30 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the summer, with each session costing $15. Mayo Beach is easily accessible, thanks to its large parking area, and provides outstanding views of Wellfleet Harbor.
The Craigville Beach Association has yoga classes on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 8:00-9:00 AM in a quiet area between Craigville Beach and Covell’s Beach. The association also hosts occasional lessons on Thursday nights, so check the Centerville Yoga & Wellness Center website for more information. Plenty of parking is available at both beaches, which are just a short walk from the venue, and drop-ins are $10.
If you’d sooner end your day with some yoga than start it that way, stop by West Dennis Beach on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 6:30-7:30 PM. These classes, which are organized by A Bit of Bliss Yoga, begin in April and run until Labor Day weekend, giving you more than enough opportunity to get out there and enjoy. West Dennis Beach is very long, so try to park near the west end because that’s where the group meets. The drop-in fee is $10.
Other Yoga Options
Many towns on Cape Cod sponsor beach yoga programs throughout the summer, giving you even more opportunity to experience one of the most scenic exercise programs you’ll find anywhere.
Some of these programs are free, so all you have to do is show up with your beach towel to participate, while others cost $5-$15. Have a look at the websites of some of the towns near your vacation rental to get a better idea of what is available closer to your arrival date.
One thing for sure is that the yoga on Cape Cod’s beaches provides an unforgettable experience and you’re sure to cherish your time participating in some of the country’s most beautiful locations.
