Meet at the Sandy Neck Gatehouse unless otherwise noted.

Spring Beach Clean-up: Saturday, April 18, 9:00 AM – Noon

Join the Massachusetts Beach Buggy Association for this yearly event. Activities include trash pick-up, dune fence installation, and more! Meet at the Sandy Neck lower parking lot and spend the morning giving back to your favorite beach. For more information, call the Gatehouse at 508-362-8300.

ORV Operation 101 for Beginners: Tuesday, May 19, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Do you want to be able to take your vehicle off-road, but are unsure where to start? Join Sandy Neck Beach Park staff to learn the Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) basics. Staff will teach you how to air down and air up your vehicle, what your equipment is for and how to use it, and answer your off-roading questions.

This event is free. Pre-registration is required. To register, please email the Sandy Neck Gatehouse at sandyneck@town.barnstable.ma.us.

Sandy Neck Terrapin Hike: Thursday, June 11, 10:00 AM – Noon

Hike 1.5 miles through Sandy Neck’s Great Marsh and sand to discover hidden Diamondback Terrapin nests with Barnstable Land Trust and Sandy Neck Park staff. Learn about the Diamondback Terrapin’s life cycle and ongoing conservation efforts to protect them in Massachusetts. Wear sturdy hiking boots to walk over sand and uneven terrain.

For more information, call the Gatehouse at 508-362-8300 or visit Barnstable Land Trust. This hike is free.

Sandy Neck Plover Walk: Wednesday, June 17, 10:00 AM – Noon

Discover hidden Piping Plover nests along the front beach with Barnstable Land Trust and Sandy Neck Park staff on a one-mile hike through the dunes of Sandy Neck. Explore barrier beach ecology. Learn about the Piping Plover’s life cycle and conservation measures being taken to protect these endangered shorebirds. Wear hiking boots for sand and uneven terrain.

For more information, call the Gatehouse at 508-362-8300 or visit Barnstable Land Trust. This hike is free.

Sandy Neck Summer Flora & Fauna Hike: Tuesday, June 23, 10:00 AM – Noon

Hike 1.5 miles through Sandy Neck’s Great Marsh and sand dunes to explore barrier beach flora and fauna with Barnstable Land Trust and Sandy Neck Park staff. You’ll learn about ongoing efforts to protect and restore these and other sensitive natural communities. Wear sturdy hiking boots to walk over sand and uneven terrain.

For more information, call the Gatehouse at 508-362-8300 or visit Barnstable Land Trust. This hike is free.

Sandy Neck Junior Ranger Program: Five Tuesdays, 9:30 AM – Noon, July 7 – August 4

Ages 9–13

Come explore the Sandy Neck barrier beach ecosystem as a Junior Ranger. Junior Rangers will earn their badge by participating in outdoor hikes, identifying local plants and animals, including endangered species, learning how to rescue marine mammals such as dolphins and seals, and most of all, having fun.

Junior Rangers must be able to attend four out of five sessions to be eligible for the program. Space is limited to ten participants; however, more sessions may be added if needed. The cost is $65 for each Junior Ranger. For more information on enrollment, call the Barnstable Recreation Department at 508-790-6345.

Sandy Neck Terrapin Hatchling Hike: Wednesday, September 9, 10:00 AM – Noon

Hike 1.5 miles through Sandy Neck’s Great Marsh and sand to discover tracks of hatchling Diamondback Terrapins with Barnstable Land Trust and Sandy Neck Park staff. Learn about the Diamondback Terrapin’s life cycle and the headstart program helping the tiny terrapins. Wear sturdy hiking boots to walk over sand and uneven terrain.

For more information, call the Gatehouse at 508-362-8300 or visit Barnstable Land Trust. This hike is free.

Coast Sweep 2026: Sunday, September 13, 9:00 AM – Noon

Sponsored by the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management and coordinated by the Urban Harbors Institute, thousands of COASTSWEEP volunteers remove debris that would otherwise pollute our oceans, beaches, lakes, and rivers. Participants collect bag after bag of trash and debris and record their findings on data cards.

The data is sent to the Ocean Conservancy and entered into a massive marine debris database. This information is then analyzed and used to identify the sources of marine debris, which helps to prevent the problem in the future.

If you’re interested in volunteering, contact Donna Bragg at the Sandy Neck Gatehouse at 508-362-8300 or email sandyneck@town.barnstable.ma.us.

Sandy Neck Fall Migration Hike: Wednesday, September 16, 10:00 AM – Noon

Sandy Neck is a popular resting place for many migratory species on their way south along the East Coast. The forested areas along the trails are made of a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees packed with high-energy food for traveling birds.

Additionally, many migrating birds linger on Sandy Neck shores, delaying their flights south for as long as possible. These birds tend to concentrate near their favorite food source before continuing on their journey. Join us for a migration hike as we welcome fall and the migratory birds that are leaving, returning, or just passing through.

For more information, call the Gatehouse at 508-362-8300. This hike is free.

Clam Crawl 2026: Sunday, October 11, TBD

Join the Massachusetts Shellfish Officers Association for the Annual Clam Crawl at Sandy Neck, a fun 3K or 6K over-sand run along the beach. This family-friendly event welcomes runners and walkers of all abilities. Proceeds support scholarships for high school seniors from Massachusetts coastal communities pursuing degrees in marine biology and marine science. Run, walk, and help support the next generation of marine scientists!

For more information, call the Gatehouse at 508-362-8300. Fees may apply.

West Barnstable Trunk or Treat 2026: Saturday, October 24, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Join Sandy Neck Beach Park staff and the West Barnstable Fire Department for an afternoon of Touch-a-Truck/Trunk or Treat fun! This event will take place in the lower parking lot at Sandy Neck Beach. Don’t forget to wear a costume, and remember that parking may be limited.

For more information, call the Gatehouse at 508-362-8300. This event is free.

All Sandy Neck hikes are considered strenuous in difficulty.