There’s nothing quite like a good beach walk to clear the mind. One of our favorite Mid-Cape sandy treks is down Craigville Beach in Centerville. In the off season (or in season with a Barnstable beach sticker) park at Covell’s Beach, locally known as “Jack’s” to add some mileage to the walk or simply park in the expansive Craigville Beach parking lot.
Take in the ocean mist and breezes and head to the right towards Long Beach. Pass by the charming, private Beach Club on your right and arrive on Long Beach, Craigville’s quieter and less crowded beach neighbor. Walk down the coast collecting shells and the scents of the sea for about 45 minutes until you arrive to the Shell/Conch/Wishing Tree.
The Shell Tree is located at the very end of Long Beach where the Centerville River meets the ocean and is covered by hundreds of shells of different shapes and sizes. Locals and visitors have been adorning the tree with shells (and wishes!) for years and is a very special sight.
Just past the Shell Tree, at the very end of Long Beach you’ll see messages in the sand placed there thoughtfully by those who have come before, and they just might offer you some enlightenment, comfort or guidance if you need it.
Grab yourself, a friend (furry ones in the off season) and get your daily dose of ocean serenity, capped off with a shell wish or two!
