As a barrier beach on Nantucket Sound, South Cape is an isolated and relatively quiet stretch of sand used for swimming, sunning and fishing. The location is ideal for birdwatchers during migration season. Among the protected resources in this day-use park are wetlands and nesting areas for piping plovers and least terns. A 1.5-mile interpretive trail runs through the park.
Anglers come for striped bass and bluefish.
Hunting is permitted in season. South Cape Beach State Park is on Great Neck Road, in Mashpee. A parking fee is charged at the beach in season. The research reserve also administers Washburn Island in Waquoit Bay. Accessible only by private boat, the island has 11 primitive campsites available by reservation.