Cape Cod National Seashore

Cape Cod National Seashore is a stunning protected area located in Massachusetts, encompassing 40 miles of pristine sandy beaches, marshes, dunes, and woodlands. Established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, the National Seashore is a testament to the region's natural beauty and historical importance.

Situated on the prominent arm-shaped peninsula of Cape Cod, the National Seashore stretches from Chatham to Provincetown and includes six towns along its breathtaking coastline. Its strategic location has made it historically significant, dating back to the days of the early European settlers and the Pilgrims' arrival in 1620.

Within the Cape Cod National Seashore, visitors can engage in a plethora of outdoor activities and explore its diverse ecosystems. The pristine beaches offer opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, and picnicking, while the rolling dunes provide scenic hiking trails with picturesque vistas. Wildlife enthusiasts can observe various species of shorebirds, seals, and even whales along the coastline.

In addition to its natural wonders, the National Seashore also boasts several historical sites. The Highland Light, locally known as Cape Cod Light, is a historic lighthouse that has guided ships for over 200 years. The Old Harbor Life-Saving Station, now serving as a museum, showcases the history of the U.S. Coast Guard and its heroic rescues along the treacherous Cape Cod coast.

For those seeking cultural experiences, nearby Provincetown offers a vibrant and artistic atmosphere. This vibrant coastal town showcases art galleries, shops, restaurants, and a lively LGBTQ+ community. Visitors can also explore the famous Provincetown Museum, which delves into the town's intriguing maritime history and the Pilgrims' first landing.

Nature lovers will find Truro's Great Hollow Beach and Wellfleet's Mass Audubon Wildlife Sanctuaries to be exceptional attractions near the National Seashore. Great Hollow Beach is renowned for its breathtaking cliffs and peaceful seclusion, while Wellfleet's marshes, freshwater ponds, and scenic trails provide ample opportunity for birdwatching and exploration.

With its stunning landscape, historical significance, and nearby attractions, Cape Cod National Seashore is a remarkable destination that offers memorable experiences for nature enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking cultural enrichment.

Cape Cod National Seashore is located on the eastern coast of Massachusetts, spanning a significant portion of the Cape Cod Peninsula. Situated approximately 70 miles southeast of Boston, this breathtaking park encompasses over 40 miles of pristine Atlantic shoreline. The national seashore extends across six towns, including Provincetown, Truro, Wellfleet, Eastham, Orleans, and Chatham, offering visitors a diverse display of coastal landscapes. Nestled amidst picturesque sand dunes, lush marshes, and charming seaside towns, Cape Cod National Seashore showcases the region's natural beauty and provides a tranquil escape for both locals and visitors alike.

Address & Contact

50 Nauset Road
Eastham, MA 02642
Driving Directions
Phone: 508-255-3421
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Cape Cod National Seashore would be during the months of May, June, September, and October. These months offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities with average maximum temperatures ranging from 62°F to 79°F. Additionally, these months also have moderate precipitation levels, with average monthly precipitation ranging from 2.7 in to 4.5 in. During these months, the visitor count is relatively lower compared to the peak summer months, allowing for a more peaceful and less crowded experience.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Cape Cod National Seashore are: Guided Tours Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs Biking Camping Hiking Front-Country Hiking Fishing Hunting and Gathering Hunting Paddling Canoeing Kayaking Skiing Cross-Country Skiing Auto and ATV Snowshoeing Swimming RV Camping Freshwater Fishing Bus/Shuttle Guided Tour Auto Off-Roading Saltwater Fishing Stand Up Paddleboarding Saltwater Swimming Surfing Golf

Topics

Learn about these topics at Cape Cod National Seashore: Animals Birds Groundwater Night Sky Arts Native American Heritage Fish Tortoises and Turtles Trails Colonization and Settlement Military Painting Science, Technology and Innovation Climate Change Natural Sounds Scenic Views Wetlands Monuments and Memorials Wars and Conflicts Marshes Swamps Coasts, Islands and Atolls Dunes Cold War Maritime Oceans Ships and Shipwrecks Estuaries and Mangroves US Coast Guard Lighthouses Poetry and Literature Whales

Visitor Centers

Salt Pond Visitor Center

Open year-round. Let us help you plan the perfect seashore day! Visit the park museum to learn about the many layers of human history here, watch our award-winning orientation film, Standing Bold, and take in the expansive view of Salt Pond, Nauset Marsh, and the Atlantic. Walking and biking trails start nearby. Ask about the Junior Ranger Program and ranger-guided activities. Want swag? The America's National Parks store operated by Eastern National is open daily.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Salt Pond Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Cape Cod National Seashore

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Cape Cod National Seashore

Rodeway Inn Orleans - Cape Cod

A stay at Rodeway Inn Orleans - Cape Cod places you in the heart of Orleans, within a 10-minute walk of Addison Art Gallery and Cape Escape Adventure Golf. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 48 Cranberry Hwy, Orleans, Massachusetts 02653
Web: Link

HI Truro

When you a stay at HI Truro in Truro, you'll be near the beach, within a 5-minute walk of Ballston Beach and Highland Beach. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: North Pamet Road, Truro, Massachusetts 2666
Web: Link

HI Eastham

When you stay at HI Eastham in Eastham, you'll be near the beach, within a 5-minute drive of Cape Escape Adventure Golf and Church of the Transfiguration Orleans. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 75 Goody Hallet Drive, Eastham, Massachusetts 2642
Web: Link

The Governor Prence Inn

When you stay at The Governor Prence Inn in Orleans, you'll be near the beach, within a 15-minute walk of Addison Art Gallery and Cape Escape Adventure Golf. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 66 Rt 6a, Orleans, Massachusetts 02653
Web: Link

Seashore Park Inn

With a stay at Seashore Park Inn in Orleans, you'll be near the beach, just a 4-minute walk from Cape Escape Adventure Golf and 15 minutes by foot from Addison Art Gallery. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 24 Canal Rd, Orleans, Massachusetts 02653
Web: Link

14 Alden - 3 Bedroom House

With a stay at this vacation home in Orleans (East Orleans), you'll be a 1-minute drive from Nauset Beach and 5 minutes from Orleans Historical Society Meeting House Museum. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 14 Alden Rd, Orleans, Massachusetts 02653
Web: Link

90 Oak Ridge - 3 Bedroom House

When you stay at this vacation home in Eastham, you'll be near the beach, within a 5-minute drive of Poit's Lighthouse Mini Golf and Arnold's Mini Golf. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 90 Oak Ridge Rd, Eastham, Massachusetts 02642
Web: Link

64 Rock Harbor - 3 Bedroom House

When you stay at this vacation home in Orleans, you'll be near the beach, within a 15-minute walk of Church of the Transfiguration Orleans and Rock Harbor Beach. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 64 Rock Harbor Rd, Orleans, Massachusetts 02653
Web: Link

205 Rock Harbor - 2 Bedroom House

When you stay at this vacation home in Orleans, you'll be near the beach, within a 5-minute drive of Church of the Transfiguration Orleans and Cape Escape Adventure Golf. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 205 Rock Harbor Rd, Orleans, Massachusetts 02653
Web: Link

Whalewalk Inn and Spa

Located in Eastham, Whalewalk Inn and Spa is within a 5-minute drive of Cape Escape Adventure Golf and Church of the Transfiguration Orleans. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, multilingual staff, and a library. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 220 Bridge Road, Eastham, Massachusetts 02642
Web: Link