The Cape Cod National Seashore is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Massachusetts. It spans across 68 square miles stretched along the Atlantic Ocean and features pristine beaches, marshes, ponds, woods and towering dunes. The park provides visitors with opportunities for recreation such as camping, hiking and fishing. This guide will cover everything you need to know about this amazing national treasure!
What is the Cape Cod National Seashore ?
The Cape Cod National Seashore is a 43,607 acres national park that is maintained by the National Park Service, and is located 60 miles south of Boston on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The seashore features beaches, marshes, ponds, rolling hills and woodlands. It is popular for swimming, fishing, boating, walking and biking.
What are some of the most popular activities in the area ?
The most popular activities in the area include swimming, fishing, boating, walking and biking. The beaches are a big draw for people looking to enjoy the sun and surf, while the ponds and marshes offer great opportunities for bird watching. There are also several historic lighthouses scattered throughout the park which can be visited.
How to get to the National Seashore
Getting to the Cape Cod National Seashore is easy, as it can be accessed off of Route 6 which is the primary highway on the Cape and runs through most of the major towns throughout the area. There are also several entrances to the park, so it is easy to find one that is close to where you are staying.
Where can you stay near the Cape Cod National Seashore?
There are a few different lodging options within the park, as well as plenty of lodging and camping options in the towns that surround it.
In park accommodations include:
There is also a visitors center located within the park where you can get more information on things to do in the area.
Popular Spots along the National Seashore
Nauset Beach
The first stop on your trip is Nauset Beach in the town of Orleans. This striking beach can be seen as you walk and watch nature at work, with relentless storms battering its dunes each winter time until they eventually fall apart or get moved aside by new ones continuing this cycle over again ad infinitum- always pay close attention to erosion signs anywhere during any part off Cape Cod since these are some major problems here!
A popular beach for visitors, Nauset features a vast expanse of white sand beach, crashing waves, and lots of parking and restroom facilities. It is located at the end of Beach Road in East Orleans, and is pay to park.
National Seashore Eastham Visitors Center
National Seashore’s Salt Pond Visitors Center in Eastham will orient you to the park, provides short films and free maps for hiking trails. The salt-water kettle pond was once freshwater but has been oceanside since before colonial times!
Take time to explore this beautiful area by foot where diverse birdlife can be seen among other native plants.
This is a popular field trip place and has lots of interesting things for kids to do and see as well.
Coast Guard Beach, Eastham MA
Another great place along the seashore is Coast Guard Beach in Eastham. This beautiful stretch of white sand beach features a vast expanse of coastline to walk along with views out over Nantucket Sound.
Coast Guard Beach is a hidden gem that can be found off the beaten path in Eastham. You’ll need to get there by bike or car from one of two locations- either towards Nauset Road after visiting Salt Pond Visitor Center on Route 6, or take more scenic routes through town while continuing south down Kites Hill before turning left at Gate House lot where you will find parking lots filled with cars eager for their next adventure!
Nauset Light Beach
The Nauset Light Beach is a picturesque, red and white lighthouse overlooking the coast. It is a popular spot with tourists who enjoy its imposing cliffs as well as those looking for some peace away from their busy lives on land!
It can be reached from Brackett Road off Route 6 where you’ll find an abundance of tall cliffs for your viewing pleasure!
National Seashore Province Lands Visitors Center
As we wrap up our brief tour of the Cape Cod National Seashore, let’s head to its northern extremity in Provincetown. This area has plenty for you: beaches with swimming opportunities and bike trails among other things!
You’ll also find a lighthouse at Race Point that is worth taking time out from your exploring around this beautiful region – which includes some incredible forests perfect just as they are (and not yet touched by human hands).
The Visitors Center here (open seasonally) offers a 360 degree view from the observation decks (there are options for both inside and outdoors) and is a view that should not be missed!
Tips for visiting during different seasons or times of day (i.e., winter vs summer)
The Cape Cod National Seashore is open year-round but some areas are closed during the winter months due to safety concerns (e.g. icy roads).
The busiest time of year is always during the summer when the weather is warmest, but it can also get crowded on the main beaches (i.e., the ones with parking) so if you are looking for a more peaceful visit, try going during the off-season or early morning/late evening, or hit the rail trail on your bike and find your own secluded place to take in the view!
The Cape Cod National Seashore is a beautiful place to visit, and offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking to relax on the beach, go fishing or bird watching, or explore some of the historic lighthouses, you will find what you are looking for in this park. Be sure to check it out during your next visit to Cape Cod!