Things to do nearCape Cod National Seashore
Cape Cod National Seashore in Massachusetts protects forty miles of undeveloped Atlantic coastline, offering sweeping ocean beaches, forested trails, and storied lighthouses.
Cape Cod National Seashore was established in 1961 under President John F. Kennedy, making it one of the first national seashores in the United States to be protected at the federal level. The designation preserved roughly forty miles of barrier beach, dune, and upland habitat along the Outer Cape, running from Chatham north to Provincetown. Visitors who walk the seashore's beaches encounter a landscape still shaped largely by natural forces: glacial outwash plains, constantly shifting dunes, and freshwater kettle ponds formed when buried ice blocks melted after the last ice age.
The Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham serves as a useful starting point, offering exhibits on the seashore's ecology and history alongside ranger-led programs throughout the warmer months. Trails fan out from the center into marshland and along the bluffs above Nauset Marsh, where great blue herons and osprey are commonly spotted. Swimmers and surfers favor the long Atlantic-facing beaches, while the calmer bay side offers gentler conditions for kayaking.
The Provincelands area near Provincetown presents a striking dune landscape that has drawn artists and writers for over a century, and the nearby town remains a lively hub for galleries, seafood, and local culture. Cape Cod National Seashore rewards visitors who come willing to slow down and move through the landscape on foot or by bike, finding a coastline that still feels genuinely remote despite being within easy reach of Boston.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Cape Cod National Seashore
Visit during late September or early October for quieter beaches, mild temperatures, and the warm amber light that photographers prize on the Outer Cape.
Try the self-guided bike path along the Cape Cod Rail Trail, which connects several access points to the seashore through shaded woodland.
Bring a National Parks annual pass if you plan multiple visits, as daily vehicle fees apply at the main beach entrances during summer months.
Climb the Highland Light in Truro, one of the oldest lighthouses on Cape Cod, for a panoramic view of the seashore's landscape and open ocean.
Arrive at Nauset Beach or Coast Guard Beach before 9 a.m. in July and August to secure parking before lots fill, especially on clear weekends.
Top tours & experiences near Cape Cod National Seashore
4-Hour Private Sailing Charter in Provincetown
Sail Provincetown Harbor and Cape Cod Bay on a private 4-hour charter
Private Whale Watching Charter in Provincetown
Book a private whale watch to Stellwagen Bank in Provincetown
2-Hour Sunset Sail in Provincetown Harbor
Enjoy a relaxing two-hour cruise as daylight fades over the water
Cruise Wellfleet Harbor on a 3-Hour Morning Charter
Private 3-hour morning bay cruise for up to 6
Sunset Cruise Charter in Wellfleet Harbor
Cruise Wellfleet Harbor at sunset on a private charter for up to 6
Cruise Provincetown Harbor at Sunset
Enjoy a private evening cruise past Provincetown’s historic lighthouses
Edgartown Private Sunset Cruise with Cocktails
Savor sunset views around Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard on an exclusive evening cruise for your group
Kayak & Paddleboard Rental at Lawrence Pond
Pick up a kayak or paddleboard at Lawrence Pond and explore at your own pace
Explore Falmouth on a 4-Hour Bike Rental
Pick up a bike at AutoCamp and ride Cape Cod for 4 hours
Sunset Kayak Tour in Cape Cod
Paddle Popponesset and Ockway bays at sunset with an ACA-certified guide
Cape Cod 2-Hour Guided Kayak Tour
Paddle Cape Cod’s barrier beaches with an ACA-certified guide
Sunset Paddleboard Tour in Cape Cod
Paddle into a Cape Cod sunset with an ACA-certified guide
2-Hour Scorton Creek Guided Kayak Nature Tour
Paddle Scorton Creek with an ACA-certified guide, with routes picked for the tides
Ride an E-Bike in Cape Cod With a Rental
E-bike rental for 24 hours to 1 week, with helmet and lock
Striped Bass Half-Day Fishing Charter on Cape Cod
Fish Cape Cod waters on a 4.5-hour private charter for up to 6
Sunset Whale Watch Charter in Provincetown
Private whale watch with a sunset cruise in Provincetown Harbor
Cape Cod Evening Cocktail & Ice Cream Cruise
Sip, Savor & Cruise: Narrated Harbor Views with Cocktails and Ice Cream Treats Onboard
Cape Cod Sunset Cocktail & Ice Cream Cruise
Watch Cape Cod's vibrant sunset while enjoying onboard cocktails and treats
Shark Center General Admission in Chatham
Explore interactive exhibits and learn about Great White Sharks during a self-guided visit.
Monomoy Seal Watching Cruise in Harwich Port
Cruise shallow channels to observe Gray seals and historic lighthouses with a naturalist guide.