Covering over miles of shoreline around Cape Cod, this national park offers endless things to see and do regardless of the season.

President John F. Kennedy created Cape Cod National Seashore in 1961. Encompassing 40 miles (65 kilometres) of shoreline, this area on the Massachusetts coastline is a popular summer destination for families. Whether you explore it by boat, bike or foot, you’re sure to fall in love with this natural paradise.

If you want to go swimming on Cape Cod National Seashore, you have six beaches to choose from. Coast Guard Beach in Eastham is a very popular beach for swimmers. Head to Nauset Light Beach, also in Eastham, and take a hike to the iconic Nauset Lighthouse.

From Head of the Meadow Beach, in Truro, you can look out across the “ocean graveyard.” Hidden sandbars of the coast have caused over 1,000 wrecks between Truro and Wellfleet alone.

For a more secluded beach experience, go to the cliffs at Marconi Beach. Nearby Marconi Station was the first two-way transatlantic radio transmission.

Provincetown is home to a number of beaches. Herring Cove Beach is the most popular. Keep an eye out for whales swimming offshore in winter and early spring. Brave the chilly waters of Race Point Beach but be careful of rip tides here.

Learn more about the area at Salt Pond Visitor Centre. Explore the museum's exhibits, which feature everything from area history to local art. Watch a short educational film in the theatre. Stop by the gift shop, where you can buy a Cape Cod sweatshirt or an informational book. The visitor centre is open daily, with increased hours during the summer.

Although it is smaller, Province Lands Visitor Centre is also worth a visit. Peruse its exhibits, which take you back in time to the Pilgrim's landing in Provincetown. On a clear day, head out to the observation deck and enjoy the panoramic views across the Atlantic Ocean, Province Lands, Race Point Beach and Pilgrim Monument in Provincetown. Province Lands Visitor Centre is open from the beginning of May through the end of October.

You can visit Cape Cod National Seashore any time of year. Its parking lots are open daily from morning to midnight. However, if you want to get in the water note that the park's six beaches only have lifeguards on duty from late June through Labour Day.

Plan a trip to see Cape Cod National Seashore

Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

The Langham, Boston

Downtown Boston

per person

22 Jun - 25 Jun

Return flight included

London (LON) to Boston (BOS)

9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)

Excellent service and excellent location, wish I could’ve stayed longer than three nights!

Reviewed on 24 Apr 2024

The Boston Hotel

Brighton

per person

15 Jul - 22 Jul

Return flight included

London (LGW) to Boston (BOS)

7.6/10 Good! (120 reviews)

All the staff was friendly and accommodating. Very close and convenient to the green line stations markets and eats. Cute white college neighborhood. I didn’t have a vehicle to park but anyone who says they don’t tell you they charge for parking doesn’t read all the details when booking. I will stay here every time I come to town. Well done.

Reviewed on 24 Apr 2024

Equinox Resort Residences

per person

26 May - 1 Jun

Return flight included

London (LON) to Albany (ALB)

No reviews

Reviews of Cape Cod National Seashore

4.6

Top destination

5 - Excellent

17

4 - Good

9

3 - Okay

1

2 - Disappointing

0

1 - Terrible

0

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

9 Sep 2019

Lovely huge beach but not many people in the water because of the very real threat of sharks.

5/5 - Excellent

Williamsworld

7 Aug 2019

Race Point beach is spectacular with sightings of whales ,dolphins ,seals but unfortunately no sharks but they are there...it’s $20 for a car to enter but worth every penny and the money goes back into maintaining the pristine shore, we went to all the beaches in this area but Race Point was by far the nicest

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