About Cape Cod National Seashore
The great Outer Beach described by Thoreau in the 1800s is protected within the national seashore. Forty miles of pristine sandy beach, marshes, ponds, and uplands support diverse species. Lighthouses, cultural landscapes, and wild cranberry bogs offer a glimpse of Cape Cod's past and continuing ways of life. Swimming beaches and walking and biking trails beckon today's visitors.
Quick Facts
Entrance Fees
Pass is for one private, non-commercial vehicle — passenger cars, pickup trucks, RVs and vans.
Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Pass is for one person 16 years of age or older — entering on foot or by bicycle.
Operating Hours
Beaches, parking areas, and trails are open year-round between 6 am and midnight.
Activities
Getting There
The national seashore is located in eastern Massachusetts on Cape Cod and is accessed via Route 6. The park is 20 miles east of Hyannis, MA.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
Entrance Passes
Passes are available at beach entrances during times when fees are normally collected. Entrance into the park with a pass may also require a driver's license or other form of picture identification. Valid for the current season. Permits access to any of the six Cape Cod National Seashore beaches. The annual pass allows entrance for the pass holder and additional passengers in a single private non-commercial vehicle, or pass holder plus three adults when entering on foot or bicycle.
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Hike the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail
Find your trail to explore at Cape Cod National Seashore! One of eleven trails in the park is the Atlantic…
Length: 1.2 mile loop, one hour Location: 195 Marconi Station Road. At the stop light, turn east off Route 6 into the…
Head of the Meadow Bike Trail
Get ready to explore! Enjoy a calm bike ride along berry bushes and trees.
Entrance to the bike trail at the High Head parking area. The trail can also be accessed from the Head…
Take a Break on Cape Cod's Beaches
What better way to enjoy a day on Cape Cod than to relax on the beach? Cape Cod National Seashore…
Hike the Pilgrim Spring Trail
Find your trail to explore at Cape Cod National Seashore! One of eleven trails in the park is the Pilgrim…
Length: 0.7 mile loop, 30 minutes. Location: Turn right off Route 6, 1.2 miles past the brown Head of the Meadow Beach…
Hike the Doane Trail
Find your trail to explore at Cape Cod National Seashore! One of eleven trails in the park is the Doane…
Length: 0.6 mile loop, 30 minutes. Location: Doane Picnic Area, one mile east of Salt Pond Visitor Center on Nauset Road (leading…
Bike the Nauset Bike Trail
Get ready to explore! The Nauset Bike Trail offers a variety of environments to explore along nearly 2 miles of…
Visitor Centers
Province Lands Visitor Center
Open seasonally mid-May to mid-October. Let us help you plan a fabulous seashore visit! Exhibits, our award-winning orientation film, Standing Bold, and dramatic views of…
Hours: The Province Lands Visitor Center is located at 171 Race Point Road. Open seasonally mid-May to mid-October. Closed mid-October to mid-May.
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,…
Hours: Salt Pond Visitor Center, located at 50 Nauset Road, Eastham, is open from 9 am to 4:30 pm daily (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day).
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