America's Backyard: 44,000 Acres of Protected Cape Cod
Stretching 40 miles from Chatham to the tip of Provincetown, Cape Cod National Seashore is one of the most significant acts of coastal preservation in American history. Established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, the Seashore protects 44,000 acres of barrier beach, marshland, freshwater ponds, and ancient dune fields across six towns.
The Two Visitor Centers
Salt Pond Visitor Center — Eastham
The main hub, open year-round. Exhibits, trail maps, and ranger program schedules. The Nauset Marsh Trail departs directly from the center.
Province Lands Visitor Center — Provincetown
Open summers only. An observation deck with panoramic views of dunes and Provincetown Harbor.
The Beaches
Coast Guard Beach — Eastham
Consistently ranked among the best beaches in the United States. Powerful Atlantic surf, wide sands, and Nauset Lighthouse on the nearby bluffs.
Marconi Beach — Wellfleet
Named for Guglielmo Marconi, whose wireless station transmitted the first transatlantic message in 1903. Dramatic 90-foot clay bluffs.
Head of the Meadow — Truro
Two beaches in one: a swim beach and access to the Head of the Meadow bicycle trail.
Race Point Beach — Provincetown
Wild and wide at the very tip of the Cape. Humpback and finback whales are occasionally visible offshore in summer.
Herring Cove Beach — Provincetown
The bay-side counterpart to Race Point: calmer water, gentler surf, and the Cape's most celebrated sunsets over Cape Cod Bay.
Hiking the Seashore
Great Island Trail — Wellfleet
4–8 miles | Challenging. Through pine forest, tidal flats, and open estuary with sweeping Wellfleet Harbor views.
Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail — Wellfleet
1.4 miles | Easy. A boardwalk through one of the Cape's rarest ecosystems.
Nauset Marsh Trail — Eastham
1.6 miles | Easy. Follows Salt Pond to a Nauset Marsh overlook.
Beech Forest Trail — Provincetown
1.1 miles | Easy. Through a rare beech forest used by migrating songbirds.
Ranger Programs
All ranger-led programs are free with park entry. The Junior Ranger program is the best structured activity for kids.
Fees and Passes
| Pass | Cost |
|---|---|
| Daily vehicle | $25 |
| Motorcycle | $20 |
| Pedestrians and cyclists (16+) | $15 per person |
| Seashore Annual Park Pass | $60 |
| America the Beautiful Annual Pass | $80 (U.S. residents) / $250 (non-residents) (nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm) |
| Ranger programs | Free |
Beaches & trails in this guide
Toss These in the Bag
Cape Cod Certified picks — essentials worth packing for this trip:
- MalsiPree Portable Dog Water Bottle — $15: One-handed, leak-proof bottle with a built-in bowl that recycles unused water back into the bottle. Under six ounces and ready for every boardwalk, trail, and dune walk.
- Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm — $4: Zinc-based broad-spectrum lip protection with vitamin E; reef-safe.
Turn This Into a Plan
Get the best of Cape Cod — free.
Guides, hidden spots, and seasonal tips from people who actually live here.
Frequently asked questions
What beaches are inside Cape Cod National Seashore?
The Seashore includes several beaches spanning its 40-mile length: Coast Guard Beach and Marconi Beach on the Atlantic side, Head of the Meadow in Truro with both swimming and trail access, and Race Point and Herring Cove at the tip of the Cape in Provincetown. Herring Cove faces Cape Cod Bay and is calmer; Race Point is wilder and more exposed. Check current fees before you go.
Are there hiking trails at Cape Cod National Seashore?
Yes, trails range from easy boardwalk loops to a challenging multi-mile route through pine forest and tidal flats. Highlights include a boardwalk through an Atlantic white cedar swamp in Wellfleet, a marsh overlook trail in Eastham, and a beech forest path in Provincetown used by migrating songbirds. Conditions can change seasonally, so check with the park before heading out.
Where is the Cape Cod National Seashore visitor center?
There are two. Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham is the main hub for exhibits, trail maps and ranger program schedules, and the Province Lands Visitor Center in Provincetown is open seasonally, with an observation deck overlooking the dunes. Check current hours before visiting.
Can you see whales from the beach at Cape Cod National Seashore?
Humpback and finback whales are occasionally visible offshore from Race Point Beach in Provincetown during summer. The beach sits at the very tip of the Cape, giving it open sightlines across the Atlantic.
Is there anything structured for kids at Cape Cod National Seashore?
The Junior Ranger program is the most structured kids' activity the park offers, and ranger-led programs are included with park entry at no added cost. Check the current schedule at either visitor center when you arrive.
