Cape Cod National Seashore Tours and Activities

Cape Cod National Seashore showing general coastal views and tranquil scenes
Cape Cod National Seashore featuring a house
Cape Cod National Seashore
Cape Cod National Seashore featuring tranquil scenes
Cape Cod National Seashore which includes forest scenes


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 kilometers) 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 Center. Explore the museum's exhibits, which feature everything from area history to local art. Watch a short educational film in the theater. Stop by the gift shop, where you can buy a Cape Cod sweatshirt or an informational book. The visitor center is open daily, with increased hours during the summer.

Although it is smaller, Province Lands Visitor Center 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 Center 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 Labor Day.

Plan a trip to see Cape Cod National Seashore

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Global Luxury Suites East Boston
Wayfinder Newport
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Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Cape Cod National Seashore

Endless Coast, A Boutique Hotel

Endless Coast, A Boutique Hotel

2 out of 5
2068 Route 6, Wellfleet, MA
Endless Coast, A Boutique Hotel
Waterfront Cottage Steps to Private Beach! (2052)

Waterfront Cottage Steps to Private Beach! (2052)

Wellfleet
Waterfront Cottage Steps to Private Beach! (2052)
Classic Cape Cod Beach Cottage Steps to Private Beach or Stroll to Town! A/C !

Classic Cape Cod Beach Cottage Steps to Private Beach or Stroll to Town! A/C !

Wellfleet
Classic Cape Cod Beach Cottage Steps to Private Beach or Stroll to Town! A/C !
Across from Mayo Beach walk to downtown!

Across from Mayo Beach walk to downtown!

Wellfleet
Across from Mayo Beach walk to downtown!
Copper Swan

Copper Swan

3 out of 5
70 Main Street, Wellfleet, MA
Copper Swan
Expansive, dog-friendly home with private hot tub, sauna, decks & great location

Expansive, dog-friendly home with private hot tub, sauna, decks & great location

Wellfleet
Expansive, dog-friendly home with private hot tub, sauna, decks & great location
Serene Home on 3 Acres w/ Wraparound Deck & Pool Table - Close to Beaches

Serene Home on 3 Acres w/ Wraparound Deck & Pool Table - Close to Beaches

Wellfleet
Serene Home on 3 Acres w/ Wraparound Deck & Pool Table - Close to Beaches
Spectacular Private Waterfront Cottage on Bayside. Panoramic Views. Pet Friendly

Spectacular Private Waterfront Cottage on Bayside. Panoramic Views. Pet Friendly

Wellfleet
Spectacular Private Waterfront Cottage on Bayside. Panoramic Views. Pet Friendly
New! High Tide Hideaway: Waterfront/Dog-Friendly

New! High Tide Hideaway: Waterfront/Dog-Friendly

Wellfleet
New! High Tide Hideaway: Waterfront/Dog-Friendly
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Cape Cod National Seashore

Explore the stunning Cape Cod National Seashore through activities like hiking along scenic trails, enjoying breathtaking sunsets, and watching baseball games. Don't miss out on guided vacation tours, visiting local art galleries, and stopping by visitor centres for valuable information. For a unique experience, consider taking a seal tour to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.

Shopping

For unique gifts, visit Atlantic Spice Company, located 6.4km from the seashore. If you're up for a drive, explore Chatham Fish Pier, a bustling public market 32.2km away, or the Rail Trail Bike Shop, 25.7km away, for local treasures and biking gear.

Recreation

Highland Golf Links offers a rejuvenating outdoor experience with stunning views and well-maintained greens, perfect for golf enthusiasts. Poit's Lighthouse Mini Golf provides a fun, family-friendly atmosphere with creative holes and adventure-filled challenges. For relaxation, The E Spa invites you to unwind with soothing body treatments in a tranquil setting.

Adventure

The Great Island Trail, located 6.4km from Cape Cod National Seashore, offers stunning coastal views and invigorating hikes through diverse landscapes. For family fun, visit Cape Codder Water Park, 41.8km away, featuring thrilling water slides and attractions. Explore nature at Harwich Herring Run, 33.8km away, with its beautiful outdoor scenery.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Cape Cod National Seashore with a visit to the Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater, just 4.8km away, for captivating performances. For film lovers, Wellfleet Cinemas, 11.3km away, offers a cozy atmosphere. Don’t miss the Provincetown Theater, 16.1km away, for cultural entertainment.

Find the best attractions near Cape Cod National Seashore

While visiting Cape Cod National Seashore, immerse yourself in the stunning beaches, historic lighthouses, and tranquil lakes. The area offers a perfect blend of culture and outdoor experiences, catering to beach lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Be sure to explore the iconic Cape Cod beaches and discover the best views the region has to offer, making your trip a memorable adventure in this picturesque coastal destination.

  • Cape Cod Beaches: Enjoy the quintessential beach vibes at Cape Cod Beaches, located just 1.6km from Cape Cod National Seashore. With its soft sands and mellow waves, it's perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing.
  • Gull Pond: A mere 3.2km away, Gull Pond offers a romantic escape with stunning scenery. Ideal for outdoor activities like kayaking and picnicking, this serene spot captures the essence of Cape Cod’s natural beauty.
  • Highland Lighthouse: Situated 8.0km from the seashore, Highland Lighthouse is steeped in culture and history. Climb to the top for breathtaking views and discover fascinating tales of maritime navigation that make this landmark a must-visit.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Cape Cod National Seashore

To save money on your visit to Cape Cod National Seashore, consider exploring popular free activities like Ballston Beach and Coast Guard Beach. Plan your trip between January and March for lower accommodation prices and book hotels a month in advance for the best deals. Tuesday is typically the least expensive day to stay, while Friday tends to be pricier. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly options by sorting prices and filtering for eco-certified hotels. Additionally, consider package deals that combine flights and activities for further savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Cape Cod National Seashore are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Cape Cod National Seashore is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Cape Cod National Seashore is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Cape Cod National Seashore is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring that the most affordable hotels appear first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation at Cape Cod National Seashore with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.