“The Cape Cod National Seashore has some of the best beaches in the country,” said one Google reviewer, while another praised its “excellent waves, awesome nature, seals and the quick access from bike paths… and the sand is great for sandcastles!” Many tourists are mesmerized by this 60-mile shore in Massachusetts, and as of this posting, it garnered 4.8 stars on Google. Almost perfect.

Massachusetts is called The Bay State because of its abundance of pristine shores like the famous Cape Cod, the fishers’ paradise of Buzzards, and Quincy Bay which offers panoramic views of Boston. However, it's Cape Cod that takes the cake – evident in its status as a national seashore.

CCNS is proud of its woods, ponds, and the Atlantic beachfront, plus the many landmarks that dot its shore. No wonder it was visited by more than four million people in 2020, making it one of the most visited national parks that year. Aside from tourism, it plays a key role in local conservation efforts. It has rave reviews online, and even before the age of the internet, it has charmed the famous essayist Henry David Thoreau. The allure of Cape Cod resulted in probably its best review from the American author: “A man may stand there and put all America behind him.”

Plan The Visit

When visiting Massachusetts, it’s a must to explore Cape Cod because it has a lot to offer to those who want to break a sweat or just want to have a lazy day outdoors. The park is open year-round, but its peak season is from June to September.

Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and until 5 p.m. from May to October.

Province Lands Visitor Center in Provincetown is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except from November to April.

There's a $25 entrance fee for a vehicle, $20 for a motorcycle, and $15 for bike or walk-in guests.

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Things To Do

Cape Cod National Seashore is one big playground for all types of travelers. It has a variety of activities, from indoor programs at the visitor centers and educational experiences in Highlands Center to ranger-led sessions for kids and kids-at-heart.

Thanks to the park’s teeming ocean, estuaries, salt marsh, lakes, and ponds, waders will have satisfying moments throwing a line or simply having a splashing good time. Its forest, heathlands, grasslands, and dunes, meanwhile, are perfect for trekkers who don’t want to skip leg day. Whatever tourists plan to do, this Massachusetts paradise got them covered.

Beach Adventures

If not obvious yet, Cape Cod National Seashore’s main attraction is the beach. Its long stretch of shore is one of the most beautiful in the region, so anywhere tourists plan to stay, they are afforded exciting sunny moments.

During summer, Coast Guard Beach is the most popular not only because of its ideal swimming conditions but also of its features. Such points of interest include the Great Beach, Nauset Marsh, where shorebirds abound, and Nauset Spit which leads tourists to a barrier beach. Depending on the season, tourists can also check out nesting plovers and terns, plus seals.

Nauset Light Beach, meanwhile, is close to the Three Sisters Lighthouses and the historic French Cable Hut. Marconi Beach, on the other hand, has a viewpoint where tourists can check out the Outer Cape, and the Head of the Meadow Beach is known for shipwrecks that can be seen when the tide is low. Other beaches to explore include Race Point and Herring Cove, both frequented by shorebirds. Those who want a different kind of beachcombing, that is, off-roading, are welcome to play around, too.

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Hiking And Biking

Those who want to break a sweat are lucky as the park offers trails where they can challenge themselves while enjoying ocean views. Cape Cod National Seashore has at least 11 hiking trails, all scenic and inviting.

The mile-long Fort Hill Trail can be finished in an hour, taking trekkers to open fields. For a loop hike, tourists should take the Nauset Marsh Trail, which will lead them to a forest in just an hour. The trails of Atlantic White Cedar Swamp and Beech Forest can also be finished in an hour. Fall is the best season to trek along Red Maple Swamp Trail, which can be explored in just 30 minutes. Buttonbush is easier, though, as it can be finished in 15 minutes. Other trails for casual hikers include those in Pamet Area, Doane, Small's Swamp, and Pilgrim Spring -- all can be finished in under an hour. The longest trail is the Great Island, which will take three to five hours to conquer.

Bikers are in for a treat, too, because of three challenging trails: the 5.45-mile loop Province Lands, the two-mile (one-way) Head of the Meadow, and the shortest Nauset (3.2 miles round-trip). Be it biking or hiking, the seashore has the right paths.

Lodging, Fishing, And Wildlife Viewing

There are lodging options for those who want to stay the night and be immersed in the park’s natural wonders. The four accommodations are perfect for fishers or those who want to check out the wildlife.

Anglers will have a fun time catching finfish along the seashore. Wildlife watchers, meanwhile, can busy themselves spotting meadow voles, white-footed mice, deer, and bats. If lucky, they might even spot the rarely seen eastern spadefoot toads. If visitors keep their eyes peeled, they might spot some eastern box turtles or eastern hognose snakes.

The seashore is also frequented by 370 bird species, an enticing prospect for birdwatchers. Meanwhile, beachcombers can check out purple marsh or horseshoe crabs. Botany lovers are in for a treat, too, because the rich ecosystem is home to many plant species like broom crowberries and seagrass, among others. Cape Cod National Seashore is teeming with wildlife that’s raring to be seen.

Whether tourists want to visit lighthouses, historic spots, archaeological sites, or natural wonders, Cape Cod won’t disappoint.