Complete information about visiting Cape Cod National Seashore is now on National Park Planner!
Cape Cod National Seashore in Massachusetts was created to stem real estate development on the outer cape of Cape Cod, which by now might well be wall-to-wall resorts had it not been for the park. While most people think of Cape Cod as a beach resort, there are plenty of other actives as well. Four lighthouses and the Old Harbor Life Saving Station are open to the public during the summer season, and the National Park Service offers tours of two historical homes. Canoeing and kayaking is also popular on the rivers, ponds, and bays. During the summer park Rangers lead canoe trips at various locations, so you don’t even need a boat to enjoy an afternoon of paddling. And of course fishing is allowed with the proper state fishing license.
There are a dozen hiking trails and more then ten miles of paved multi-use trails that are open to pedestrians, bikers, and skaters within Cape Cod National Seashore. The Great Island Trail is one of the most scenic hikes from all National Parks on the east coast, and certainly the best of any National Seashore other than trails at Point Reyes National Seashore in California.
There are no campgrounds operated by the National Park Service, but there are plenty of private ones on the cape, as there are hotels and bed and breakfasts. Towns border park property, so you are as likely to be near a restaurant, bar, or shop as you are a beach or hiking trail.
DIRECTIONS AND CONTACT INFORMATION
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Last updated on September 29, 2021
