Coast Guard Beach at Cape Cod National Seashore

PARK OVERVIEW

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. The idea was hatched in the late 1930s, but interest quickly waned as World War II took center stage. In the mid-1950s, talks of a park resurfaced, but there was stiff resistance from local residents who didn’t want the government dictating their way of life. After many years of negotiating, President John Kennedy signed the bill to create Cape Cod National Seashore in 1961. The park opened to the public in 1965, with the National Park Service controlling around 20,000 acres of land. That total has since more than doubled and includes the entire Atlantic Ocean shoreline of the outer and lower cape.

Not wanting another Great Smoky Mountains National Park debacle, where land owners were forced out, those who did not want to sell to the government were allowed to keep their homes and businesses, so there is plenty of private property within the boundaries of park. Many land owners have made deals with the National Park Service to transfer control of their property to the park upon their deaths, and the government often buys private properties when they go up for sale, so the park is always expanding. Furthermore, many of the beaches within the park are still managed by the local towns; there are only six beaches managed by the National Park Service. There is a parking fee for every one of them regardless of which government is involved, so be sure you know which parking passes to obtain in order to enjoy your favorite beaches.

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 well as 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.

While most people visiting Cape Cod make no distinction between National Park Service- and city-managed beaches and activities, National Park Planner only reviews those that are National Park Service-managed. Thus, you must look elsewhere for lodging and camping information, or for information on city-run beaches.

OPERATING HOURS

The beaches and trails at Cape Cod National Seashore are open every day from 6 AM to 12 AM.

Salt Pond Visitor Center

• Open daily except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
• 9 AM to 5 PM from May 1st through October 31st, and until 4:30 PM the rest of the year.

Province Lands Visitor Center

• Daily May through October
• 9 AM to 5 PM
• Closed all other days

Times can always change, so before making travel plans be sure to get the current schedule on the National Park Service’s Operating Hours and Seasons web page for Cape Cod National Seashore.

FEES

Fees are collected to use National Park Service-managed beaches during the summer season, which is considered daily from late June through early September, and on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day through the end of September. Fees are collected at parking lot pay stations, and prices vary depending on how you arrive: vehicle, motorcycle, or on foot or bike. There are no fees associated with entering the non-beach areas of the park.

Some lighthouses and museums within the park boundary are operated by private organizations that may charge a fee to enter. Furthermore, a few of the Ranger-led activities require a fee, though most are free.

There are no fees to park in non-beach parking lots owned by the National Park Service. Keep in mind that there are plenty of parking lots on federal land that are still controlled by the local towns, and you must have a town parking pass or pay the daily fee. Before parking anywhere on Cape Cod, be sure you have the proper pass or you will be ticketed. Parking lots that require a fee will have a sign posted stating so.

Annual passes for Cape Cod National Seashore are also available and make sense if you plan to be at the beach for three days or more. For a few extra bucks you can get a National Park Pass, which is good for entry into just about every National Park that charges an entrance fee. Purchase passes at the beach parking lot entrance booths.

For the latest prices, see the National Park Service’s official Fees and Passes web page for Cape Cod National Seashore.

SCHEDULING YOUR TIME

Salt Pond Visitor Center
allow up to 1 hour

Province Lands Visitor Center
allow up to 30 minutes

Time spent on recreational activities is up to individual visitors. The National Park Service runs many Ranger-guided tours, hikes, lectures, and canoe trips that have various run times, so be sure to check the event description before committing to attend an event or tour.

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