Cape Cod National Seashore

Things To Do Near Cape Cod National Seashore

The Cape Cod National Seashore offers an interesting blend of natural beauty and historic sites. Relax on the beach, learn about the Native American and European history, or get active on land or sea. No matter where you go, you're never far from restaurants, shopping, and museums.

Hiking Trails

• Pamet Area Trails

  The Pamet Area Trails are relatively short, but they take you through an impressive historic area. Stop at the former boghouse, which was the center of activity when the area was used as a cranberry bog; educational signs introduce you to the industry and help identify key sights. At the end of the trail, you'll reach the top Bearberry Hill and enjoy stunning views of the ocean and the local landscape. If you're in the mood for a longer hike, simply take one of the side trails or forest roads along the trail.

  Location

  111 N Pamet Rd, Provincetown, MA 02657

  Length

  1.2 miles round-trip

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Pilgrim Spring Trail

  If you're visiting with kids, the Pilgrim Spring Trail is an easy, short hike with an interesting history. It travels to a freshwater spring that's similar to the one that the Pilgrims drank from when they first arrived in the area. The landscape hasn't changed much since the 1600s; as you hike, you can imagine what it would have been like to explore the area for the first time.

  Location

  Provincetown, MA 02657

  Length

  0.7 mile round-trip

  Intensity

  Easy

• Great Island Trail

  The Great Island Trail is one of the longest hikes at the Cape Cod National Seashore. It also offers some of the best views of the water, beach, and forest. The path takes you to a site where a colonial tavern once stood. Expect a bit of a challenge as most of the trail is sandy, so it can be slow going at times. If you want a quick trip, hike the loop from the parking lot to the tavern site and back. For a longer hike, do the tavern loop and the trail to Jeremy Point.

  Location

  Griffin Island Road and Chequessett Neck Road, Wellfleet, MA 02667

  Length

  3.9-8.8 miles round-trip

  Intensity

  Moderate to Challenging

Sightseeing

• Race Point Beach

  Enjoy a classic Cape Cod experience, head to the lovely Race Point Beach. This wide stretch of white sand is a peaceful place to walk or to sunbathe. While you're there, check out the historic Old Harbor Life-Saving Station built in 1897. In the summer, the staff holds re-creations of the remarkable breeches buoy rescue system that helped the lifesaving team bring sailors to shore from capsizing vessels. Featuring a cannon, a system of ropes, and a suspended buoy, these events are thrilling for the entire family.

  Location

  200 Race Point Rd, Provincetown, MA 02657

• Nauset Light

  If you are interested in seafaring history, head to the Nauset Light, a lighthouse that was built in 1877. With its classic red and white paint job and rotating beacon, this light helped guide sailors to safety as they navigated the dangerous waters of Cape Cod. It's no longer in service, and the historic preservation society that maintains the site offers free tours throughout the summer. Check out the exhibits, chat with volunteers, and climb to the observation deck for fantastic views over the ocean.

  Location

  120 Nauset Light Beach Rd, Eastham, MA 02642

• Atwood-Higgins House

  The Atwood-Higgins House is one of the oldest houses on the Cape Cod National Seashore and dates back to 1730. Built by a pioneer, the house was abandoned until the early 1900s. Today, it's been restored to its original form, and you can explore the site and tour the house to get an idea of what life was like in the early days of the United States.

  Location

  269 Bound Brook Island Rd, Wellfleet, MA 02667

Museums

• Truro Historical Society-Highland House Museum

  The Truro Historical Society-Highland House Museum sits inside a former hotel that was built in 1907. Detailing the history of local people, it follows the Native Americans and European settlers who made their homes in the region. Check out historic photos, look at ancient artifacts, and learn about the ways people have made a living on the Outer Cape.

  Location

  6 Highland Light Rd, Truro, MA 02666

• Provincetown Museum

  Small and friendly, the Provincetown Museum focuses on the history of Cape Cod. Learn about the Pilgrims who arrived on the Mayflower, discover the area's long seafaring tradition, and walk through a recreated sea captain's ship quarters. Near the museum, you can check out the massive Pilgrim Monument.

  Location

  1 High Pole Hill Rd, Provincetown, MA 02657

• Cape Cod National Seashore Museum

  If you only have time for one museum, head to the Cape Cod National Seashore Museum. It is located in the Salt Pond Visitor Center, so you can walk through and get information from rangers during the same trip. Discover the culture of the earliest inhabitants of the area, and find out more about the natural history of the region.

  Location

  2822-2866 US-6, Eastham, MA 02642

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• 13G Native Designs

  Find a gift for yourself, your home, or your pet at 13G Native Designs. The shop is known for its stunning woven rope door mats, but you can also find home decor products and adorable dog collars.

  Location

  3440 State Hwy, Eastham, MA 02642

• Seaberry Surf

  Whether you need an affordable pair of sunglasses or a bag of saltwater taffy, Seaberry Surf is the place to go. You will also find a variety of beach-themed gifts and local souvenirs.

  Location

  461 US-6, Wellfleet, MA 02667

• Newcomb Hollow Shop

  There is no shortage of beautiful souvenirs at Newcomb Hollow Shop. Pick up a locally made clay coffee mug or a pair of artisan earrings. The store also offers a selection of treats and home-decor pieces.

  Location

  275 Main St, Wellfleet, MA 02667

• Blackfish

  Serving the expected seafood and a selection of classic meat-based entrees, Blackfish is a favorite among visitors and locals. The heritage pork chop and Niman Ranch burgers draw rave reviews.

  Location

  17 Truro Center Rd, Truro, MA 02666

• Local Break Restaurant and Bar

  Casual and inviting, the Local Break Restaurant and Bar serves upgraded pub snacks in a relaxed setting. Dig into an appetizer of roasted Brussels sprouts before trying a hot sandwich or a hearty gumbo.

  Location

  4550 State Hwy, Eastham, MA 02642

• PB Boulangerie Bistro

  The charming PB Boulangerie Bistro offers an American take on French cuisine. The menu lists everything from steak frites to spicy sausage burgers; make sure to leave room for a treat from the in-house French bakery.

  Location

  15 Lecount Hollow Rd, South Wellfleet, MA 02663

How To Get To Cape Cod National Seashore

The Cape Cod National Seashore is located on a peninsula on the far eastern edge of Massachusetts. The fastest way to get there is to take I-495 east to Highway 6 east, which runs just west of the seashore. A number of small side roads connect you to all of the access points on the beach. The seashore is open year round with the busy season occurring from June to September. Some of the buildings, including the visitors center, are closed from November through April.

Address

99 Marconi Site Road, Wellfleet, MA 02667

Fee: Entry fee (per vehicle) $25.0

Fee: Entry fee (per pedestrian or bike) $10.0

Fee: Entry fee (per motorcycle) $15.0

Rich in history and natural beauty, the Cape Cod National Seashore is fun for the whole family. To get the most from the gorgeous landscape, RV camping is the best way to visit. From your campsite, the dunes, forests, and beaches are within easy reach.