How to Enjoy Cape Cod National Seashore

Made up of more than 43,500 acres of pristine shoreline and upland forest, Cape Cod National Seashore attracts nearly 5 million visitors each year. Established in 1961, the park is the perfect vacation destination for nature lovers, history buffs and fans of early lighthouses.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hats
• Hiking Boots
• Sporty Hats
• Swimming Trunks
• Swimsuits
• Maps
• Insect Repellents
• Sunscreen
• Fishing Licenses
• National Park Passes
• Binoculars
• Bicycle Helmets
• Binoculars
• Fishing Gear
• Children's Bicycles
• Maps
• Hats
• Swimsuits

1. Choose a time to go. Although the park's summer season runs from July to Labor Day, it is open all year, so you may wish to go earlier in the spring or later in September, when the crowds are thinner.

2. Decide how to get there. Transportation to the park is available by air (go from Boston to Hyannis or Provincetown), rail (take Amtrak to Boston or Providence, RI), bus and car.

3. Find suitable lodging well ahead of your visit. Make reservations in a nearby town (Provincetown, Eastham, Chatham, Martha's Vineyard) or at a private campground within the park. The National Park Service does not operate campgrounds within the park.

4. Start your visit at the Salt Pond Visitors Center. Here you'll see short films about the natural history of Cape Cod, explore the museum and pick up some helpful books about the area. Longer films (sometimes for a nominal fee) are shown during the summer season.

5. Visit the Province Lands Visitors Center at the north end of Cape Cod. Here you'll enjoy a 360-degree view of the area from the observation deck and embark on nature tours during the summer season.

6. Ride your bike. The park maintains three trails that are from 1.6 to 7.3 miles long. From relatively flat to hilly, these trails will take you past some of the park's most beautiful scenery. Children under 13 are required to wear helmets.

7. Take a drive. Scenic drives include stopping points at such interesting sites as Marconi Station, where the first wireless telegraph was operated; the Atwood-Higgins House, built in the 1730s; the Captain Edward Penniman House; and the 1898 Old Harbor Life-Saving Station.

8. Take advantage of ranger-guided programs including historic home tours, lighthouse tours, canoeing excursions, guided hikes and marsh mucking. Some activities require reservations, so inquire at the visitor centers.

9. Go whale watching! From April through October, you can see a variety of whales off Cape Cod. Several local companies arrange whale-watching excursions.

10. Enjoy a wealth of other recreational activities including birding, surfing, diving and fishing.

Tips & Warnings

• Permits, available at the park's visitor centers, are required for beach campfires and overnight fishing. If you plan to operate an oversand vehicle, you will also need a permit entitling you to access certain areas in the park.
• You can rent bicycles at nearby towns if you haven't brought your bike with you.
• To contact the Cape Cod National Seashore, write to 99 Marconi Site Road, Wellfleet, MA 02667, or call [phone].
• If you choose to go to Cape Cod in the off-season, you won't be able to take advantage of the many nature programs, guided hikes and campfire programs offered at the park.
• Leashed pets may not be allowed in all areas of the park. Ask about regulations before exploring freely with Fido.