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National park · Provincetown, Massachusetts
Cape Cod National Seashore
Protected area of about 64 km of beaches, dunes, sand cliffs, marshes and lighthouses on the Atlantic side of Cape Cod, from Chatham to Provincetown, created in 1961.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Cape Cod National Seashore
The Cape Cod National Seashore was created in 1961 by a law signed by President John F. Kennedy to protect the Atlantic side of the peninsula from urban development. It covers about 177 km² and almost 64 km of beaches, from Chatham to the tip of Provincetown, with dunes, sand cliffs, ponds, salt marshes, pine forests and lighthouses.
Near Provincetown are the Province Lands, an area of dunes where the visitor center has a terrace with views of the sea and sand fields. A bike path rises and falls over the dunes, linking the village to Race Point Beach, facing the Atlantic, and Herring Cove, facing the bay and popular for sunset.
Further south, in Truro, Wellfleet and Eastham, are beaches below cliffs, such as Marconi, where the first two‑way transatlantic radio station operated, and Coast Guard, near Nauset Light. In Eastham, the Salt Pond visitor center explains how glaciers formed the peninsula and how the Wampanoag peoples and early settlers lived.
Gray seals often appear near the shore, and there are sharks in the ocean in summer; beaches have warnings and their own swimming rules.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day for the Province Lands and one beach; two to three days to see the entire Atlantic side.
Best time
June to September for beachgoing; Atlantic water usually stays below 20 °C. In spring and fall the dunes and trails are peaceful. Visitor centers have seasonal hours; check before you go.
How to get there
The Province Lands visitor center is about 4 km from downtown Provincetown along Race Point Road; there are summer buses and a bike path. The area charges no general entry fee, but beach parking lots are paid in summer; check the park website.
Tip
Follow the swimming guidance at each beach and avoid swimming near groups of seals. For sunset, go to Herring Cove, which faces west.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cape Cod National Seashore
Do you have to pay to enter Cape Cod National Seashore?
There is no general entry fee, but beach parking within the park is paid in summer. Check rates on the park’s website.
Which beaches are in Cape Cod National Seashore?
Among the best-known are Race Point and Herring Cove in Provincetown, Marconi in Wellfleet, and Coast Guard and Nauset Light in Eastham.
Are there sharks on Cape Cod beaches?
Yes, great white sharks often approach the Atlantic coast in summer, attracted by seals. Beaches display warnings and have swimming rules; follow lifeguards’ instructions.