Cape Cod National Seashore
Cape Cod National Seashore
5
00:00 - 23:59
Monday
06:00 - 00:00
Tuesday
00:00 - 23:59
Wednesday
00:00 - 23:59
Thursday
00:00 - 23:59
Friday
06:00 - 00:00
Saturday
06:00 - 00:00
Sunday
06:00 - 00:00
About
Over 40,000 beautiful acres of protected beach and dunes, stretching from Chatham to Provincetown.
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5.0
644 reviews
Excellent
531
Very good
86
Average
20
Poor
4
Terrible
3
theressastanley64
Colcord, OK29 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
We went the first week in October. What a great time to visit. No crowded beaches. No traffic. Great time to beachcomb and visit the seaside towns. Granted, the first few days we dealt with the after affects of the hurricane that had hit Florida, but then the sun came out and we really soaked up the beautiful beaches.
Written 19 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Pat G G
Philadelphia, PA47 contributions
Sep 2022
Stayed at a lovely hotel on the beach. Beautiful location, friendly people. Wish we had planned to stay longer.
Written 10 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
307leven
Stroudsburg, PA281 contributions
Sep 2022
There is so much to see and do here that there is something for everyone. We started the visit at the Salt Pond Visitor's Center where they have films about the park and various exhibits illustrating the wildlife and environment within the park. The center also includes a gift shop and you can get maps of the park. Since it was after Labor Day, there was no park entrance, beach fee. There are also multiple lighthouses between Chatham and Provincetown for history buffs. There are multiple hiking trails throughout the park located off the beaches for outdoor enthusiasts.
We hiked the Fort Hill Trail, Swamp Maple Trail, White Cedar Trail and other locations and found the trails are easy to hike since the land is relatively flat with no large hills or mountains. The light houses were nice to visit, but not all of them were open. For example, we toured the Highland Lighthouse also has a highland house museum which required an admission fee. But some of the lighthouses were no open to the public or had closed at the end of summer.
In terms of planning, if you enjoy seeing great scenery, hiking, biking, boating, lighthouses, etc, you can easily spend 3 days here or more - which is what we did. On the other hand, if you only have several hours, you have to prioritize what you wish to do.
We hiked the Fort Hill Trail, Swamp Maple Trail, White Cedar Trail and other locations and found the trails are easy to hike since the land is relatively flat with no large hills or mountains. The light houses were nice to visit, but not all of them were open. For example, we toured the Highland Lighthouse also has a highland house museum which required an admission fee. But some of the lighthouses were no open to the public or had closed at the end of summer.
In terms of planning, if you enjoy seeing great scenery, hiking, biking, boating, lighthouses, etc, you can easily spend 3 days here or more - which is what we did. On the other hand, if you only have several hours, you have to prioritize what you wish to do.
Written 19 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
832travelgal
Iowa City, IA16 contributions
Sep 2022
We visited the visitor center and watched the very interesting video they show in the theater. The Museum has a lot of great information on history. We went on the Marsh Hike which was the ranger was excellent and very informational however it was very muddy and I didn't wear appropriate shoes if you are someone who cannot do steps this is not for you as it was not for me as I can't do steps. The steps are small and not steep but are still steps - about 50 of them.
Written 18 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BLMerce
Kensington, MD840 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
What a magnificent gem! Beautiful views, historical landmarks, hiking, bicycling, lighthouses and beaches. Everything is free with a National Park Pass. Most things are free without a Park Pass. There are two visitor centers with museums and gift stores and free moves. There are Ranger Programs for adults and children. Unfortunately one must navigate the traffic to get there.
Written 31 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
diaq
Palm Harbor, FL656 contributions
Jun 2022
We stopped at both visitor centers and both offer interesting information about the park. Very friendly and helpful rangers at both centers. We drove and stopped at many of the different areas to take in the views, walk along the beach, and have a nice picnic lunch. We also were lucky enough to see several seals playing in the water at Head of the Meadows Beach. Highland lighthouse was not open when we were there due to renovations. Highly recommend Old Harbor Life-Saving Station Museum. Lots of interesting information and the staff was also very knowledgeable and helpful.
Written 14 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ann P
Memphis, TN44 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
We stopped at both visitors centers (Salt Pond and Province Lands) and completed the Junior Ranger Badges (ages 12&9). We enjoyed hiking the salt pond trail, learning about the Cape Cod through videos and the museum, and also spied whales from the shore. What a beautiful part of the country.
Written 5 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
dorlucie
New York City, NY178 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
A fantastic autumn day by the seashore. The weather is wonderful so what better to do than picnic on the beach. Suffers and seals in full view
Written 13 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jonathan C.
La Jolla, California, USA289 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
Mikes and miles of gorgeous beaches. The ocean is beautiful and the sand feels amazing between your toes. Plenty of space to explore, picnic, relax, swim.
Written 17 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mike M
Tacoma84 contributions
Sep 2021 • Family
Made multiple visits to CCNS during our week in the area - from PTown to Eastham. Despite the ranger stations being closed, the staff were still accessible and helpful. Lots to see and do here - from homesteads and old buildings, to natural wonders. Loved it.
Written 14 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
NanzaNanza
New Jersey93 contributions
What time does it open? We would like to go super early to see the sunrise and ride our bikes.
jaseaton
Silver Spring, MD2,465 contributions
So far as I'm aware, the trails are always open. It's only the visitor's center that has limited hours, and now, of course with Covid, it's always closed.
nodelays1030
United States49 contributions
We know it’s not totally legal, but which sections of the beach could my wife and I sunbathe nude? and is there parking nearby that’s walkable?
Steven W
Lebanon, NJ48 contributions
Not sure about the sunbathing, but there's definitely parking in the park (at the front entrance with a shuttle) and some right by the shore, but that's limited. Enjoy
Burcottguy
Leighton Buzzard, UK319 contributions
Where is the best beach to see seals on cape cod?
KAREN L STRYCHARZ
West Springfield, MA115 contributions
Just about “all the beaches at the “National Seashore have great viewing”, for seals! I have observed them at “all the beaches from Chatham to P’town!” Honestly, the more crowded the beaches are( especially during high season) the less chance of seeing seals but no matter how busy it is you are still bound to catch a glimpse or two of seals bobbing in the ocean waves( so fun to watch)! Chatham( near the lighthouse) has the most and if you go around five or six pm you are bound to see lots, in particular! Just stand up in parking lot, looking down and you will see them! Nauset Beach & Coast Guard Beach, at the National Seashore in Eastham had the most! They were swimming right beside my son surfing, not afraid at all. They seemed to come out in droves around five pm when each was more deserted but they were still there mid-day, too! We saw them at Marconi Station in Wellfleet ( lots), as well. We rented a house in Truro last yr in June and probably five or six were surfing in waves astone’s throw from our chairs!when my sisters and I went into the water( almost no one else there) the seals remained almost beside us! They were not afraid at all! We go out to Cape Cod several times a year for over 50 plus years now, all seasons and different times...we love the Cape so much!!!! If you go to Nauset or Coast Guard Beach in Eastham or Marconi Beach( definitely stop and see the “White Swamp” tucked to left of beach road if you go there! Amazing to see and “Marconi Station!” You will love the “WHITE CEDAR SWAMP”... boardwalk and everything!) P’town ( Race Point) had seals too but I recommend the other three heavily, first! You can observe them pretty much at all the beaches but as I said before Nauset and Coast Guard Beach in Eastham are the best beaches! Go to Chatham to just “observe them!” Enjoy!
Are dogs allowed
JIMMIE56
Truro, MA
Yes and No! Allowed only in limited areas, with variety of rules.
Avoid areas with seals to prevent pet from catching the distemper virus.
HurricaneGrandma
Montreal, Canada76 contributions
HURRICANE Grandma(88) and I (her daughter)are considering visting the Cape for a few days after New Years,We basically love nature,looove family or cozy restaurants with homemade food made with love e.g we love fish, home made soup and we are looking for a place to stay where its informal, very clean, quiet and the hosts are just nice decent people.Is this realistic or is it too cold and nothing much to do..... we are not really shoppers unless an interesting local artisan. Any ideas?
HurricaneGrandma
Montreal, Canada76 contributions
HURRICANE Grandma(88) and I (her daughter)are considering visting the Cape for a few days after New Years,We basically love nature,looove family or cozy restaurants with homemade food made with love e.g we love fish, home made soup and we are looking for a place to stay where its informal, very clean, quiet and the hosts are just nice decent people.Is this realistic or is it too cold and nothing much to do..... we are not really shoppers unless an interesting local artisan. Any ideas?
Nancy H
Fort Lauderdale, FL96 contributions
there are a lot of really cozy cozy restaurants in p-town and along the way to p-town as far as visiting the National Seashore it maybe really cold in January I'm from Florida so to me it would be freezing as far as the hotel there's some cute little places in P town if I had to stay on the cape that's probably where I would stay either that or Hyannis
Laurie K
Mashpee, MA1 contribution
WhichWhich beach has the easiest accessibility for physically disabled
SPN21
Ringgold, GA650 contributions
I cannot say we have experience at all the beaches but Race Point Beach at Provincetown had access that would likely make accessibility easier for the disabled. Plastic grates over the sand provided a stable pathway most of the way to the water's edge.
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Cape Cod National Seashore | | UPDATED February 2023 Top Tips Before You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Cape Cod National Seashore
- Cape Cod National Seashore is open:
- Tue - Thu 00:00 - 23:59
- Fri - Mon 06:00 - 00:00
- We recommend booking Cape Cod National Seashore tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 3 Cape Cod National Seashore tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Cape Cod National Seashore:
- (2.59 km) Inn at the Oaks
- (4.12 km) Midway Motel
- (4.56 km) Eagle Wing Inn - Cape Cod
- (3.33 km) Fort Hill Bed and Breakfast
- (6.16 km) Whalewalk Inn & Spa
- Restaurants near Cape Cod National Seashore:
- (2.94 km) Arnold’s Lobster & Clam Bar
- (3.49 km) Fairway Restaurant & Pizzeria
- (3.34 km) Sam's Deli
- (3.48 km) Hole In One Bakery & Coffee Shop
- (6.87 km) Ice Cream Cafe
- Attractions near Cape Cod National Seashore:
- (0.25 km) Coast Guard Beach
- (0.74 km) Nauset Light Beach
- (2.07 km) Cape Kayaking
- (1.63 km) Nauset Light
- (2.32 km) Salt Pond Visitor Center