National park · United States
Cape Cod National Seashore
Pay the day fee per vehicle (2026 rate: check the NPS fees page) and drive Route 6: Nauset Light Beach before 9:30 in July–August, Marconi Beach for the overlook, then Province Lands and Race Point in the afternoon; skip Park Headquarters in Wellfleet, it sells no passes.Pay the day fee per vehicle (2026 rate: check the NPS fees page) and drive Route 6: Nauset Light Beach before 9:30 AM in July–August, Marconi Beach for the overlook, then Province Lands and Race Point in the afternoon; skip Park Headquarters in Wellfleet, it sells no passes.
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
176 km²68 sq mi
approximate
Established
1961
Best months
May–Jun, Sep–Oct
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 176 km²68 sq mi
- About 43,500 acres (176 km²) of land and water, with almost 40 miles (64 km) of Atlantic shoreline (check).
- Established
- 1961
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep–Oct
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Boston
Cape Cod National Seashore protects about 176 km² of dunes, kettle ponds, pitch-pine woods and roughly 64 km of Atlantic shoreline across Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro and Provincetown. Six swimming beaches, two visitor centres, six lighthouses and a rail trail sit inside one boundary. The park is open year-round, 6:00–midnight, but the season decides everything: parking lots fill in July and August, lifeguards work late June to Labor Day, and the Province Lands centre closes mid-October. Fees are per vehicle, so a car of four pays once.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1961.
Size and age
176 km²68 sq mi · national park since 1961
About 43,500 acres (176 km²) of land and water, with almost 40 miles (64 km) of Atlantic shoreline (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Boston.
Why go
- Almost 40 miles of open Atlantic beach inside one boundary, from Eastham to Provincetown.
- Six swimming beaches with parking, showers and seasonal lifeguards, all covered by one vehicle fee.
- A short trail network — Nauset Marsh, Buttonbush, Red Maple Swamp, Province Lands — that works in half a day.
- Lighthouses, a life-saving station and the Marconi wireless site sit beside the dunes.
When to go
- JanAvoid
- FebAvoid
- MarCaution
- AprGo
- MayBest
- JunBest
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovGo
- DecCaution
- JanCold, windy; most facilities closed
- FebColdest sea wind; few services
- MarCool and damp; quiet beaches
- AprMild; Province Lands centre opens mid-month
- MayDry, quiet, everything open
- JunWarm; lifeguards start late June
- JulHot; lots fill by 9:30Hot; lots fill by 9:30 AM
- AugBusiest; arrive before 9:00Busiest; arrive before 9:00 AM
- SepWarm sea, thinner crowds after Labor Day
- OctClear, dry; some services close mid-month
- NovCool, empty beaches
- DecDamp cold; storms and closures
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piping plover nesting on the upper beachApr–Aug · About 5% of the Atlantic coast population nests here; follow posted roped-off areas and seasonal dog bans — exact dates vary by year, check with the park. | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no |
| Common tern coloniesMay–Aug · Nesting dates vary by year — check with the park. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no |
| Seals off Race Point and the ocean beachesAll year · Keep well back and do not approach seals hauled out on the sand — follow posted guidance. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Spadefoot toadJun–Aug · Buried most of the year; emerges on warm nights with heavy rain. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
How to get there
From Boston
I-93 south to Route 3, over the Sagamore Bridge onto Route 6; then follow signs to each beach.
1.5–2 h to Eastham
Open the page →
From Provincetown
Route 6 south to Race Point Road for Province Lands, or to the Truro and Wellfleet beaches.
10–40 min
From Hyannis
Route 6 north; Plymouth & Brockton buses run Hyannis to Provincetown in summer, The Flex stops along the Outer Cape.
1–1.5 h
From Cape Cod travel guide
Where to base, when to drive and what else is on the Cape.
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Eastham — Salt Pond and Nauset | Salt Pond Visitor Center, Doane Rock, Coast Guard and Nauset Light beaches, Nauset Marsh and Buttonbush trails. | Open year-round; visitor centre 9:00–16:30, longer in summer.Open year-round; visitor centre 9:00 AM–4:30 PM, longer in summer. |
| Wellfleet — Marconi and the ponds | Marconi Beach and its overlook, the wireless station site, Atlantic White Cedar Swamp and kettle ponds. | Open; parking rarely fills in late June and July. |
| Truro — Head of the Meadow and the cliffs | Head of the Meadow Beach, Highland Light, Highland House Museum and the Highlands Center. | Open; lighthouse seasonal. |
| Provincetown — Province Lands | Province Lands Visitor Center, Race Point and Herring Cove beaches, Old Harbor Life-Saving Station, dune trails. | Visitor centre mid-April to mid-October, 9:00–17:00.Visitor centre mid-April to mid-October, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. |
Sketch map
- 1Salt Pond Visitor Center · Headquarters≈41.855, -69.96950 Nauset Road, Eastham.Map ↗
- 2Doane Rock · Viewpoint≈41.844, -69.958Map ↗
- 3Coast Guard Beach · Beach≈41.843, -69.945Map ↗
- 4Nauset Light · Viewpoint≈41.860, -69.953Map ↗
- 5Marconi Beach · Beach≈41.892, -69.962Map ↗
- 6Head of the Meadow Beach · Beach≈42.052, -70.080Map ↗
- 7Highland Light · Viewpoint≈42.040, -70.061Map ↗
- 8Province Lands Visitor Center · Headquarters≈42.074, -70.205Race Point Road, Provincetown.Map ↗
- 9Race Point Beach · Beach≈42.082, -70.206Map ↗
- 10Old Harbor Life-Saving Station · Ranger station≈42.080, -70.216Map ↗
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entrance, private vehicle | US$25–30 | vehicle | 2026 estimate — check the current rate on the NPS fees page; covers all six beaches and trails for the day. |
| Entrance, per person on foot or bike | US$10–15 | person | 2026 estimate — check the current rate on the NPS fees page. |
| Motorcycle entrance | US$20–25 | motorcycle | 2026 estimate — check the current rate on the NPS fees page. |
| Oversand beach driving permit | US$50–75 | vehicle | Weekly, first come; 4WD with special tyres required, rentals not allowed — check the current permit fee and rules with the park. |
| Highland Light tower | US$5–6 | person | Seasonal, mid-May to mid-October — check with the light's operator before you go. |
| Shellfishing licence | US$50–100 | person | One week, varies by town — check with the town before buying. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entrance permit or guide
Oversand beach driving permit or guide
Saltwater fishing permit or guide
Shellfishing permit or guide
Park rules
- Beach drop-off and pick-up
- Passenger drop-off and pick-up at the beach lots is prohibited; use the shuttle or park and walk.
- Dogs
- Not allowed on lifeguarded beaches in season and excluded from plover nesting areas; elsewhere on a leash (check).
- Drones
- Not allowed over the seashore without NPS permission (check).
- Oversand driving
- Permit, 4WD with special tyres and safety video required; rentals are not allowed.
- Fires and litter
- No fires on the beaches or dunes; carry out all rubbish.
Where to stay
Near the park
Eastham and Orleans motels
Closest beds to Salt Pond, Coast Guard and Nauset Light beaches.
Near the park
Wellfleet
Small inns and cottages between Marconi Beach and the ponds.
Near the park
Provincetown
Guesthouses and hotels within 10–15 min of Race Point and Herring Cove.
Near the park
Camping
No camping inside the seashore; use town and private campgrounds on the Outer Cape (check).
Safety
Rip currents on the ocean beaches high
Sharks off the Outer Cape medium
Sun and wind medium
Cliff edges and dune drops medium
Accessibility
- Coast Guard Beach and Herring Cove Beach are wheelchair accessible and can lend beach wheelchairs.
Visiting lightly
- Keep off roped-off plover nesting areas; a single dog or footstep can end a nest.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Cape Cod National Seashore?
Expect about $25–30 per private vehicle for a day in 2026, or roughly $10–15 per person arriving on foot or by bike; motorcycles about $20–25. The fee covers all six seashore beaches and the trails. An America the Beautiful annual pass covers entry and is worth it if you visit two or more fee parks in a year. Rates change, so check the current fee before you go.
What are the best hikes in Cape Cod National Seashore?
For an easy start, the Nauset Marsh Trail and the Buttonbush Trail leave from Salt Pond Visitor Center. The Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail at the Marconi site is the best half-day walk, with a boardwalk through shaded swamp. In Provincetown, the Province Lands Bike Trail is a rolling paved loop through the dunes. All are short and flat by national-park standards.
When is the best time to visit Cape Cod National Seashore?
May, June, September and October: mild, dry and far quieter than midsummer. July and August are warm but the beach lots fill by 9:30, so arrive before 9:00 or use the shuttle. Winter is open but cold and windy, with most facilities closed.
Do I need a reservation to visit?
No reservation is needed for the park itself. You pay at the entrance station on arrival. The exceptions are oversand beach driving, which needs a weekly permit and vehicle inspection, and some ranger-guided activities, which you sign up for at a visitor centre.
Can I drive on the beach?
Only on the shoreline between Race Point Light and Head of the Meadow Beach, with a weekly permit, a properly equipped 4WD vehicle and a safety video. Rentals are not allowed. About 400 permits are issued per week, first come, and some areas close for nesting birds or high tide.
Where can I park when the beach lots are full?
Coast Guard Beach closes its lot from mid-June to Labor Day; park at Little Creek about half a mile away and take the shuttle. At Nauset Light and Race Point, arrive before 9:30. Marconi and Head of the Meadow rarely fill.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go