Theodore Roosevelt Presidential LibraryPublic Lands Directory

Alerts and conditions

All clear. The managing agency, the National Weather Service and wildfire reporting show no current alerts.

Overview

The great Outer Beach described by Thoreau in the 1800s is protected within the national seashore. Forty miles of pristine sandy beach, marshes, ponds, and uplands support diverse species. Lighthouses, cultural landscapes, and wild cranberry bogs offer a glimpse of Cape Cod's past and continuing ways of life. Swimming beaches and walking and biking trails beckon today's visitors.

From the National Park Service

History

The designation history for this site (every law, proclamation and order, and the administration behind each) is being researched and checked by the Library’s historians.

What to see and do

Activities

  • Auto and ATV
  • Auto Off-Roading
  • Biking
  • Camping
  • RV Camping
  • Fishing
  • Freshwater Fishing
  • Saltwater Fishing
  • Golf
  • Guided Tours
  • Bus/Shuttle Guided Tour
  • Hiking
  • Front-Country Hiking
  • Hunting and Gathering
  • Hunting
  • Paddling
  • Canoeing
  • Kayaking
  • Stand Up Paddleboarding
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Skiing
  • Cross-Country Skiing
  • Snowshoeing
  • Surfing
  • Swimming
  • Saltwater Swimming
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Birdwatching
  • Park Film
  • Museum Exhibits
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store
  • Gift Shop and Souvenirs

Browse hiking, biking and paddling routes on AllTrails

Plan your visit

Hours

Cape Cod National Seashore: Beaches, parking areas, and trails are open year-round between 6 am and midnight.

Fees and passes

  • Entrance - Private Vehicle — $25.00
  • Entrance - Motorcycle — $20.00
  • Entrance - Per Person — $15.00
  • Annual Entrance - Park — $60.00

The America the Beautiful pass covers entrance fees at federal recreation lands across all four agencies.

Getting there

The national seashore is located in eastern Massachusetts on Cape Cod and is accessed via Route 6. The park is 20 miles east of Hyannis, MA.

Visitor centers

Weather

Cape Cod's weather is generally moderated by its proximity to the ocean. Winter is typically cold with some snow. Spring is often rainy. Summer is usually warm and humid. Fall is generally dry and clear.

Phone: 508-255-3421

Whose lands these are

These lands are the ancestral and present-day homelands of Native nations. A section on whose lands these are is being prepared with tribal review. In the meantime, Native Land Digital offers a starting point.

Photos

Low tide exposes rippled ridges of sand and water.
Sand Ripples · NPS photo
A red kayak floats on a pond facing a forest colored with red and orange leaves.
Exploring the Park by Water · NPS photo
A flock of birds flies along a beach with waves in the background.
Birds and Beach · NPS photo
Boardwalk trail runs through a swamp surrounded by green ferns and tall trees.
Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail · NPS
A brilliant sun rises over the ocean reflecting light on the water's surface.
Sunrise Over the Atlantic · NPS

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