Entrance Fee
$25.00
/ Entrance - Private Vehicle
Park Hours (Today)
Opens at 6:00AM
Salt Pond Visitor Center: 9:00AM - 4:30PM
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About the Park
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.
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What to See & Do
Hike the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail
Find your trail to explore at Cape Cod National Seashore! One of eleven trails in the park is the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp, a 1.2-mile loop trail in Wellfleet, Massachusetts.
Head of the Meadow Bike Trail
Get ready to explore! Enjoy a calm bike ride along berry bushes and trees.
Take a Break on Cape Cod's Beaches
What better way to enjoy a day on Cape Cod than to relax on the beach? Cape Cod National Seashore features 6 beaches for visitors to enjoy. So grab you beach umbrella, your sunscreen, and get ready for a day of fun in the sun!
Hike the Pilgrim Spring Trail
Find your trail to explore at Cape Cod National Seashore! One of eleven trails in the park is the Pilgrim Spring Trail, a 1-mile loop trail in Truro, Massachusetts.
Hike the Doane Trail
Find your trail to explore at Cape Cod National Seashore! One of eleven trails in the park is the Doane Trail, a 0.6-mile loop trail that begins at Doane Rock in Eastham.
Bike the Nauset Bike Trail
Get ready to explore! The Nauset Bike Trail offers a variety of environments to explore along nearly 2 miles of paved trail. Explore wooded ponds and sandy beaches!
Self-Guided Tours
South District Driving Tour
Enjoy this driving tour of the highlights of the South District of Cape Cod National Seashore (Eastham and Wellfleet areas). Stop by the visitor center to plan your trip or follow along on this short, 2-3 hour tour!
North District Driving Tour
Enjoy this driving tour of the highlights of the North District of Cape Cod National Seashore (Truro and Provincetown areas). Stop by the visitor center to plan your trip or follow along on this short, 1-2 hour tour!
Visitor Centers
Salt Pond Visitor Center
Open year-round. Let us help you plan the perfect seashore day! Visit the park museum to learn about the many layers of human history here, watch our award-winning orientation film, Standing Bold, and take in the expansive view of Salt Pond, Nauset Marsh, and the Atlantic. Walking and biking trails start nearby. Ask about the Junior Ranger Program and ranger-guided activities. Want swag? The America's National Parks store operated by Eastern National is open daily.
Province Lands Visitor Center
Open seasonally mid-May to mid-October. Let us help you plan a fabulous seashore visit! Exhibits, our award-winning orientation film, Standing Bold, and dramatic views of dunes and ocean await. Walking and biking trails are nearby, and whales may be observed swimming offshore. Ask about our Junior Ranger Program and ranger-guided activities. Want swag? The America's National Parks store is open during visitor center hours. The observation decks at the visitor center is open year-round.
Getting Here & Transit
How to Get Here
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.
Hike the Buttonbush Trail
Find your trail to explore at Cape Cod National Seashore! One of eleven trails in the park is the Buttonbrush trail, a 0.3-mile loop trail that begins at the Salt Pond Visitor Center.
Park Amenities
Permits & Reservations
Permits may be required
Some activities in Cape Cod National Seashore — including backcountry camping, certain trails, and climbing routes — require advance permits. Check the official NPS website for current requirements before your visit.
Entrance Fees & Passes
Standard Fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
$25.00Pass is for one private, non-commercial vehicle — passenger cars, pickup trucks, RVs and vans.
Entrance - Motorcycle
$20.00Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Entrance - Per Person
$15.00Pass is for one person 16 years of age or older — entering on foot or by bicycle.
Annual & Lifetime Passes
Annual Entrance - Park
$60.00Passes are available at beach entrances during times when fees are normally collected. Entrance into the park with a pass may also require a driver's license or other form of picture identification. Valid for the current season. Permits access to any of the six Cape Cod National Seashore beaches. The annual pass allows entrance for the pass holder and additional passengers in a single private non-commercial vehicle, or pass holder plus three adults when entering on foot or bicycle.
Operating Hours
Cape Cod National Seashore
Beaches, parking areas, and trails are open year-round between 6 am and midnight.
- MondayOpens at 6:00AM
- TuesdayOpens at 6:00AM
- WednesdayOpens at 6:00AM
- ThursdayOpens at 6:00AM
- FridayOpens at 6:00AM
- SaturdayOpens at 6:00AM
- SundayOpens at 6:00AM
Photos
Low tide exposes rippled ridges of sand and water.
A red kayak floats on a pond facing a forest colored with red and orange leaves.
A flock of birds flies along a beach with waves in the background.
Boardwalk trail runs through a swamp surrounded by green ferns and tall trees.
When to Go
Crowd CalendarPlan your trip around peak seasons to avoid crowds or embrace the energy of the busy months. Our crowd predictions are based on historical NPS Visitor Use Statistics.
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Best Time
May-September
Trip Length
1 day
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Planning Cape Cod National Seashore
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