Cape Cod National Seashore
The great Outer Beach described by Thoreau in the 1800s is protected within the national seashore.
Photo: NPS image / NPS
About Cape Cod National Seashore
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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Driving times from Cape Cod National Seashore, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Entrance 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.
Hours
Cape Cod National Seashore
- Mon
- Opens at 6:00AM
- Tue
- Opens at 6:00AM
- Wed
- Opens at 6:00AM
- Thu
- Opens at 6:00AM
- Fri
- Opens at 6:00AM
- Sat
- Opens at 6:00AM
- Sun
- Opens at 6:00AM
Activities
Getting there
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.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to enter Cape Cod National Seashore?
- Entrance to Cape Cod National Seashore starts at $15. See the fees section above for each pass and vehicle type.
- What is there to do at Cape Cod National Seashore?
- Popular activities include Auto Off-Roading, Auto and ATV, Biking, Birdwatching, Bookstore and Park Store, Bus/Shuttle Guided Tour.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Cape Cod National Seashore?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park (1 h 28 min), Adams National Historical Park (1 h 41 min), Boston National Historical Park (1 h 47 min), Boston African American National Historic Site (1 h 48 min), Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area (1 h 50 min), Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site (1 h 52 min).