Created by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, the Cape Cod National Seashore encompasses over 43,000 acres of ponds and woods on Cape Cod in Massachusetts, including nearly 40 miles of seashore along the Atlantic-facing eastern edge of the cape, in the towns of Provincetown, Truro, Wellfleet, Eastham, Orleans and Chatham.

Ranger-guided activities and special programming are offered throughout the year.

Outdoor Activities
Registered GettingOutside members can download the free trail, bike trail and scenic overlook brochures below. Membership is free!

One of my fondest outdoor memories is of a whale watch out of Provincetown many moons ago. The swells were nearly 30 feet high, and the research boat we were on labored to make the transition from the bay into the ocean. Once we made it, the seas were calm.

Whales and dolphins regaled us with their dance. Humpbacks lazily breached, waved their powerful tails and gracefully made their way to the depths. We even saw a rare Pilot whale. It was spectacular. That evening we shared good food and friends camping on the bay side of the beach.

There are six swimming beaches within Cape Cod National Seashore each with their own interesting natural features, and some with cultural associations. Click on the links below for more information.

Coast Guard Beach, Eastham

Nauset Light Beach, Eastham

Marconi Beach, Wellfleet

Head of the Meadow Beach, Truro

Race Point Beach, Provincetown

Herring Cove Beach, Provincetown

Location