🏕️National Park Data
A curling wave breaks against the backdrop of a pink sunrise.
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.
A brilliant sun rises over the ocean reflecting light on the water's surface.
National Seashore

Cape Cod National Seashore

Massachusetts

💰
Entrance Fee
$25
🕐
Hours
Opens at 6:00AM
📍
Location
Eastham, MA
📞
Visitor Center
508-255-3421

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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About Cape Cod National Seashore

Cape Cod National Seashore is a national seashore located in Massachusetts. 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.

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.

💰 Entrance Fees & Passes

The general entrance fee for Cape Cod starts at $15 (which commonly covers entry for a single private vehicle and passengers for up to 7 consecutive days). The park offers several fee options: Entrance - Private Vehicle ($25), Entrance - Motorcycle ($20), Entrance - Per Person ($15). If you plan to visit multiple national parks this year, purchasing the America the Beautiful National Parks Annual Pass ($80) is highly cost-effective, as general entry to most parks will quickly offset the pass cost.

Entrance - Private Vehicle$25
Entrance - Motorcycle$20
Entrance - Per Person$15

🥾 Things to Do

Cape Cod National Seashore offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Auto and ATV, Auto Off-Roading, Biking, Camping, and 29 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.

✅ 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

📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist

Custom items selected for activities at Cape Cod

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🎒 Trail Essentials

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🥾 Activity-Specific Gear

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🧥 Apparel & Layers

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💡 Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

📋 Visitor Planning Tips for Cape Cod

  • →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Cape Cod before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
  • →Verify Conditions: Weather and trail accessibility inside Cape Cod can change rapidly. Always verify the latest road conditions and local weather advisories before starting your trek.
  • →Secure Campsites Early: Lodging and developed campgrounds within and surrounding Cape Cod get booked out months in advance. Make reservations on recreation.gov as early as the window opens.
  • →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Cape Cod. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
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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.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cape Cod

The entrance fee for Cape Cod National Seashore is $25 per vehicle. The America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entrance to all 474+ NPS sites and pays for itself after just 2-3 park visits.

About the Author

🧗

James R. Mitchell

Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data

James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.

🏔️ 63 Parks Visited✍️ 12 Years Writing🧭 Wilderness GuideFull Bio →
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