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Cape Cod National Seashore

Salt Pond Visitor Center, 50 Nauset Rd, Eastham · Eastham, MA

Why you should go…

This is the Cape Cod of your imagination: 40 miles of pristine barrier beach, towering dunes, kettle ponds, and cedar swamps set aside by President Kennedy in 1961. Start at the Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham for exhibits, ranger talks, and trail maps, then pick your beach, Coast Guard, Nauset Light, or Race Point. Sunsets over the outer dunes are the stuff of lifelong memories.

  • #beaches
  • #hiking
  • #lighthouses
  • #national park
  • #scenic views

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Cape Cod National Seashore, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Eat & Drink
    Foodie Favorite

    Arnold's Lobster & Clam Bar

    $25–$50

    Legendary roadside clam shack: overstuffed lobster rolls, fried clams, a raw bar, and mini golf.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Eat & Drink

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Family Favorite

    Cape Escape Adventure Golf

    Under $25

    An 18-hole nautical-themed mini golf course in Orleans with a lighthouse, koi pond, and waterfall.

    2.9 mi awayMore like this

  • Theatre & Events
    Quirky Fun

    Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre

    Under $25

    A gloriously retro 1957 drive-in showing first-run double features under the Outer Cape stars.

    3.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Theatre & Events

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Orleans Firebirds

    Free

    Free summer-league baseball at the Cape Cod League's oldest ballpark.

    3.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Jack's Boat Rental

    $25–$50

    Outer Cape kayak, paddleboard, and canoe rentals on Route 6 in Wellfleet.

    7.2 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Family favorite

    Cape Cod Rail Trail

    Free

    25 flat, paved miles of old railbed from Yarmouth to Wellfleet, cranberry bogs, kettle ponds, and the Cape's favorite family bike ride.

    14 mi awayMore like this