Cape Cod National Seashore
Cape Cod National Seashore
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Over 40,000 beautiful acres of protected beach and dunes, stretching from Chatham to Provincetown.
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- Jeffrey L31 contributionsSalt Pond Visitor Center Eastham, Mass.The N.P.S. Visitor Center is a nice visit with friendly staff, a nice museum and a number of quality free short films in their theater. We did not get above Eastham so we cannot comment on the rest of the park. Nauset Lighthouse and the Three Sisters Lighthouses are just down from the Visitor Center parking lot. They are cool to see when you are at the beach. Nice place for couples or family.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 October 2023
- drwatson32Shawnee, Oklahoma1,512 contributionsNiceWe enjoyed stopping at the two visitor centers in the park. They are about 35 minutes apart by car. The whaling exhibits at Salt Pond Visitor Center were interesting and so was the video we watched. Be sure to ask about the junior ranger program!Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 2 June 2024
- RICART75Peru, Indiana2,360 contributionsThankfully preserved....We spent a couple of days exploring the coastline, beaches and historic sites from Eastham to Provincetown. The Salt Pond, and Cape Cod National Seashore (near Provincetown) Visitor's Centers were both great spots (especially Salt Pond) to orient oneself to the this amazing resource. The whole area is a continues site after site of natural beauty; and thankfully it is preserved for all to enjoy. Whether one prefers hiking, biking, swimming, etc. and/or viewing, strolling, sitting, relaxing, etc.; we are all fortunate this part of our country exists.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 June 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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5.0
652 reviews
Excellent
537
Very good
87
Average
20
Poor
5
Terrible
3
gladysbarros66
Connecticut295 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
On a whim with a day off from work we took a three hour ride from CT to see if we could catch a Shark fin swim by. Only a couple days past the busy Labor Day weekend the beach was quiet. Only a handful of other guests. All keep a social distance and wearing masks when crossing paths. The restrooms were still open and very clean. A little disappointed not to see any Great White Shark fins, but delighted to see so many Seals in their natural habitat. They were close enough to see without binoculors and to film with a cell phone. There are plenty of warnings about what dangers are out there in the big beautiful ocean. It's a great place to visit with the family and the family pet too.
Written 9 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StacyInDC2012
Alexandria, VA868 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
During our visit to Cape Cod National Seashore we enjoyed relaxing beach time at Marconi Beach, complete with several seal appearances just beyond the waves and then hiked in the white cedar swamp.
The park wasn’t very crowded as we were there during the week just after Labor Day.
Loved the visit and the fact that it gave us the opportunity to both be active and relax.
The park wasn’t very crowded as we were there during the week just after Labor Day.
Loved the visit and the fact that it gave us the opportunity to both be active and relax.
Written 16 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonathan M
Tuxedo Park, NY644 contributions
June 2023
While the national seashore covers vast amounts of the cape, we confined our visit to the area of the Salt Marsh visitor center. The visitor center has a fascinating museum with interesting displays as well as multiple films on a variety of subjects. Our walk on Coast Guard beach yielded quite a few piping plover and gray seal sightings. The Nauset Light is well worth a visit and the volunteers that manage it provide an excellent tour. We will definitely return to explore more of this unique place.
Written 4 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
amysusanne_mn
Red Wing, MN134 contributions
Sept 2019 • Couples
We strolled long stretches of beautiful sand! So many gray seals playing in the surf! We heard that September could be unpredictable for weather, but were fortunate to have one straight week of sunshine. There is a view in every direction along the coastline. Must not miss this experience!
Written 8 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffrey L
31 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
The N.P.S. Visitor Center is a nice visit with friendly staff, a nice museum and a number of quality free short films in their theater. We did not get above Eastham so we cannot comment on the rest of the park. Nauset Lighthouse and the Three Sisters Lighthouses are just down from the Visitor Center parking lot. They are cool to see when you are at the beach. Nice place for couples or family.
Written 26 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
832travelgal
Iowa City, IA15 contributions
Sept 2022
We visited the visitor center and watched the very interesting video they show in the theater. The Museum has a lot of great information on history. We went on the Marsh Hike which was the ranger was excellent and very informational however it was very muddy and I didn't wear appropriate shoes if you are someone who cannot do steps this is not for you as it was not for me as I can't do steps. The steps are small and not steep but are still steps - about 50 of them.
Written 18 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jaseaton
Silver Spring, MD2,726 contributions
July 2020 • Couples
If you love the Cape, you'll love the National Seashore. Beautiful trails for bikes and walkers, beautiful beach at the end of the trails. The visitor center is closed on weekdays, but park staff give talks and answer questions outdoors. The virus has reduced the number of people on the trails by half or more.
Written 2 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BLMerce
Kensington, MD920 contributions
July 2022 • Couples
What a magnificent gem! Beautiful views, historical landmarks, hiking, bicycling, lighthouses and beaches. Everything is free with a National Park Pass. Most things are free without a Park Pass. There are two visitor centers with museums and gift stores and free moves. There are Ranger Programs for adults and children. Unfortunately one must navigate the traffic to get there.
Written 31 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KBD87
Arkansas1,327 contributions
Sept 2021 • Couples
We traveled up Cape Cod stopping several times at various beaches and visitor centers of the Cape Cod National Seashore. In a word it is breathtaking! Beautiful sand dunes and beaches as well as wild and pristine areas that seem untouched by man. Do not miss this!
Written 10 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
diaq
Palm Harbor, FL658 contributions
June 2022
We stopped at both visitor centers and both offer interesting information about the park. Very friendly and helpful rangers at both centers. We drove and stopped at many of the different areas to take in the views, walk along the beach, and have a nice picnic lunch. We also were lucky enough to see several seals playing in the water at Head of the Meadows Beach. Highland lighthouse was not open when we were there due to renovations. Highly recommend Old Harbor Life-Saving Station Museum. Lots of interesting information and the staff was also very knowledgeable and helpful.
Written 14 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nancy
Westfield, New Jersey
Are the beaches on cape cod national seashore free after 5pm?
Written 12 July 2023
Nancy
Westfield, New Jersey
Are the beaches on cape cod national seashore free after 5pm?
Written 12 July 2023
What time does it open? We would like to go super early to see the sunrise and ride our bikes.
Written 13 July 2020
So far as I'm aware, the trails are always open. It's only the visitor's center that has limited hours, and now, of course with Covid, it's always closed.
Written 15 July 2020
We know it’s not totally legal, but which sections of the beach could my wife and I sunbathe nude? and is there parking nearby that’s walkable?
Written 26 November 2019
Not sure about the sunbathing, but there's definitely parking in the park (at the front entrance with a shuttle) and some right by the shore, but that's limited. Enjoy
Written 27 November 2019
Hi, when and where in Cape Cod can I see seals without a guided tour? Is end of May/beginning of June a good time?
Written 31 May 2019
You can often see them from the shore of the outer cape. Also down by Chatham.
Written 5 June 2019
When do you stop charging an entrance fee in September 2018?
Written 11 June 2018
An entrance fee to what? A beach? Most beaches stop charging after Labor Day, especially if it is a state beach.
Written 5 December 2018
Where is the best beach to see seals on cape cod?
Written 10 June 2018
Just about “all the beaches at the “National Seashore have great viewing”, for seals! I have observed them at “all the beaches from Chatham to P’town!” Honestly, the more crowded the beaches are( especially during high season) the less chance of seeing seals but no matter how busy it is you are still bound to catch a glimpse or two of seals bobbing in the ocean waves( so fun to watch)! Chatham( near the lighthouse) has the most and if you go around five or six pm you are bound to see lots, in particular! Just stand up in parking lot, looking down and you will see them! Nauset Beach & Coast Guard Beach, at the National Seashore in Eastham had the most! They were swimming right beside my son surfing, not afraid at all. They seemed to come out in droves around five pm when each was more deserted but they were still there mid-day, too! We saw them at Marconi Station in Wellfleet ( lots), as well. We rented a house in Truro last yr in June and probably five or six were surfing in waves astone’s throw from our chairs!when my sisters and I went into the water( almost no one else there) the seals remained almost beside us! They were not afraid at all! We go out to Cape Cod several times a year for over 50 plus years now, all seasons and different times...we love the Cape so much!!!! If you go to Nauset or Coast Guard Beach in Eastham or Marconi Beach( definitely stop and see the “White Swamp” tucked to left of beach road if you go there! Amazing to see and “Marconi Station!” You will love the “WHITE CEDAR SWAMP”... boardwalk and everything!) P’town ( Race Point) had seals too but I recommend the other three heavily, first! You can observe them pretty much at all the beaches but as I said before Nauset and Coast Guard Beach in Eastham are the best beaches! Go to Chatham to just “observe them!” Enjoy!
Written 15 June 2018
JIMMIE56
Truro, Massachusetts
Yes and No! Allowed only in limited areas, with variety of rules.
Avoid areas with seals to prevent pet from catching the distemper virus.
Written 8 October 2018
HURRICANE Grandma(88) and I (her daughter)are considering visting the Cape for a few days after New Years,We basically love nature,looove family or cozy restaurants with homemade food made with love e.g we love fish, home made soup and we are looking for a place to stay where its informal, very clean, quiet and the hosts are just nice decent people.Is this realistic or is it too cold and nothing much to do..... we are not really shoppers unless an interesting local artisan. Any ideas?
Written 20 November 2017
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