Cape Cod National Seashore

Attractions - Cape Cod National Seashore comprises 43,557 acres of shoreline and upland landscape features. One of the highlights of the area is a forty-mile long stretch of pristine sandy beach. A variety of historic structures lie within the boundary of the seashore, including lighthouses, lifesaving stations and Cape Cod style houses. There are six swimming beaches within the seashore, ten self-guided nature trails and a variety of picnic and overlook areas.

Recreation - The seashore provides recreation opportunities for individuals who want to relax or exert themselves. There are six developed beaches with rest rooms, changing facilities and cold showers within the seashore. Lifeguard services are provided at these beaches during the summer season (generally July through Labor Day). There are ten self-guided nature trails within the park, three paved bicycle trails and four National Register Historic structures open to the public.

There are two visitors centers, the Salt Pond Visitor Center on Route 6 in Eastham, and the Province Lands Visitor Center on Race Point Road near Provincetown. Both visitor centers provide orientation movies, exhibits, a bookstore and information services. Interpretive ranger programs are offered on a daily basis from mid-May to Columbus Day. Programs are
also offered intermittently in the off-season.

Climate - The Cape's weather changes significantly with the seasons. Spring can often be cool and damp with temperatures ranging in the mid 40s. Summer usually provides warm days, ranging between 70 and 80 degrees and cool nights. Winter on Cape Cod is milder than inland, but dampness and wind chill can make winter days bitter cold. Temperatures range between 30 and 40 degrees in mid winter, but intervals of below zero as well as milder temperatures can also occur.

Location - Cape Cod National Seashore extends north from a barrier island east of Chatham, Massachusetts, to Long Point on Cape Cod Bay. The area is considered the Outer Cape.