Cape Cod National Seashore

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.

Sunrise Waves

Visiting the beach to watch the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean is a beautiful experience.

A curling wave breaks against the backdrop of a pink sunrise.

Sand Ripples

You will never walk the same beach twice on Cape Cod; daily low and high tides expose and then cover the sand.

Low tide exposes rippled ridges of sand and water.

Exploring the Park by Water

Exploring the park by water offers a different perspective.

A red kayak floats on a pond facing a forest colored with red and orange leaves.

Birds and Beach

The national seashore is known for its species diversity, including threatened and endangered shorebirds.

A flock of birds flies along a beach with waves in the background.

Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail

This popular trail takes visitors through the rare habitat of an Atlantic White Cedar swamp.

Boardwalk trail runs through a swamp surrounded by green ferns and tall trees.

Sunrise Over the Atlantic

Cape Cod provides the opportunity to watch the sun rise out of the Atlantic Ocean and set into Cape Cod Bay.

A brilliant sun rises over the ocean reflecting light on the water's surface.