Cape Cod consistently ranks as one of Massachusetts’ foremost vacation spots thanks to its world-class beaches, renowned classic streets, and delightful fresh seafood. Another popular attraction to this lovely Bay State gem is the famous Cape Cod National Seashore, an expansive 43,000-acre protected area on the peninsula’s eastern end. Here’s what makes Cape Cod National Seashore such a Cape Cod favorite.

Pristine Beaches

Cape Cod National Seashore has six beautiful beaches, each offering its unique charm and thrills by the water’s edge. Marconi Beach features sweeping panoramic views and a gentle slope, making it an excellent spot for soothing swims, skimboarding, and boogie-boarding. Coast Guard Beach is a popular area for spotting local wildlife, including gray and spot harbor seals, alongside numerous avian species. Other renowned Cape Cod National Seashore beaches worth visiting include Race Point Beach in Provincetown, Head of the Meadow Beach in North Truro, and Nauset Light Beach in Eastham.

Lovely Hiking Trails

Cape Cod National Seashore hosts over 40 scenic hiking trails, perfect for a laid-back mid-morning or afternoon stroll. Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail covers 1.1 miles, offering a brief 23-minute hike through the pine forests and woodlands of Atlantic White Cedar Swamp. The 2.4-mile Sand Dune Trail passes through beautiful dunes before opening up to a beach where you can enjoy a soothing swim. Measuring nine miles, the Great Island to Jeremy Point and Tavern Loop takes nearly three hours, offering multiple elevations with picturesque vistas and a picnic area near the parking.

Peaceful Biking Routes

Hire a bike and head out for a laidback peddling session along Cape Cod National Seashore’s majestic biking trails. The Province Lands Bike Trail stretches roughly 6.6 miles, featuring numerous hills with sweeping views of the Atlantic and dunes. Another popular biking route is the Nauset Bike Trail, which stretches 3.8 miles, delivering a peaceful ride on mostly paved routes. For quality bike rentals in Wellfleet, stop by The Little Capistrano Bike Shop and enjoy an impressive selection of high-end bikes, including mountain bikes, hybrids, cruisers, and tandems.

Exciting Kayaking Excursions

Enjoy a relaxing kayaking session in the northern area of Nauset Marsh and Wellfleet Harbor. The Nauset Marsh in Hemenway Landing leads out to the Atlantic, offering jaw-dropping scenery and access to numerous avian species, including gulls, raptors, and waterfowl. Wellfleet Harbor features an undisturbed shoreline, delivering a pleasant and peaceful kayaking session with occasional sightings of gray seals. For quality kayak rentals in Wellfleet, check out Jack’s Boat Rental and enjoy an impressive collection of high-end equipment, including single and tandem kayaks.

Riveting Fishing Experiences

Test your angling skills at one of Cape Cod National Seashore’s lovely beaches. You can fish anywhere along the Cape Cod National Seashore, provided you have a valid license from the MassFishHunt portal. Local authorities allow fishing by hook and line in designated areas on all days except Labor Day, giving you year-round opportunities to reel in a prized catch.

Beautiful Lighthouses

Cape Cod National Seashore is home to several picturesque lighthouses, highlighting the area’s strong connection to the Atlantic. Nauset Light is one of Cape Cod’s most renowned lighthouses, dating back to 1877 and repainted to its iconic red and white color in the 1940s. Highland Lighthouse remains a beacon of light after faithful service since its construction in 1979, offering sweeping views of the ocean and surrounding areas. The Three Sisters Lighthouse features three 15-foot towers set 150 feet apart along a straight line, making it among Cape Cod’s most unique lighthouses.

Famous Historic Sights

Take a trip down memory lane at one of Cape Cod National Seashore’s famous historical sights and learn more about the peninsula’s past and heritage. Captain Edward Penniman House houses written records and artifacts from the Penniman family dating back to the 1800s. The Marconi Station Site is the birthplace of the nation’s first transatlantic wireless station, while the Old Harbor Lifesaving Station is a museum offering tales of ancient wrecks and rescues. Other renowned local historical sights include Doane Homestead, Highlands Center, and Atwood-Higgins House, serving as Cape Cod National Seashore’s oldest house, dating back to 1730.

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Book Your Cape Cod Vacation Rental Early

Cape Cod is a Massachusetts vacation hub delivering umpteen attractions, including Cape Cod National Seashore. This expansive area features multiple miles of lovely beaches, scenic trails, and riveting outdoor adventures, ideal for a memorable getaway. As you plan your Cape Cod vacation, look to New England Vacation Rentals for the area’s best rental homes. We offer an impressive collection of high-end vacation properties, including luxury vacation rental homes, pet-friendly rentals, rentals with hot tubs, and water-view rentals in 14 locations, giving you ample choice to suit your lodging needs. Contact us today to secure your Cape Cod vacation rental and enjoy your Massachusetts vacation in the most comfortable accommodation.