Cape Cod National Seashore

First constructed of brick in 1836, the original towers quickly fell into the ocean. The lights were rebuilt, this time on movable wooden platforms. This strategy proved successful, and the Three Sisters have been moving around the Cape ever since. They were restored in 1989, and tours have been available at their current home in Eastham ever since.

The shoreline between Race Point Light and Head of the Meadow Beach can be driven for those with the right permits and equipment. 400 permits are available per week on a first come, first serve basis. To get started, head over to Race Point Beach for an inspection. To pass you must own a properly licensed 4WD vehicle with special tires and additional kit. Rentals are verboten. Once you fork over the cash and watch a quick safety video, you're free to hit the dunes. Some areas may be off limits due to nesting birds, time of day, and around high tide.

Ranger-guided programs are offered from spring through fall. Explore the many facets of Cape Cod National Seashore through guided walks, talks, performance and music events, canoe trips, campfires, open houses at historic buildings and yoga. Most activities depart from the Salt Pond Visitors Center during normal business hours. Check in when you arrive to see what's being offered that day. There are usually a good mix of programs suitable for children and adults.

Even if you don't know your Cherrystones from your Littlenecks, you can still strike out and try your hand at shellfishing. You will need some gear, but it ain't fancy and can be procured at any local bait and tackle shop.

Permitted in waters outside lifeguarded beaches.

Highland Links is certainly Cape Cod’s oldest golf course, and arguably its most scenic. Founded in 1892, the course is perched atop windswept dunes overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This course was conceived in the Scottish tradition, and has been celebrating that heritage for over 100 years. Ownership was transferred to the Federal Government in 1961 with the establishment of the Seashore. A small clubhouse serves small snacks, sandwiches, and pizzas. Tee times can be booked up to 60 days in advance.

The most popular swimming beach, especially during the high summer season. Parking area closed from mid-June to Labor Day, those with disability placards exempt. When open, it fills between 11AM and 1PM daily with moderate turnover. Beach access via Little Creek Shuttle and parking area, a half mile away. Seasonal restrooms and wheelchair-accessible beach access ramp.

This beach is wide and sandy, backed by a somewhat imposing coastal bluff. Walking the beach during winter months, you may discover the exposed brick foundations of earlier "Three Sisters" lighthouses. The trail up to the modern lighthouses will wind you through an emergent forest. Parking area always fills during July and August, barring bad weather. Arrive before 9:30AM to ensure a space. Arrive earlier if it's really hot. Seasonal restrooms and bathhouse available.

The excellent observation platform here offers some of the best views along the Seashore. From here you can see a landscape slowly recovering from centuries of abuse, which today provides homes for several rare species. Parking area rarely fills during late June and July. In August, parking fills occasionally with moderate turnover. The first successful transatlantic wireless communication was sent from this site in 1903. It travelled straight across the Atlantic Ocean and all the way to England's Poldhu village. Seasonal restrooms and bathhouse available.

Parking area rarely fills. Good beach for young children. During low tide, the wreck of the Frances may still be seen poking out of the sand. This vessel was wrecked during a powerful December gale in 1872. Seasonal restrooms available.

Providence Lands Visitor Center located at the entrance to this beach. Quite close to Provincetown and the Pilgrim Monument. Parking area rarely fills during June and July. When the parking area does fill, it is usually one to two hours after the Herring Cove lot fills. Great beach for watching sunset. Popular with fisherman. Seasonal restrooms, showers and changing rooms all available.

Quite close to Provincetown and the Pilgrim Monument. Parking area fills between 10AM and noon most days throughout the summer. Moderate turnover after 1PM. Access to Herring Cove Beach is also available on the Provincetown-Truro shuttle. Great for watching sunset. Seasonal restrooms and snack bar.

This 1.5-mile, moderately difficult trail offers great views and connects with Red Maple Swamp Trail.

One-half mile trail of moderate difficulty has boardwalk sections winding through the swamp. Can take you to the Fort Hill Area, with some nice panoramic views of Nauset Marsh. Some tree roots in trail. Great fall walk.

Easy one-mile trail along the shore of Salt Pond and Nauset Marsh over fields and through a recovering forest. Great views.

This quarter-mile trail with a boardwalk bridge over Buttonbush Pond features a guide rope and Braille and large text. Blindfolds optional! Thirty minutes without.

Easy half-mile paved trail loop through pine and oak forests to large glacial rock with marsh views.

An award-winning 1.25-mile trail descending through a stunted oak and pine forest into a mature woodland where a boardwalk leads through the picturesque swamp. Moderate difficulty, return route is 1/2 mile in soft sand.

Six-mile (or optionally eight-mile) trail that runs along Great Island and Great Beach Hill, skirting salt marshes and giving great views on the way to Jeremy Point. The park's most difficult trail with soft sand, some log steps and portions submerged at high tide. Optional routes can be confusing. Caution: do not attempt when tide is rising.

One-mile trail with a steep quarter-mile spur to overlook. Old abandoned cranberry bog. Moderately strenuous with many log steps.

A one-mile trail of moderate difficulty, takes about 30 minutes to complete. Views include forest, heathlands, and dramatic ocean bluffs.

Easy 3/4-mile loop. Provides access to Pilgrim Heights and High Head sites, where archaeological evidence of ancient inhabitants remains.

Easy 3/4-mile loop through recovering pine and oak forest. A marker commemorates an area representative of where the Pilgrims first drank. This trail also provides access to Pilgrim Heights and High Head sites.

One-mile easy walk in sand, past pond and through dunes.

This easy relatively flat trail runs 22 mi from South Wellfleet to South Dennis. You'll have to cross a few busy intersections.

This easy trail with a few hills runs 1.6 mi, connecting the Salt Pond Visitor Center, Doane Picnic Area, Coast Guard Beach, and several hiking trails.

This easy, flat trail stretches 2 mi and connects High Head Road to Head of the Meadow Beach. You'll pass a few berry bushes along the way.

This intermediate 5.5 mi trail loops around the Province Lands, connecting to both Herring Cove and Race Point beaches with short spurs. You'll pass by pine forests, sandy dunes, and low-lying cranberry bogs, but keep a sharp eye. This older trail has steep hills and several sharp turns. Take it easy!

This easy to intermediate level trail runs 8 mi from Harwich to Chatham.