On the Atlantic-facing eastern stretch of Cape Cod lies Cape Cod National Seashore in Barnstable County. Activities there include swimming, fishing, hiking, cycling, canoeing, snorkeling and sightseeing. This range of options offers different perspectives on the coast—from the water to trails and historic sites.

Coast, Trails and Nature

In Wellfleet Bay, the Boardwalk Trail crosses a salt marsh to a sandy beach and the tidal flats of Cape Cod Bay. Also in Wellfleet Bay, the All Persons Trail is a self-guided, fully accessible nature trail. This means there are two distinct routes to explore here: one through marsh, beach and tidal flats, and an accessible nature trail.

The hiking trails in the Morris Island unit of Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge are accessible year-round from the parking lot in Chatham. North Monomoy, South Monomoy and Minimoy, however, can only be reached by boat; the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service does not operate public boat access to these islands. This distinction is important when planning a hiking trip or considering the islands as part of your travel plans.

The cycling and walking trails also differ considerably in length and route. The paved, car-free Cape Cod Rail Trail is 25 miles long and runs between Yarmouth and Wellfleet. The 1.6-mile Nauset Bike Trail in Cape Cod National Seashore connects the Salt Pond Visitor Center with Coast Guard Beach and passes through pine forests and sand dunes. At the Cape Cod Canal, a 1.5-mile walking trail runs parallel to the canal through Bournedale Hills Woods. The canal’s cycling path also serves as a maintenance road and is open for walking and other non-motorized recreational activities. Rangers offer programs on the canal’s history and environment, as well as campfire programs featuring storytelling.

For nature watching in Barnstable, Long Pasture and Barnstable Great Marsh offer different landscapes. Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary has 2.5 miles of woodland and meadow trails with views of Barnstable Harbor and Sandy Neck Barrier Beach. Barnstable Great Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary has 1.5 miles of trails, two ponds, oak woodland and a coastal overlook with views of the same two coastal landmarks. On the Otter Trail in Great Marsh, you can spot otters at Otter Pond and along the salt marsh creeks, especially in February and March.

Landscape, History and Museums

In Truro Highlands Historic District, a wind-shaped landscape spans 85 acres and includes Highland Light, Highland House and Highland Golf Links. Highland Light was established in 1797; the present 66-foot brick tower replaced the earlier structure in 1857. Old Harbor Life-Saving Station tells a different story: it was built in Chatham in 1897 and now stands as a museum at Race Point Beach in Provincetown. The museum is open seasonally.

The Marconi Station Site in Wellfleet also combines history with views of the landscape. It is designated as America's First Wireless Station. An observation platform at the site offers views across Outer Cape Cod, the ocean and the bay from Marconi Beach; there are also exhibits on the area's history.

In Sandwich, Heritage Museums & Gardens brings together gardens and exhibits across more than 100 acres on the shores of Shawme Pond. Its collections include internationally significant rhododendrons and more than 1,000 daylily varieties. The galleries feature automobiles, American folk art and special exhibitions; there is also a working historic carousel. Sandwich Glass Museum adds to these experiences with live glassblowing demonstrations and exhibits on the history of glassmaking in Sandwich. During the Glass Experience, visitors can make their own handcrafted glass keepsake.

Other museums focus on different subjects: Cape Cod Museum of Natural History covers coastal change and the formation of Cape Cod, the presence of Indigenous peoples, 8,000 years of archaeology, and native animals and habitats in its exhibits. Cape Cod Maritime Museum explores maritime history, ecology and marine biology, and hosts events and lectures. Cape Cod Museum of Art preserves works by Cape Cod artists; its spaces include seven galleries and a sculpture garden.

Experiences with a Seasonal Rhythm

You can also learn about local seafood through experiences related to its production. From late June to mid-September, the Wellfleet Oyster Alliance organizes visits to oyster farms at some of the 108 aquaculture operations in local waters. The visits offer insights into the cultivation and harvesting of local shellfish; check the dates before your trip. During the growing and harvesting season, Cape Cod Cranberry Bog Tours offers farm tours on request and by advance reservation. Availability depends on the weather and farm schedules.

Explore more destinations: Sandwich, Chatham, Eastham, Orleans, Brewster, Truro, Provincetown, Mashpee, Wellfleet, Harwich, Falmouth, Yarmouth, Bourne, Dennis, Barnstable

For the broader travel overview: Massachusetts.