Cape Cod National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service)

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"A man may stand there and put all America behind him." Henry David Thoreau

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.

Ranger-guided activities

Click here for current schedules of ranger-guided activities, historic structure tours and open houses, and other programs.

Oversand Route Information

Click here for information about the oversand vehicle program and permits at Cape Cod National Seashore.

Dune Shacks of the Peaked Hill Bars District

Dune Shacks of the Peaked Hill Bars Historic District

Click here for current information and documents pertaining to the Dune Shacks of the Peaked Hill Bars Historic District.

Write to

Cape Cod National Seashore
99 Marconi Site Road
Wellfleet, MA 02667

E-mail Us

Phone

Park Headquarters
(508) 771-2144

Fax

(508) 349-9052

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. It is important to dress properly for the weather, reagrdless of the season. In the warmer months, visitors need to take precautions to avoid overexposure to sun, wind and biting insects. It is advisable to wear a hat as needed, as well as long sleeve and long pants when conditions warrant. In winter, it is important to dress in layers and keep one's head covered, to avoid exposure, and potentially, hypothermia.