Cape Cod National Seashore

The entire Atlantic Ocean coastline of Cape Cod was preserved as a National Park (CCNS) by President John F. Kennedy in 1961.

The National Seashore offers several gateways to some of the most valuable real estate in America which can be accessed for no cost or only a nominal parking fee.

Herring Cove Beach between Wood End and Race Point Lighthouses has ample parking and a beach facility which includes toilets, showers and take away food for the complete ‘day at the beach.’ Herring Cove parking on the Race Point end also offers access to a bike/walking trail that goes through the most rugged dunes and offers vistas of the salt marshes surrounding Hatches Harbor.

Another jump-off point for walking or biking the dunes is the Park’s Visitor Center on Race Road, again with ample free parking and rest rooms. And Beech Forest, further along Race Road back into town, has free parking and rest rooms, and self-guided walks to kettle ponds and bike/walking trails deep into the woods.

Maps and information for all of this are available at the National Seashore Visitors Center on Race Road. For more information please visit their website at NPS.gov/caco.