The great Outer Beach described by Thoreau in the 1800s is protected within Cape Cod 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.
Recreation: The Bay View House offers visitors nearby access to Cape Cod Bay's quiet beaches and tidal flats. Explore beyond the beach and you will find the seashore is so much more. Wellfleet's historic village is just a short drive away, with book stores, galleries, and restaurants waiting for you. There are miles of walking and biking trails through pine forests, across sandy dunes, and alongside freshwater ponds. You can climb to the top of one of the many lighthouses and experience a piece of maritime history that helped our new nation grow and thrive. For the wildlife lover, there are opportunities to spot over 450 species of amphibians, reptiles, fish, birds, and mammals that make the seashore their home.
Nearby: It is impossible to be bored on Cape Cod! If you’re an active traveler, we have hiking and biking or try a new activity like paddle boarding, kayaking, boating, or surfing. Go on a whale or seal watching – we have the finest in the world! Cape Cod is also a cultural destination with hundreds of arts and cultural venues from the canal to the tip of the cape. Plan visits to museums inspired by the Cape’s nautical heritage and pristine environment, visit the local towns to find unique shopping opportunities and a wide range of activities and events or pay a visit to a performing arts venue that reflects the unique arts community of Cape Cod. The Cape boasts over 25 local theaters, with an exciting line-up of musical revues, Broadway productions, and beloved classics.