Enjoy dunes, whales and oysters at Cape Cod National Seashore

USA // Thank President John F Kennedy for this unspoiled crook of land jutting out from southeastern Massachusetts. He preserved some 64km (40 miles) of his home-state coastline, so it remains an endless vista of sand and sky where beaches, dunes, salt marshes, nature trails and forests rule the wild Atlantic landscape. Beachcombers wade among sandbars, surfers ride the waves, and hikers and bikers hop on trails edged by saltspray roses, scrub pine and cranberry bogs. Boat tours go out to spot humpback whales, as the area just offshore is the behemoths' summer feeding ground. Speaking of food: more clam shacks than you can shake a napkin at are cooking along the shore, prime for creamy chowder, fried clams and sweet, briny oysters fresh from local waters. Atmospheric towns enhance all the nature, such as Wellfleet (where those slurpable oysters come from) and flamboyant, gallery-laden Provincetown. Most of the area slumbers from mid-fall to late spring, then explodes with visitors from roughly June to September.

 

What is the national seashore in Cape Cod?

The Great Outer Beach described by Thoreau in the 1800s is protected by the National Seashore. Forty miles of pristine sandy beach, marshes, ponds and uplands support a wide variety of species. Lighthouses, cultural landscapes, and wild blueberry bogs offer a glimpse into Cape Cod's past and continuing ways of life.

How long is Cape Cod seashore?

40 miles
With 40 miles of pristine beaches, marshes, ponds and uplands, visitors can enjoy swimming, hiking, biking and many other outdoor activities.

Can I swim in Cape Cod?

It is best to avoid areas where seals are abundant, otherwise the shark may mistake you for its food. Swim close to shore - A shark is unlikely to approach the shore when the beach is crowded. Even if it is one, you can safely go to the beach because it is close.

What is the history of the Cape Cod seashore?

Cape Cod National Seashore (CCNS) is 43,607 acres (68.1 sq mi; 176.5 km²) on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. CCNS was created by President John F. Kennedy on August 7, 1961, when he signed into law a bill authorizing legislation he had first sponsored as a senator several years earlier.

How many beaches are in Cape Cod?

There are more than 130 Cape Cod, Massachusetts beaches across nearly 560 miles of beautiful coastline in five bodies of water.