First designated as a protected site by the United States government in 1961, the sprawling 43,607-acre (17,647 hectare) Cape Cod National Seashore offers stunning vistas and a glimpse into the natural and cultural history of the area. The park boasts a number of swimming beaches, as well as nature trails, picnic areas, freshwater ponds, historic lighthouses and Cape Cod-style residences. Avid hikers and explorers will relish the opportunity for adventure offered by the scenic paths slicing across the landscape. The seashore makes a great day trip, but for those who would like to stay longer there are several resorts, hotels and motels nearby.
Famously known as the Cape Cod Light, the Highland Light is an active lighthouse and also said to be the tallest and oldest lighthouse on Cape Cod. The lighthouse is accessible to the public from May through October- tours are available too, while the grounds can be visited throughout the year. This lighthouse occupies a spot on the National Register of Historic Places as the Highland Light Station.
Few people know that the pilgrims first struck land in Provincetown, on November 21, 1620, before continuing on to Plymouth. While anchored in Provincetown Harbor, the Pilgrims signed the Mayflower Compact, dedicating themselves to a community governed by democratic rule. This tower was built in 1910 to commemorate that landing, was modeled after the clock tower of the Palazzo Pubblico (specifically the Torre del Mangia) in Siena, Italy. A climb to the top affords one of the best views on the entire Cape, and the tower also incorporates the Provincetown Museum.
There are few better ways to get an overview of what Provincetown has to offer than to take a picturesque trolley ride. The trolleys leave every half-hour from Town Hall on Commercial Street, and tour the National Seashore and other interesting sites for about 40 minutes.
A whale watch is a must when visiting Cape Cod. Step aboard a 100-foot boat and travel past the Cape Cod National Seashore to the open ocean. The boats concentrate on an area known as the Stellwagen Bank - a deep fissure in the ocean floor that is home to a favorite whale delicacy, the sand eel. Naturalists narrate during the cruises. There is a snack bar on board and passengers can bring their own picnic. The trip takes about four hours.
Cape Cod's third lighthouse, Race Point Light was constructed in 1816. The original rubblestone tower was one of the first to feature a revolving beacon, and after significant refurbishment in 1876, was electrified in the year 1957. Today, the lighthouse is open to visitors who can climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding area. The lighthouse is located within the Cape Cod National Seashore and is surrounded by miles of beautiful sandy beaches and scenic walking trails. It is considered one of the most picturesque lighthouses on Cape Cod and is a must-visit for anyone interested in the region's maritime history.
Situated at the tip of the Cape Cod, the Long Point Light House was marked as an entrance to the harbor. Standing 36 feet high, the light of this lighthouse goes up to 15 miles and is of great help to those in the sea.
Through a series of immersive exhibits and displays, gain a deeper insight into the world of Atlantic White Sharks at the Shark Center in Chatham. A delight for all ages, this museum is dedicated to disseminating information pertaining to this majestic species and enables visitors to delve into the elements that characterize its features. Apart from examining riveting displays, you can also participate in the activities and events organized by the center to enhance the quality of your experience. The center also facilitates an understanding of the research conducted on the Great White Shark, and any visit here is sure to be an enlightening and fun excursion.
A whale watch is a must when visiting Cape Cod. Step aboard a 100-foot boat and travel past the Cape Cod National Seashore to the open ocean. The boats concentrate on an area known as the Stellwagen Bank - a deep fissure in the ocean floor that is home to a favorite whale delicacy, the sand eel. Naturalists narrate during the cruises. There is a snack bar on board and passengers can bring their own picnic. The trip takes about four hours.
Working from MacMillan Pier, Dolphin boasts one of the largest whale watching fleets on the East Coast; if no whales are sighted, all passengers receive a free ticket for a future excursion. Their ships are built specifically for whale watching in the utmost comfort. All instructions and signs come in five languages: English, French, German, Spanish, and Japanese.
Nauset Beach Light is a cast iron plate shell situated in Eastham, Massachusetts. Built in 1877, it stands 48 feet (15 meters) tall and has a rather long and interesting history behind it. Saved from decommissioning by the Nauset Light Preservation Society, formed by the local residents, the lighthouse was donated to the National Park Service in 1998. For those who visit the top, the view from the lighthouse is absolutely stunning, but tours are not as frequently conducted, so make sure to check the timings before you visit.
Formerly known as the Twin Lights, the Chatham Lighthouse was built in the year 1808. It is a 48 feet (14.5-meter) tall conical structure made up of cast iron. Included in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, this lighthouse was established to ensure the safety of ships past the Chatham coast. Today, tours of this lighthouse are offered and visitors can explore the scenic lighthouse trail.