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.
Provincetown is one of the best beach locations in the United States, and Race Point may be one reason why. Here the Cape Cod Bay waters meet wild Atlantic Ocean waves to create a roiling surge called "The Race." The beach contains the Race Point Lifesaving Museum. It is well guarded in season, has a bath house, and is an overall good location for sunning and swimming. It can also be quite windy here, adding to the feeling that you are facing the elemental ocean at the end of the world.
Practically an endless stretch of golden sands located west of the city center, Herring Cove Beach ranks among some of the best beaches in the United States. Blessed with calm waters and a light surf, it offers excellent opportunities for swimming as well as water sports. Evenings are one of the best times to visit this lovely place as there are fair amount of locals and visitors to enjoy the mesmerizing sunset. The beach has been impeccably maintained and has parking and other basic facilities.
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.
In 1914 Eugene O'Neill and others formed the Provincetown Players. In 1915 they converted a fish house into The Wharf Theatre, and Provincetown became a thriving art colony. Famous actors of the past like Max Eastman and Ann Harding performed with the Players, as did Richard Gere and Jill Clayburgh in more modern times. The theater was lost in a fire but the tradition continues with the work of the Provincetown Theater Company and the Provincetown Repertory Theatre. They hold an annual competition for emerging playwrights.
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.
Guyer Art Barn situated in the heart of Hyannis is an art gallery, workspace and a common meeting point for all the artists in the neighborhood. The exhibitions at this art gallery feature the work of talented local artists giving them the opportunity to display their artistic prowess. Various workshops and art classes are organized by experts in the field for the up and coming artists in the neighborhood who wish to learn from the best. Guyer Art Barn, apart from visual arts, also promotes performing arts and plays host to theater shows and concerts on a regular basis.
The West Barnstable station can easily date its history back to the 1900s. The artifacts and exhibits of this place take you back in time as the building still has maintained all the original woodwork and furniture from when it was constructed in 1911. Other features include railroad tools, switchstands and a small motor car which was used for repairs by the maintenance men of that time. The ticketing office still has maintained some of the original equipment from that era. Many events and festivals are organized here celebrating and supporting the railroad history.
Once a wireless receiving station named after Guglielmo Marconi, The Chatham Marconi Maritime Center operates as a museum since 2002. Focusing on the history of wireless technology, its exhibits take you through Marconi's various accomplishments in the field. The museum also offers information regarding the uses of various wireless devices in our day to day life. Explore the evolution of science and technology in the field of wireless communication as you roam around this fascinating place.