Cape Cod National Seashore - 50th Anniversary (Part 2)

During 2011, Cape Cod National Seashore celebrates its 50th anniversary. Several events are planned to commemorate this remarkable national park area. We are going to give you a rundown on areas to visit on "The Cape" and things to see and do from places we have visited there.

PART 2 (of 2)
Welcome to Part 2 of our series about Cape Cod National Seashore. This part will explore the beaches of Cape Cod, lighthouses to visit, whale watch trips and more.

CAPE COD BEACHES

The beaches of the Cape can be managed either by the town that they are in or by the National Park Service (NP). We will focus on National Park beaches. For details about town managed beaches, go to the individual town website found in Part 1 of our 2 part series.

A reminder from Part 1: Beach passes are obtained from the NP Salt Marsh office in Eastham or at the fee collection booths located at each beach entrance. The park office is a great place to start your vacation! Pick up maps, get information from the rangers, and even shop!

Beach Passes cost $15 per vehicle ($3 for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcycles) for the day, and will admit you to all NP beaches in the area. If you plan to stay for a few days and visit the beach, it may be a better plan to buy the annual Cape Cod National Seashore pass which costs $45.

National Park Passes

Planning on visiting other national parks in a year? The Interagency Annual pass is available for $80 online and at all national parks. A pass is your ticket to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites. Each pass covers entrance fees at national parks and national wildlife refuges as well as standard amenity fees at national forests and grasslands, and at lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation. A pass covers entrance and standard amenity fees for a driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle at per vehicle fee areas (or up to four adults at sites that charge per person). Children age 15 or under are admitted free. http://www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm

EASTHAM, MA
Eastham has two notable NP beaches. Coast Guard Beach and Nauset Beach.


Old Coast Guard Station
Coast Guard Beach

 Coast Guard Beach
Perennially listed in the Top 10 Beaches in the United States, Coast Guard beach has a long history that dates back to  November 9, 1620, when a ship named the Mayflower, 65 days out fro Plymouth, England, made her landfall in the New World here!

Author, Henry David Thoreau, named it "The Great Beach", and about two miles south, on the outer beach, stood the cottage where author Henry Beston lived while gathering the material for his book, "The Outermost House", published in 1928. The book describes life on the outer beach during all four seasons (a good read if you plan on visiting).

Surf's Up! Early morning surfing
on Coast Guard Beach

Coast Guard Beach is a prime swimming beach during the summer season (mid-June to Labor Day) and surfers frequent it year-round. It is a great place to observe and photograph wildlife such as shore birds (including nesting plovers and terns that frequent this area in the early spring to early summer), seals, and whales. The entrance to the beach is located behind the old Coast Guard Station. The parking area at this location is closed to all but park staff and visitors who are disabled during season, and access is provided by shuttle bus from the Little Creek parking area. The parking lot at Coast Guard Beach is open the remainder of the year. There are seasonal restrooms and a wheelchair-accessible ramp to the beach.

Two other areas of interest for wildlife observation here are Nauset Marsh, which is located behind the former Coast Guard Station. It is accessible by a pathway that leads to the bicycle trail bridge. Nauset Spit offers the opportunity to walk directly onto a barrier beach system and observe shorebirds and, during the winter months, seals.

Nauset Light Beach
One mile north of Coast Guard Beach on Ocean View Drive is Nauset Light Beach. The Nauset Lighthouse is across the street and makes for a great photo op!  There is a large parking lot here that is managed by the NP, and be warned that the lot fills up early in the day. We cued in line for about an hour until parking became available at 11 AM. The rangers here were very helpful in directing people to parking spaces. There are restrooms, bathhouse and a concession stand located near the entrance stairs to the beach that are open in season.

Nauset Light Beach consists of a broad, sandy beach that is contained by a steep glacial scarp behind it (providing shade and a wind break). During winter months, the beach profile is considerably lowered, sometimes exposing features such as the brick foundation of one of the earlier Three Sisters lighthouses (more about the lighthouses later). Piping plovers nest on the outer beach from early spring to early summer and other shore birds frequent the area. Seals are occasionally found here as well.

WELLFLEET, MA

Artifacts on Marconi Beach

 Marconi Beach is located six miles north of Salt Pond Visitor Center, off Route 6 in Wellfleet. The Marconi Area obtained its name from the famous Italian inventor, Marconi. From a site here, Marconi successfully completed the first transatlantic wireless communication between the U.S. and England in 1903. There are ruins of the station and artifacts located here. The NP has information plaques and a scale model at the site. An observation platform at the Marconi Station site offers an excellent overview of the Outer Cape, including both ocean and bay.

Forty foot sand cliffs (scarp) located behind the beach provide swimmers and beach walkers a sense of solitude and quiet here as the scarp and ocean provide an unbroken, pristine natural scene in all directions.

The uplands above the beach slope gradually westward, and provide a graceful vista of both the bay and sea horizons of this portion of the Cape. The flora here consists of the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail which is a 1-1/2 mile nature trail that descends gradually in elevation into the swampy environment that hosts Atlantic white cedar and red maple trees. The road to the beach is lined with these beautiful specimens.

TRURO, MA

Head of the Meadow Beach is surrounded by glacial cliffs/sand dunes, offering seclusion for beach goers. These are the highest dunes on the Outer Cape, exceeding 100 feet in some spots.

There is actually a Truro town beach and also a National Park beach here. The ever-changing sandbars that run along the beach attract many swimmers and waders. At low tide you may even catch a glimpse of the remains of one of Cape Cod's many shipwrecks. Restroom facilities are limited and open during season only. Parking fees apply for both the NP and town managed beaches here.

PROVINCETOWN, MA


Race Point Beach
Lighthouse and Pilgrim Monument

Race Point Beach is named for the fierce rip tides that come around the point of the Cape. It is located on the Atlantic side of the Cape and has colder water and rougher surf. A look across to the bay reveals the quieter Herring Cove and beach. Race Point has a vast sand beach as a result of sand transport from the south. Race Point Lighthouse is a close walk from the beach.

Since it's on the Atlantic side, the water is colder with more surf. Be warned that the undertow can be a bit strong! Seasonal oversand vehicle permits can be purchased at Race Point Beach from April-November for $60. There are various restrictions and all vehicles must be inspected before the permit is granted. SUVs with these permits can drive from Race Point to High Head Beach in Truro. Tire inflation stations are located here.

Herring Cove is the most popular beach in Provincetown. This bayside beach has placid waters ideal for children and a relaxing swimming experience. There is no undertow, and water that is always warmer than Race Point.

Traditionally the right hand side of the beach is considered more family oriented, while the left is more gay-friendly. The beach is managed by the Cape Cod National Seashore and has restroom facilities, a concession stand, showers, and lifeguards. There are two parking areas to the beach. One is adjacent to the beach and the other is across the dunes which is a bit of a walk.

Bring your camera and binoculars as you may even see whales breaching or seals basking in the sun. Stay until sunset- this is the place to be for a spectacular view. The sunsets at Herring Cove are unparalleled on the entire Cape, since the sun actually seems to set into the ocean, unusual for the east coast.

The Travel Channel(R) has named Herring Cove Beach as one of America's Best All-Time Beaches by Region. They gave it particularly high marks for swimming, sand quality and atmosphere.

LIGHTHOUSES

Nauset Lighthouse 

Located across the street from the parking lot to Nauset Beach, it provides great photo ops of a typical New England coastal lighthouse. Nauset Light was originally one of two lights in Chatham, MA and was moved to Eastham in 1923 to replace the Three Sisters Lighthouses. The Three Sisters have since been relocated to a small field on Cable Road, a short walk away.

The light was automated and the keeper's house was sold in 1955. Due to coastal erosion, by the early 1990s Nauset Light was less than 50 feet from the edge of the 70-foot cliff above the beach. In 1993, the Coast Guard proposed decommissioning the light. There was a great public outcry. The non-profit Nauset Light Preservation Society was formed and arranged the light's relocation in November 1996 to its present location. The lighthouse is the logo for Cape Cod Potato Chips.

Three Sisters Lighthouses

In the late 1800's three 15-foot high masonry towers were built. The lights soon gained the nickname “The Three Sisters” because from the sea they looked like women in white dresses with black hats. However, Cape Cod shores change quickly! The National Lighthouse Board ordered three new movable wooden towers to be built thirty feet inland from the original masonry ones. The new towers stood twenty-two feet tall; the lantern housing added an additional seven feet. The old towers were allowed to fall into the Atlantic where their foundations can occasionally be seen today at low tide.

The current Nauset Lighthouse replaced the sisters in 1923. The National Park Service purchased the center tower in 1975 with a plan to reunite it with the other two towers. The three are placed in their original orientation on a plot of land on Cable Road behind the current operating light. Restoration took place through the 1980s, and the site opened for its first public tour in 1989. Today one can visit the Sisters and marvel at the remarkable journey that brought them their current location. There is a walking path from the Nauset Lighthouse to the Three Sisters. Signs direct you to the lighthouses.

Cape Cod Highland Lighthouse

In 1797, a station authorized by George Washington was established at this point on the Cape, with a wood lighthouse to warn ships about the dangerous coastline between Cape Ann and Nantucket. It was the first light on Cape Cod. In 1857 the lighthouse was declared dangerous and demolished, and the current brick tower was constructed, with a first order fresnel lens from Paris. Along with the lighthouse, there was a keeper's building which can still be seen today. Due to beach erosion, the lighthouse was moved 450 ft to its current location in 1996.

It is on the grounds of the town run Highland Golf Course. The grounds are open year round, while the light is open to the public from May until late October, with guided tours available.

Race Point Lighthouse
Race Point Light is located approximately 2.5 miles from the heart of Provincetown, at the northwestern tip of the Cape. Due to the large number of shipwrecks in the area, Race Point Light was constructed in 1816 - the first of the three lighthouses in Provincetown (followed by Long Point and Wood End). The original 1816 tower was a twenty-foot rubblestone tower and it was replaced in 1876 with the current structure - a 40-foot cast iron tower lined with brick.

The keeper's house and whistle house are available for overnight accommodations with access to Race Point Beach. From the beach you can observe fishing and whale watch boats as they cruise by, and remember to bring your camera!

Wood End Lighthouse
This 38 ft brick tower went into service in 1872. Even with three lighthouses in the Provincetown area, shipwrecks still occurred regularly. A lifesaving station went in service at Race Point in 1872 also. Thomas Lowe (the first keeper at Wood End) would occasionally have to alert the citizens of Provincetown to help with the rescue of shipwreck victims. The lighthouse is still an active aid to navigation and can be visited by walking about 30 to 45 minutes. This is a strenuous walk and caution should be taken as you must cross the breakwater which could be tricky with breakers at high tide. Another solution is to view the light from aboard any of the excursion boats out of Provincetown.

Long Point Lighthouse
Long Point is located at the very tip of the Cape at Provincetown. The first lighthouse was completed in 1826 and consisted of a lantern on top of the keeper's house. In 1873, after an inspection of the structure, it was determined that it was in danger of being swept away by a heavy storm. A new 38 ft brick tower was erected by 1875. Long Point Light was automated in 1952 and is an active aid to navigation today.

You can see Long Point Light distantly from MacMillan Wharf in Provincetown and you can walk there via a breakwater to Wood End at low tide, but the lighthouse is viewed much more easily from various boats leaving Provincetown Harbor, including a ferry to Boston and whale watches.

WHALE WATCHES

The Dolphin Fleet, Provincetown, MA 
Available from early April until the end of October, this is the whale watch cruise to take! Each cruise lasts three to four hours and journeys to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary  where you can observe feeding and other habits of these magnificent marine mammals. You have the opportunity to view species such as humpback, minke and finback whales. Additionally, you may view dolphins and other marine life. Many species of seabirds are also present.

What makes these cruises special is the scientific work that is ongoing by naturalists that accompany each trip. Naturalists not only collect data, but also act as guides and enhance awareness of marine life and habitat.
There is educational material and biological samples aboard each boat that provide a hands-on educational experience. Spend some time interacting with these naturalists and you will leave with a greater understanding and appreciation of the marine environment that surrounds us.

Tickets are available online at http://www.whalewatch.com/, area hotels and B&Bs, the Provincetown Chamber of Commerce Building, or the blue dolphin fleet booth on the pier.  It is strongly suggested to get your tickets in advance, especially during peak summer season!  Current cost is $42 for adults and $34 for children 5-12 years of age. Kids 4 and under are free. Purchasing online (or at your hotel) may earn you a discounted rate.

HIKING
There is an abundance of trails in the park to trek during your stay. We have hiked a small percentage during our stays here. Remember that a good place to start is the Salt Pond Visitor Center, Route 6, Eastham, MA 02642, 508 - 255 - 3421 (year round).  YOU SHOULD STOP HERE AND GET CURRENT MAPS AND CONDITIONS BEFORE HIKING! Remember safety precautions and always have plenty of water, food and supplies for the trek you are planning!

Here is a link directly to popular self guided hiking trails available at the park FOR REFERENCE ONLY!  http://www.nps.gov/caco/planyourvisit/upload/2009selfguidingrevise.pdf  

BIKING
Likewise, there are plentiful areas to bike. Bike trails also differ in degree of difficulty and the same precautions (and additional biking precautions) should be taken before touring these trails! Remember that a good place to start is the Salt Pond Visitor Center, Route 6, Eastham, MA 02642, 508 - 255 - 3421 (year round).  YOU SHOULD STOP HERE AND GET CURRENT MAPS AND CONDITIONS BEFORE BIKING!

WEAR A HELMET!!! It is required by law for children 16 and under to wear one and EVERYONE's head is just as vulnerable!

Here is a link directly to popular self guided biking trails available at the park FOR REFERENCE ONLY!
http://www.nps.gov/caco/planyourvisit/upload/Final2008bikerevise.pdf


RANGER GUIDED ACTIVITIES

Ranger Guided Hike
Photo Courtesy of Cape Cod NP

 Don't want to go it alone? Ranger guided activities are also available and very informative. Rangers add their own expertise to a memorable visit and are very knowledgeable.

Here is a link to their guided activities.
http://www.nps.gov/caco/ranger-guided-activities.htm

PLAN YOUR VISIT
The Cape Cod National Seashore has an excellent website to help you make the most of your visit to the Cape. We strongly recommend that you visit the website for details about the area.
http://www.nps.gov/caco/index.htm

We hope that you do decide to visit this magnificent area! Cape Cod has something for everyone. For those of you that do go, please comment on your trip and let us know how you enjoyed the area.

Contact Us to help you plan your vacation to Cape Cod! We're glad to help with your accommodations and other plans!  http://www.harborlightadventures.com/