How to Spend a Day Exploring Cape Cod National Seashore

You could easily spend an entire week just soaking in all of the natural beauty and history to be found at Cape Cod National Seashore. However, if you’re on a time crunch and only have a day to explore, here are some of the top things to do and see:

Go Lighthouse Looking
You’ll find multiple lighthouses within the seashore, each with its own unique history. The Highland Light, Nauset Light and Three Sisters Lights are all very easily accessible, and the Highland Light and Nauset Light particularly provide great photo opps. Race Point Light, Long Point Light and Wood End Lighthouse are also iconic, but they do all require you to hike through the sand for a bit to get up close.

Spend Some Time at the Beach
Cape Cod National Seashore offers some gorgeous beaches backed by expansive dunes. Nauset Light Beach and Marconi Beach are nice options, but be sure you’re aware of the safety precautions you need to take when swimming off the Cape (mostly, watch out for sharks!).

Check Out the Historic Sites
Beyond the lighthouses, other historic spots within the national seashore include Old Harbor Lifesaving Station, built in the late 1800s; Marconi Wireless Station, responsible for the first trans-Atlantic wireless communication between the United States and Europe; and Atwood-Higgins House, a 1730 Cape Cod-style home.