The great Outer Beach described by Thoreau in the 1800s is protected within the national seashore. Forty miles of pristine sandy beach, marshes, ponds, and uplands support diverse species. Lighthouses, cultural landscapes, and wild cranberry bogs offer a glimpse of Cape Cod's past and continuing ways of life. Swimming beaches and walking and biking trails beckon today's visitors.
"A man may stand there and put all America behind him." Henry David Thoreau
![The white silhouette of a white shark stands out on a purple field.](/congress115th/20190112024509im_/https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/grid_builder/ner/crop16_9/B7331C7F-F017-65B2-4CA54317E47964DB.jpg?width=465&quality=90&mode=crop)
Shark Safety
Be shark smart while visiting Cape Cod!
![A black Jeep sits on a beach with people in swimsuits enjoying the sun.](/congress115th/20190112024509im_/https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/grid_builder/ner/crop16_9/99C7B4EB-1DD8-B71B-0B44E55C558E1B6F.jpg?width=465&quality=90&mode=crop)
Oversand Beach Driving
Permits and regulations for oversand beach driving.
![A ranger pulls a canoe down a ramp towards a pond, as a mother and son follow holding paddles.](/congress115th/20190112024509im_/https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/grid_builder/ner/crop16_9/EBD9D417-1DD8-B71B-0BF4736CAE7E96E5.jpg?width=307&quality=90&mode=crop)
Hike, Paddle, Tour with a Ranger
Find Your Park on a ranger program--canoeing, hiking, touring historic buildings, snorkeling, and yoga are experiences that await you!
![The silhouettes of fishermen are framed against a brilliant sunset.](/congress115th/20190112024509im_/https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/grid_builder/ner/crop16_9/0A0CADE0-1DD8-B71B-0B592C6993C1E630.jpg?width=307&quality=90&mode=crop)
Hunting and Fishing
Know the regulations and seasons to enjoy a safe hunting or fishing trip at the seashore.
![A long motor lodge sits on a grassy hill, the center of the lodge is accented by a small windmill.](/congress115th/20190112024509im_/https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/grid_builder/ner/crop16_9/E13780A4-A363-4B27-F7BB06DD0C7FFBF6.jpg?width=307&quality=90&mode=crop)
Request For Proposal
Lease the Nauset Knoll Motor Lodge.
Last updated: November 14, 2018