USGS scientists have been working to understand what controls these dynamic sediment transport processes and to assess the risks that storms and changing sea-levels may pose to Cape Hatteras and the Outer Banks. Storms, shallow water, and shifting sandbars have sunk over 1,000 ships off Cape Hatteras since 1600, giving this area the nickname the “graveyard of the Atlantic.” Like all of the Outer Banks, Cape Hatteras is in constant flux-shaped by environmental and human forces including sea-level change, storms, and infrastructure. However, if you want to get in the water note that the park's six beaches only have lifeguards on duty from late June through Labor Day.Cape Hatteras National Seashore accounts for roughly 70 miles of the 125-mile stretch of barrier islands that make up the Outer Banks and is separated from the North Carolina mainland by the Pamlico Sound. Its parking lots are open daily from morning to midnight. You can visit Cape Cod National Seashore any time of year. Province Lands Visitor Center is open from the beginning of May through the end of October. At the end of the cable route, turn left at the Ocean View Drive car park. In May 2004, a collaborative agreement was signed between the National Parks Service and the Nauset Conservation Society. On a clear day, head out to the observation deck and enjoy the panoramic views across the Atlantic Ocean, Province Lands, Race Point Beach and Pilgrim Monument in Provincetown. The property of the lighthouse went to Cape Cod National Seashore. Peruse its exhibits, which take you back in time to the Pilgrim's landing in Provincetown. The visitor center is open daily, with increased hours during the summer.Īlthough it is smaller, Province Lands Visitor Center is also worth a visit. Stop by the gift shop, where you can buy a Cape Cod sweatshirt or an informational book. Watch a short educational film in the theater. Explore the museum's exhibits, which feature everything from area history to local art. Learn more about the area at Salt Pond Visitor Center. Brave the chilly waters of Race Point Beach but be careful of rip tides here. Keep an eye out for whales swimming offshore in winter and early spring. Provincetown is home to a number of beaches. Nearby Marconi Station was the first two-way transatlantic radio transmission.

Head to Nauset Light Beach, also in Eastham, and take a hike to the iconic Nauset Lighthouse.įrom Head of the Meadow Beach, in Truro, you can look out across the “ocean graveyard.” Hidden sandbars of the coast have caused over 1,000 wrecks between Truro and Wellfleet alone.įor a more secluded beach experience, go to the cliffs at Marconi Beach. Coast Guard Beach in Eastham is a very popular beach for swimmers. If you want to go swimming on Cape Cod National Seashore, you have six beaches to choose from. Whether you explore it by boat, bike or foot, you’re sure to fall in love with this natural paradise. The island is part of New York State's Suffolk County. Point Reyes is the home to over 1,000 species of animals and plants, tall cliffs, and sandy beaches. Fire Island National Seashore (FINS) is a United States National Seashore that protects a 26-mile (42 km) section of Fire Island, an approximately 30-mile (48 km) long barrier island separated from Long Island by the Great South Bay. Point Reyes National Seashore is just north of San Francisco, CA.

(National Archives Identifier 33754082) On the West Coast, there is only one National Seashore. Encompassing 40 miles (65 kilometers) of shoreline, this area on the Massachusetts coastline is a popular summer destination for families. Gulf Islands National Seashore Site Map, Project Years 2004-2012. Kennedy created Cape Cod National Seashore in 1961. Covering over miles of shoreline around Cape Cod, this national park offers endless things to see and do regardless of the season.

National seashore