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Cape Breton Island

Cape Breton Island is the northernmost island in Nova Scotia. It is a beautifully rugged island, populated by the descendants of Scottish immigrants, by Acadians, and by the Indigenous Mi'kmaq people. The island is known for its traditional fiddle music, and flourishing Celtic culture.

Cities and towns

 * — largest city on the island
 * — the second largest urban area and situated on the east side of the island
 * — end of the Trans-Canada Highway with ferry connections to Newfoundland
 * — former mining town
 * — a former coal mining town
 * – the whale watching capital of Cape Breton Island
 * — east end of the Canso Causeway
 * — a town on the southwestern end of the island
 * — summer resort area and convenient starting/finishing point for the Cabot Trail
 * — centre of Acadian culture on the Cabot Trail
 * — one-time French colonial town best known for its reconstructed fortress
 * — on the Cabot Trail and adjacent to the Cape Breton Highlands National Park
 * — a village of Acadian culture on Isle Madame
 * — fishing and farming community on the west side of the island
 * — a small village and the "Gateway to the Bras d'Or"
 * — (Eskasoni First Nation) the largest Mi'kmaq community in Nova Scotia

Other destinations

 * – Atlantic Canada's first national park

Understand
Cape Breton Island was a separate colony until 1820 when it was merged into Nova Scotia against its will. It is the only place in North America where Gaelic is still spoken, a legacy of the large immigration (about 50,000) from the highlands of Scotland in the first half of the 19th century. There are also pockets of French, remnants of the Acadian history described in the Longfellow epic poem "Evangeline", in towns such as Margaree and Chéticamp and on Isle Madame.

With 5 Mi'kmaq communities in Cape Breton (4 are around the Bras d'Or Lake) there is a strong island identity and sense of community, which increasingly unifies the Mi'kmaq population of the island.

The island has consistently lost industrial investment and jobs in the past ten years. However, the closing of the coal and steel industry coupled with the presence of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, which buffers the pristine northern half of the island from its more commercialized southern half, have no doubt contributed to the island's very positive ratings for ecological stewardship and spectacular scenery. An excellent reference site for the incredibly beautiful northern tip of Cape Breton can be found at the "Top of the Island" site.

By car
The most common way to get into Cape Breton is by car via the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 104) at the Canso Causeway from mainland Nova Scotia. Cape Breton is approximately 12½ driving hours from Boston, 14 from Hartford and 16 from New York City.

By bus
Maritime Bus runs between Truro and Sydney with onward connections to much of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

Shuttle service is provided between Halifax and Sydney and environs by several companies who travel at various times throughout the day. Excellent value.

By plane
Cape Breton Island is served by Sydney Airport.

Get around
Cape Breton is most accessible by car. The main roads are the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 105) and Highways 104 and 4, which connect Sydney on the east coast with the causeway to the mainland on the west. Highway 125 forms a ring freeway around Sydney, connecting Highways 105, 4, 22 and 28. You can rent a car in Sydney if necessary. Like any place, you see more if you get off the main road, and the Nova Scotia government has been helpful in this regard by creating a number of scenic drives. These include the:

 * Cabot Trail - mountainous, windy and sometimes foggy, this drive alternates between hugging the ocean and crossing the rugged Cape Breton Highlands. Considered one of the top drives in North America, it should be considered more a destination than a drive for the variety of activities available around this 400-km (190-mile) loop.
 * Fleur-de-Lis Trail - covers the southern French-influenced part of the island.
 * Ceilidh Trail - covers the western part the island with its strong Scottish influence.
 * Bras d'Or Lake Scenic Drive - follows the shoreline of Bras d'Or Lake.

Road maps and additional information on the island is readily available at any tourism information centre (located at entry points and any major towns and cities) and a number of private operators offer trip planning services.

A more adventurous option to get around the island is to cycle. The roads tend to be narrow and windy, so prior experience is recommended. Bike rental and trip planning are available through Sea Spray Outdoor Adventures.

Hiking trails abound in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, and the above-mentioned Sea Spray Outdoor Adventures offers guided hikes to little-known remote areas north of the national park.

Regardless of your mode of travel, watch out for moose on the roads.

There are many small cable ferries between the islands. They usually go every few minutes and charge $5.

Salty Bear Adventure Travel - an excellent alternative to renting a car, Salty Bear offers budget adventure tours around the Cabot Trail. Run by passionate travellers who aim to provide a true Cape Breton experience, their trips include roundtrip transportation, accommodation, guide with full commentary, guided hikes, National & Provincial Park access, ferry passes, wildlife encounters, barbecues, bonfires. Discounted optional activities of kayaking, sailing, and whale watching.

See

Cape Breton is noted for its unique and vibrant traditional Scottish violin music incubated by its relative isolation over the years- so much so that music lovers from Scotland come here for a taste of their own past. Typically a duo of violin and piano play hearty dance music that can be seen at community halls throughout the island. The early-evening tourist-targeted concerts are well advertised; later at night you can find ones that draw the entire local community. Some of the most important musical centres are Judique, Margaree Valley and Chéticamp.

The island ranked second in the world in a National Geographic study of ecotourism conducted in 2002 and 2003.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The Cabot Trail runs through the national park. There are many short hiking trails starting along the Cabot Trail.

Scenery is a major reason to visit Cape Breton. Plan to stop along the many spectacular lookoffs on the Cabot Trail - this will lengthen your travel time between destinations. Since the Cabot Trail is more a destination than a drive, visitors seeking to truly experience this environmental masterpiece should plan on staying a minimum of two days in the villages around the Trail. A number of private operators offer trip planning services to assist visitors in taking advantage of the best attractions both on and off the Trail, some offering all-inclusive multi-day packages.

The Fortress of Louisbourg is a reconstruction of the 18th-century fortified French town whose presence plagued the British colonies of New England. Its busy harbour was once one of France's most significant economic and military assets in North America. If you enjoy the colonial restoration at Williamsburg in the United States, don't miss Louisbourg. The Bras D'Or is a brackish lake with unique ecological characteristics, and some islands in that lake are sacred to the Mi'kmaq.

Bay St. Lawrence and Meat Cove are two scenic fishing villages featuring whale tours, fresh seafood and unique accommodations along the rugged cliffs north of the Cabot Trail. Turn north at Cape North.

Joe's Scarecrows at Cheticamp on the Cabot Trail. Scary gallery of scarecrows with Halloween masks. Entrance is free, but they ask for a small donation.

Les Trois Pignons in Cheticamp is a museum of Acadian culture based on collection of antiques.

The Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in Baddeck has exhibits, photos and videos relating to the life and work of the inventor of the telephone.

The Cape Breton Miners Museum in Glace Bay has an underground mine tour, and a mining history museum with modern exhibits. Stroll through a historic village. "Men of the Deeps" miners' choir offers performances (several times per season.

Do
There are eight golf courses scattered about the island that will challenge even the most discriminating among you. The views planes alone are worth the walk: coastal links, highland links, and several of the Bras d'Or Lakes.

The east side of the island have some of finest beaches in the world but without the crowds. Hiking or lounging are the favourite activities as the water is never very warm. You'll see sea birds, shore birds, seals and surf with nothing between you and Africa but water.

The Celtic Colours Festival spans hundreds of events across dozens of towns in early-to-mid-October. The music options at Celtic Colours are not solely Celtic but include folk and some Acadian Zydeco (Acadeco) and jazz, and world music.

Take a whale watching tour: there are boat tours along the coast from Cheticamp north and around to Englishtown. Sighting of whales is almost guaranteed, especially at the northern tip of the island. Tours takes two hours or more, and the scenery alone is worth the price. Oshan Whale Cruises and Captain Cox's Whale Tour operate at the northern tip of the island.

Many people think that biking the Cabot Trail is the best way to see it. Featured in an issue of Bicycling magazine, as "North America's Best Ride". Pedal and Sea Adventures can arrange a tour.

There is lots of self-guided hiking in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

Eagle North and Sea Spray both offer guided kayak tours, in the large tranquil harbours at the top of the island and in the whale-rich Atlantic.

The Top of the Island, north and northeast of Cape Breton Highlands National Park, is the most spectacularly scenic region of Cape Breton. It offers a combination of historic, cultural and environmental activities, featuring whale watching, guided hiking, cycling, and paddling tours, museums, artists' studios and galleries and seven miles of the most significant beaches north of the Carolinas. The region is home to Cabot's Landing Provincial Park, the site of John Cabot's landing in 1497.

Buy
Many of the smaller communities have only a general store that sells a very limited selection of groceries and sundries, often also operating as a local post office. Better to stop in a bigger centre like Baddeck or Cheticamp for groceries, although the Top of the Island area has two Co-op grocery stores (somewhat smaller than the Co-ops in Baddeck and Cheticamp) and a couple of independents that, taken together, do a reasonable job.

The Wreck Cove General Store (pictured) is open year-round and sells things a traveller might need, from fuel to weather-appropriate clothing to snacks. Their "World Famous Lobster Sandwich" is highly recommended and can be bought during the summer season. Located on the Cabot Trail between Baddeck and Ingonish.

Leather, glass, woodworking, iron art, photography, pottery, pewter and sewing are all found, made by skilled artists, within an hour's drive north of Baddeck.
 * St. Ann's Artisans St. Ann's, an area to the south of Ingonish along the Cabot Trail, has a large concentration of artisans who work and sell out of their shops.
 * St. Ann's Artisans St. Ann's, an area to the south of Ingonish along the Cabot Trail, has a large concentration of artisans who work and sell out of their shops.
 * St. Ann's Artisans St. Ann's, an area to the south of Ingonish along the Cabot Trail, has a large concentration of artisans who work and sell out of their shops.

Smelt Brook Pottery Studio at the Top of the Island in Smelt Brook features two production potters. The studio is open to the public and is a popular rainy-day stop for family learning experiences.

Eat

Seafood, especially lobster, is the thing to eat on Cape Breton. The Aspy Bay oysters are also good. As mentioned in the "Buy" section, if you plan to save money by getting groceries, do so at larger centres such as Chéticamp and Baddeck. Small convenience stores tend to be more sparsely stocked than convenience stores you would find in cities.

Try out pizza burgers. Like a regular burger with bun, but replace the meat patty with pepperoni, mozzarella cheese and tomato paste sauce. You can buy them in convenience stores and gas stations. They come refrigerated. To consume them, poke a hole in the packaging and put it in microwave for 30 seconds. Let it rest for a minute before consumption.

Sleep

A good number of bed & breakfasts and hostels are dotted throughout the island. A few examples follow:

 * Wreck Cove Wilderness Cabins Open year round, these cosy cabins are tucked into the forests of the Cabot Trail. Only a few hundred metres from the wild Atlantic cliffs, a perfect getaway. Located between the two top golf courses "Baddeck Bay" and "Highland Links" in Ingonish.
 * Two Tittle Inn B&B, White Point
 * Oakwood Manor B&B, Cape North
 * Seymour Harbour B&B, Neils Harbour

Stay safe
In Cape Breton Highlands National Park, there are bears and coyotes that could be dangerous. Instructions are given on signs at the entrance of hiking trails, teaching how to proceed when encountering these species that may feel threatened by you. Respect those instructions for your own good.

Crime is almost non-existent and the weather can be a factor of danger especially in the winter due to its tendency of quickly changing.

Go next
If you want to do a bit of island-hopping Atlantic Canada-style, you can take one of two ferries from North Sydney to Newfoundland. The ferry to Port aux Basques on Newfoundland's south-west coast is the shorter of two and runs daily throughout the year. The ferry to Argentia is much longer (about 14 hours) and only runs in the summer, three times a week. Ferry services are provided by Marine Atlantic.

title: Cape Breton Island


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Cape Brett

Cape Brett is an isolated promontory in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, that can be reached by boat or by hiking the 16.3-km Cape Brett Track. It features a lighthouse that was built in 1909, and accommodation is in what was a lighthouse keeper's cottage. The cape is 26 km north-west of Russell.

Get in
Booking a tour to the "Hole in the Rock" from either Paihia or Russell will give you a glimpse of Cape Brett, but these tours generally do not land at the cape.

By boat
Water taxis can drop you off either at Cape Brett (only possible in calm sea conditions) or at Deep Water Cove. It is a 2.5-hour hike to reach Cape Brett from Deep Water Cove.

By foot
A more strenuous (yet very rewarding) way to reach Cape Brett is via the Cape Brett Track, which starts from Oke Bay, Rawhiti, 29 km from Russell. From there it is 16.3 km (8 hours) to reach the light house and Cape Brett Hut. Walking this track requires a high level of fitness and experience. It is well worth the effort though as the track passes through native and regenerating bush and you'll see some spectacular views along the way.

Fees and permits
Track and hut fees can be paid through the Department of Conservation's online booking system or at the Paihia i-SITE.

Track fees

The Oke Bay to Deep Water Cove section of the track is private land so if you start the hike from Oke Bay you will need to pay the $30 track maintenance fee ($15 for children 15 years or younger). This fee includes the return journey the next day.

The track maintenance fee is $10 ($5 for children) for walking any part of this section as a day trip (so not staying overnight in the hut).

The Deep Water Cove to Cape Brett section of the track is managed by the Department of Conservation and no fee is charged.

Hut fees

$15 per night for adults, $7.50 children under 15.

Do

 * Hiking the track is the main activity
 * Snorkelling
 * Fishing

Eat and drink
No supplies are available along the track or at the hut. Take all your food for the hike, the overnight stay and the hike back. Take plenty of water, as there is none available along the track. There are watertanks at the Cape Brett hut, but this water is not treated, so make sure to boil the water or use some other water treatment before drinking it.

Sleep

Camping is not allowed because of fire risk.

Stay safe

 * Check the weather forecast before heading out.
 * Stay on the track at all times.
 * Some sections of the track pass by very steep cliffs. Take care in windy conditions.
 * Fires are not permitted.
 * Secure carparking is available in a couple of places in Rawhiti.

Go next
Make sure you take out all your rubbish (including food scraps).

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Cape Brett


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Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral is a city in Brevard County, Florida, most famous for being the home of America's spaceport, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS).

Understand
Cape Canaveral is part of a region known as the "Space Coast", since all of the manned United States spacecraft are launched from the Space Coast. The city sits at the northern end of a barrier island on the Atlantic coast of Florida, south of the geographical cape. Falcon 9 (pictured above), the first rocket to land its first stage, takes off from the Kennedy Space Center. The visitors' complex of the space center is found across a waterway, to the west.

The northern part of the city, known as Port Canaveral, is one of the U.S.' main ports for cruise ships.

By plane

 * Melbourne Orlando International Airport in Melbourne is the nearest large airport at  south via I-95 or US Hwy 1 (30 min drive).
 * Larger airports are Orlando International Airport  west on via FL-528; and Daytona Beach International  ( north) which are 45 min to 1 1/2 hr drive.

By train
The nearest Amtrak station is in Orlando, 50 miles west. There are no Amtrak Thruway connections from Cape Canaveral.

By car
Cape Canaveral is at the eastern end of Florida State Route 528 from Orlando. Interstate 95, a primary north-south route on the Atlantic Coast, intersects FL-528 near Cape Canaveral.
 * Florida 528.svg Florida A1A.svg Martin Andersen Beachline Expressway connects Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Village to its junction with I-4, south of Orlando, near Walt Disney World, at west, via Orlando International Airport. Locally FL-528 ends at its intersection with US Hwy 1 in Cocoa Village. From its intersection with US 1, the road continues across the causeway as FL-A1A, into Port Canaveral/Cape Canaveral as Astronaut Blvd (FL-A1A) where it curves south through Cape Canaveral and into Cocoa Beach as Atlantic Ave (FL-A1A) (the main thoroughfare). It crosses over I-95 at exit 205.

By bus

 * Space Coast Area Transit is the local Brevard County bus service. It is a cheap way to get around and is wheelchair accessible. The website provides maps and timetables. Buses travel to most sites and places of interest. $1.50 per ride, or $42 for a monthly pass.
 * Bus route 9 serves as the main bus route through Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach between King George Blvd & N Atlantic Ave in Cape Canaveral (to the north), to SR-A1A & S 13th in the south of town, via Shephard Park at Ocean Beach Blvd (SR-520) as the main begin/end point of the route.

By car
The city, as a barrier island, is fairly compact and can be crossed in a few minutes by car. The main road in the area is the main causeway, which turns south to follow the barrier island toward Cocoa Beach. Ridgewood Avenue follows the majority of the beach.

Do
NASA keeps a list of Brevard County parks where rocket launches can be viewed. The best places off-site are to the south from Jetty Park near Port Canaveral, or across Indian River in Titusville.

Evening and extended cruises are offered from Port Canaveral. These are especially popular for their casino facilities which are not available on land.

Go next

 * Cocoa Beach is the next town serving as the southern extension of Cape Canaveral along Atlantic Ave (FL-A1A), south of Barlow (5800 block).
 * Kennedy Space Center is the primary space center in the United States, home to the launch of several notable rockets, including Apollo 11 (the first one that went to the moon). The precinct contains several exhibitions, and there are regular tours.
 * Space - The launch facility is a gateway to low Earth orbit and beyond, although extremely expensive.
 * Disney World is 1½ hours by car due west in Lake Buena Vista south of Orlando

title: Cape Canaveral


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Cape Carteret

Cape Carteret is a town of 1,214 people (as of 2000) in the Crystal Coast region of North Carolina. Like Newport, it's mainly a residential community, even though it's right on the water and boasts some very nice views of the sound. Basically, you're not likely to stay here or to eat here, or really even to do very much here, but there's a good chance you might be passing through.

Get in
Cape Carteret is at the junction of NC-58, which runs from Maysville across Bogue Banks to Morehead City, and NC-24, which runs between Fayetteville and Morehead City. It's also a short drive from US-70, the main road in the region, and US-17, which connects Wilmington to New Bern.

Get around
As with the rest of the area, you should really have a car if you want to get anywhere.

See

 * The local tourism office (+1 252-393-3100) is on Highway 58 by the Cameron Langston bridge to Emerald Isle.

Do

 * There are a couple of golf courses in the area:
 * There are a couple of golf courses in the area:
 * There are a couple of golf courses in the area:

Eat
There really aren't many restaurants in Cape Carteret; people tend to flock to the surrounding communities when they want to find a good meal. There are a few around, however, if you really don't want to go far.

Sleep
There's a lot of accommodation around Cape Carteret, but not too much in the town itself. If you want a more inexpensive place to stay in the area, there are some nice waterfront campgrounds near Cape Carteret listed on the Newport page.

Go next
The Crystal Coast area has a variety of other areas to visit:

 * Atlantic Beach
 * Emerald Isle
 * Morehead City
 * Beaufort
 * Swansboro
 * Harkers Island

Further afield, there are some interesting destinations for daytrips:
 * Havelock, about 40 minutes north on US-70.
 * New Bern, about 1 hour north on NC-58.
 * Jacksonville, about 30 minutes west on US-24.
 * Bath, about 2 hours north.
 * Ocracoke Island, about 3.5 hours east.

title: Cape Carteret


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Cape Charles

Cape Charles is a town in Eastern Virginia, at the southern tip of the Delmarva peninsula. It used to be the terminus of the eastern shore railway and still has an operating rail-to-barge ferry terminal with freight service to Norfolk. It has the feel of a time gone by.

Get in
One way to get in to Cape Charles is to arrive by boat. There approach to the harbor is simple, just head north from the outer marks.

Most visitors arrive by car. Cape Charles is one mile west of US Highway 13, the main north-south road on the Delmarva Peninsula, along Virginia State Route 184.

Get around
This small town is perfect for a walk-around. You can get anywhere you want in about 10 minutes. Getting lost will not be a problem.

See

 * Railroad operations are visible occasionally, if you get to see them load rail cars on a barge, it is quite a sight.
 * A concrete plant is still in operation making preformed items. This plant created all the concrete structures of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge/Tunnel (nearby).

Do
Mainly you will want absorb the feel of the charming town from yesteryear and meet a few of the local people.

Eat

 * Rayfield's Pharmacy, also on the main road, has a nice counter for lunch and breakfast. There is always someone interesting to talk with there.

title: Cape Charles


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Cape Coast

Cape Coast is a city in the Coastal Plain region of Ghana. Its a 2 hour 15 minutes (144.2km) drive from the capital city, Accra.

Get in
From Accra the easiest and most reliable means of transport to Cape Coast is to charter a 4-wheel drive, a mini van, or a smaller car that suits the number of people involved in the trip. Arrange this with Moses specialist tourism personal in Ghana. Be warned that there is only one road from Accra, it is not in great condition, and is often very congested with traffic.

STC buses pull into the Goil Petrol Station (Pedu Junction), about 5km from the town centre. Buses from and to Accra (C5. 3hrs) and Takoradi (C3, 1hr) go twice a day. There is a daily bus to and from Kumasi (C5, 4hrs).

Get around
Taxi is the best way and is very cheap by western standards. Especially shared taxis are very common in Cape Coast.

You can charter a vehicle in Accra with a driver who will take you to where you want to go.

See

 * The Oguaa Fetu Afahye harvest festival
 * The Oguaa Fetu Afahye harvest festival
 * The Oguaa Fetu Afahye harvest festival
 * The Oguaa Fetu Afahye harvest festival
 * The Oguaa Fetu Afahye harvest festival

Do
Hang out on the beautiful beach under the Palm trees and watch the locals pulling in fishing nets and traditional boats.

Take a Global Mamas workshop on batiking, Ghanaian cooking, fishing, and/or dancing. globalmamas.org

If there is a game when you're there, go see the Cape Coast Dwarfs play a soccer match in the stadium. Entrance fee is C3 and it's worth it! The level of play on the pitch may not meet European standards, but the enthusiasm of the fans surpasses those standards easily. Practically all spectators sing along in support of their team, encouraged by drums and other musical instruments. Do yourself a favour though: don't bring any valuables. There is always a risk of pick pocketing in large crowds and you will be feeling uncomfortable with a camera around your neck or your wallet showing through the bulge in your pocket. Do bring some petty cash though, as you probably will want to by some water after a while sitting in the burning sun. Also, little baggies with peanuts and other snacks are being sold by women (and some children...) walking up and down the stands. It can be great fun, although you could be intimidated by a hint of aggression that hangs in the air, but not like hardliners among the fans of some European or South American teams. Intriguing fact though: In the end of the match, the referee is escorted off the field.

Buy
Commercial Road has many great booths for small gifts-- one in particular has beautiful jewellery and beads. This, along with other stands along the road, offers better prices than the tourist stores in the Castle, and supports local economy.

Eat
The main street has many good eateries.

Cape Cafe on Commercial Road has great cheap food. With a friendly atmosphere, quick service, full bar, and a menu of both Western and Ghanaian food, it is a favorite of both tourists and locals.

Walk in the alley way next to the right of Malcom. Then make your first right into the smaller alley. Then your first left past the fruit stand. And you will find a hidden local market. In here you'll find the best fou fou lady in town.

Drink
Excellent Outdoor Bar with traditional dancing and fire eating up the hill along the beach. Traditional drinks such palm wine and 'pitoo' are normally found there.

Sleep
Hostels/Guest Houses towards the beach are good quality and some have lovely roof bars also.

Go next
Nearby Elmina hosts the oldest European slave fort in Africa.

Tro-Tro's can be caught in front of the GOIL station (just West of Pedu Junction) along the main Accra-Takoradi Road. Intercity STC buses can also be caught from the same GOIL station. The ticket office is on the second floor of the building just next to GOIL to the left. There are several departures to Accra and other locations daily. Intercity STC

title: Cape Coast


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Cape Cod

Cape Cod is an arm-shaped peninsula on the easternmost portion of Massachusetts. It is a well-traveled tourist and vacation area, featuring miles and miles of beaches, natural attractions, historic sites, art galleries and many four-star restaurants. The area is also very popular amongst antique enthusiasts and people who enjoy bed and breakfasts. Many opportunities exist here for golf, fishing and other outdoor activities. The town of Provincetown, at the very tip of the peninsula, is the site of the first landing of the Pilgrims.

Regions
Cape Cod can be further sub-divided into the following regions:

Cities
Cape Cod and The Islands are made up of a diverse array of cities, towns and villages.

Upper Cape
The towns closest to the mainland offer everything from great antiquing to dining out at some of Cape Cod's finest traditional restaurants.

 * — Features the Cape Cod Canal.
 * — Many, many antique shops and much else.
 * — A harbor town with great beaches and great fishing.
 * — A very maritime-influenced village, home to a marine science research center, tons of shopping and dining options, and ferry connections to Martha's Vineyard.
 * ‐ Home to the Mashpee Commons, an upscale outdoor mall.

Mid Cape
The commercial center of the Cape is at the "bicep" of the peninsula.
 * — The commercial and transportation center includes seven villages, each with its own unique and significant cultural and historical qualities. Barnstable was the first place to be settled on Cape Cod; in 1639. Several Crocker family houses and farms from that period still exist today.
 * — on the north side and has a working harbor and several small beaches. The West Barnstable Train Station is the only operating train station left on the Cape.
 * — on the south side, is mostly residential and has beautiful beaches.
 * — a village on a peninsula on the south side with several small beaches.
 * — the town's commercial district including town offices and several shopping malls. Hyannis has a fine harbor and is also a fishing village. The harbor provides ferry access to the islands. The regional airport and bus terminal are also here.
 * — on the south side, is residential, with a charming town center and a coast that includes inlets and harbors for boating and fishing.

 * —
 * —

Lower Cape
These towns near the elbow of the peninsula are filled with history and ocean scenery. You'll find them great for family-oriented activities such as beaches, museums, waterfront activities, fishing and boating.

 * —
 * — historical home of many sea captains.
 * — A unique setting with harbors, barrier islands, seals, and a walkable center.
 * — A charming town of shops and beautiful scenery.

Outer Cape
You'll find the Outer Cape at the end of the peninsula. This scenic area comprises much of the Cape Cod National Seashore, and is home to some of the most popular beaches in the United States, such as Coast Guard Beach and Nauset Light Beach in Eastham.

 * — home to beautiful ocean beaches, kettle ponds, and lighthouses.
 * — A beautiful harbor town with diverse and protected Cape habitats.
 * — Dramatic cliff dunes and Cape Cod Light.
 * — a "must-see" destination for its art scene, shopping and beautiful beaches.

The Islands
Once made wealthy by whaling and other maritime trades, the Islands remain upscale destinations today. Folks will pay a pretty penny to experience their undeniable charm and natural beauty. By combining this island idyll with a chance for celebrity spotting, many visitors feel as though a potent spell has been cast upon them. The only way to break witchery? Why to return again and again, of course.
 * — A tiny island town (population of under 100). Very off the beaten path, but great for truly getting away from it all.
 * — very popular tourist destination
 * — very popular tourist destination

Other destinations

 * — These 40 miles of Atlantic coastline are some of the most beautiful in the country.

Understand
Cape Cod is truly a unique place. Even the weather seems to have a distinct feel. In the summer, cool mornings of mists tasting of salt turn into warm beach days. The cape extends from the main eastern coast of the United States, where temperatures tend to be warmer compared to other New England regions. This is because it lies closer to the Gulf Stream, a warm ocean current flowing from the Gulf of Mexico to the Maritime Provinces of Canada. The warmer temperatures provide a longer season for tourist activities like golf and fresh water fishing. On the other hand, coastal storms can be brutal, battering the exposed peninsula with high winds, thundering ocean waves and, in winter, two or three feet of snow in a Nor'easter. That is how Cape Cod was, and is, shaped.

Similarly, Cape Cod's people have been shaped by waves of population growth. English colonists, Portuguese fishermen, beatniks and artists and retirees have each constituted a wave that broke over the Cape's population and made it stronger and more diverse. Every year the strongest wave of all washes over Cape Cod for three months and then ebbs out again: tourists. The wave brings nearly a tripling of the population. Seasonal businesses open and fill starting in April. Year round haunts slowly come alive. On July 4 weekend the Cape Cod party is in full swing until Labor Day. Then the tide washes out slowly as the cool air arrives. The locals breathe a sigh of relief. Beautiful Cape Cod is theirs again. Mostly.

If you don't need to swim or lie on the beach, the shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall are an excellent time to visit. Both times have their unique charms, lower prices and considerably more peace. The commercial, busy Cape Cod gives way to its simple, relaxed and charming self. If you demand no more than peace, solitude, and quiet (say to paint or write), even a winter on Cape Cod could be just what you need.

Get in
While there are a bevy of transit choices available to the arriving traveller, only one option is likely to make sense for you and your plans. Driving is of course the most popular, but the freedom it provides is balanced out by the specter of snarling traffic. It's possible to avoid the worst jams by driving off-peak hours. If you're headed to the islands, cars aren't ruled out entirely, but there will certainly be a pricy ferry or plane ride in your future. Finally, there are great public transit connections to both Provincetown and Hyannis. You won't be able to explore much further afield, but either spot makes a fantastic weekend getaway.

By car
Since the Cape Cod Canal severs this region from the mainland, visitors arriving by car must cross one of two bridges to alight upon the Cape. Think carefully about the time of day you cross! From Boston take I-93 south to Route 3 south to the Sagamore Bridge. From Providence you can reach the Bourne Bridge by taking I-95 north to I-195 east to Route 25 south. Traffic is heavy in the summer, heavier on weekends, and heaviest on national holidays. During the busy summer season try to get over the bridges before 9AM or after 7PM. Traffic conditions are constantly changing, so use your favorite smartphone app for up to the minute alerts.

By boat
The majority of services here are ships plying their trades between Boston and Provincetown. These run constantly in summer, dropping in frequency during shoulder seasons. However, there are other options if you do a little planning. None of these ferries can accommodate cars, please see the listings under Get around below. All ferries will be tourist class, and will see you travelling in comfort and style. Each ship is Coast Guard approved, natch. But more importantly, they all have bathrooms, serve alcohol, and have some kind of food available. As these options are for tourists, remember that these ferries only run from around Memorial Day to around Labor Day. Check each company for their specific start and stop dates. The only exception here being the Cuttyhunk ferry. It's the only way on or off the island, so it runs all year long to provide access for residents.

By bus
Two bus companies serve all Cape Cod destinations. Schedules change depending on the exact day and time, but you can generally expect to find at least one departure per hour. Almost all destinations are found closer to the mainland along the Upper and Mid Cape. Convenient if you're trying to catch a ferry, less great if you're interested in seeing the Cape Cod National Seashore. Infrequent busses stopping there on their way to Provincetown do exist, but you should really consider taking a ferry instead. The views are amazing and you'll avoid traffic delays to boot.

By plane
Cape Air is the only real player in the region, although JetBlue now flies many of the same routes. Places like Hyannis and Provincetown  offer a few connections to Boston and New York. While island airports Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard  serve large amounts of revelers arriving during the warmer months. They offer more connections than you might expect. If you're finding the prices on these direct flights a little rich for your taste, look up fares into Boston Logan and continue on from there. If you're really desperate, look up T.F. Green Airport in Providence. There are deals to fly here every once in a blue moon.

By train
Your one option here is the CapeFLYER, a partnership between the MBTA and Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority. Hop aboard and avoid the traffic! These commuter rail trains only run Memorial Day through Labor Day. One trip is made on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between Boston's South Station and Hyannis; making stops in Braintree, Brockton, Middleborough/Lakeville, Wareham Village and Buzzards Bay. No reservations necessary, and bikes ride free.

By car
There are three main East-West routes around Cape Cod. Route 6, sometimes referred to as the Mid-Cape Highway roughly bisects the entire peninsula. Route 6 is a four-lane limited-access highway west of Dennis, drops down to two lanes from Harwich to Orleans, and is a two lane surface road from Eastham to Provincetown. Route 6A, is a scenic road along the Cape Cod Bay (north) shore. Loaded with antique and artisan shops. And finally Route 28, a busy mostly two-lane road through the southern part of Cape Cod.

The main routes are linked by several busy North-South roads. The Canal Access Road connects the Sagamore Bridge Plaza at Exit 1 and the Bourne Bridge Rotary. This is the most direct route to Falmouth and Woods Hole from Sandwich and the Upper Cape. MA Route 130 (Forestdale Road), connects Exit 2 in Sandwich to Route 28 in Mashpee. MA Route 132 (Iyannough Road) is a major thoroughfare running from Exit 6 to the Central Business District in Downtown Hyannis. This route is four lanes and divided for a good portion. Willow Street connects Exit 7 in Yarmouth with the CBD in Hyannis. This is an easier way to reach Hyannis if you're coming from the lower Cape. Station Avenue connects Exit 8 in South Yarmouth with the Bass River and Smuggler's Beach business areas in Yarmouth and Dennis. MA Route 137 in Harwich (Exit 11) is the easiest way to reach Chatham from the Mid-Cape.

On the islands, cars aren't really that necessary. Distances are short, and you've got options. If walking and biking aren't your thing, car rentals and ride shares are available on Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.

By boat
As long as you're not bringing a car, taking the boat can be surprisingly affordable! A variety of ferries to Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket have evolved to serve their specific customer niches. There's a lot of options, but if you're bound for Martha's Vineyard, the Steamship Authority is the only ferry that operates year round. It's also the only way to get cars to and from the island. For Nantucket, both Hyline Cruises and Steamship Authority run all year. Hyline also operates the only inter island ferry. During the high season, the Island Queen is another popular choice.

By bus
Over the past few years, the local bus service offered by the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority has changed focus significantly - expanding from a primarily tourist oriented seasonal system into a year round service that for visitors and residents alike. Places of interest to tourists such as accommodations, beaches, main streets and shopping are well served. One major advantage of these improvements is that it's now possible to get to any town on Cape Cod by bus - including some of the more off the beaten track locations.

CCRTA's network consists of seven major, year-round lines: The Sealine, The Villager, H2O West, H2O East, The Flex, The Sandwich Line, and The Bourne Run. The Flex allows riders to board or disembark up to a 3/4 mile "off-route" for double the usual fare. Call +1-800-352-7155 two hours in advance to schedule an off route pickup.

CCRTA also has three "trolley" routes that run Memorial Day to Labor Day. The HAT (Hyannis Area Trolley) is a free service connecting Main Street, the ferry docks, Veterans Park Beach, the West End and Melody Tent. Although less convenient, the trolley is much more affordable than parking at the beaches. The WOOSH Trolley operates in Woods Hole, connecting the Steamship Authority docks to downtown Falmouth. The Shuttle is the local route in Provincetown, primarily serving the beaches and Commercial Street.

During the summer, service is every hour on the main routes, and every half hour on the trolleys from 5AM-9PM or later, seven days a week. In the off-season, trolleys do not run, although the Sealine, Villager, H2O and Flex offer hourly runs from 5AM-6PM with less frequent service on the Bourne Run and Sandwich Line. There is no Sunday service.

All routes have a flat fare of $2 per trip except when disembarking or boarding off-route on The Flex, when it is $4; and the HAT, which is free. Fares can be paid with cash or an MBTA Charlie Card with a "pay as you go balance" (MBTA unlimited ride cards cannot be used on CCRTA). Daily ($6) and monthly ($60) passes are also available - daily passes can be purchased on board, monthly passes are only available from the CCRTA sales office at the Hyannis Transportation Center. There are no free transfers (except between the two halves of the H2O) - purchasing a day pass makes sense if you need to take more than one bus to get to your destination. Seniors (65+) and those with disabilities get half off with proof of age, a medicare card or a Commonwealth of Massachusetts Transit Access Pass.

By bicycle
Cape Cod and the Islands are a fantastic place to "spin your wheels"! There's always another lovely ocean view or charming village just around the corner. Everything is pretty flat out this way, and cars don't have quite the same cache here as in the rest of America. The Cape Cod Rail Trail is a paved bikeway that runs about 25 miles between Yarmouth and Wellfleet. It connects up with the Old Colony Rail Trail, leading you into Chatham. As another option, the Shining Sea bikeway begins in Woods Hole at the end of Railroad Ave. It's a great connector from here to downtown Falmouth, running about 4 miles mostly along the ocean.

Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket are also particularly easy to navigate on two wheels. Most roads on the Vineyard are accompanied by a bike path, and you'll find competing bike rental shops wherever ferries dock. Nantucket is even easier to cycle around, with two-way paved bike paths leading out to Madaket, Surfside, Cliff road, and Sconset. Most bike rentals are available at the Steamship Authority ferry dock. Convenient yes, but your first few minutes will be a pain until you clear the cobbles!

By plane
You'll certainly be on some equipment bearing a Cape Air or JetBlue logo. Provincetown has seasonal availability, but you should be able to fly between Barnstable, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket year round.

See
As a major tourist destination, most every Cape Cod town has many sites of interest which are within the town pages. Some of the attractions of a regional nature are:
 * The Bass River is the longest all salt water river on the East Coast and nearly bisects Cape Cod. This Yarmouth and Dennis landmark is beautiful in its own right and has great spots for boating, kayaking, fishing and watersports.
 * Cape Cod National Seashore. These 43,608 acres (176.5 km²) includes six excellent swimming beaches, pristine dunes, bike paths, dramatic cliffs, crystal clear freshwater "kettle ponds" and eleven self-guided nature trails. The National Park Service maintains several overlooks and ranger stations. Rangers conduct educational programs for all ages.
 * Cape Cod Central Railroad offers a 2½-hour scenic tour from Hyannis to the Cape Cod Canal, as well as evening dinner trains and family brunch trains on the weekends. Kids under 12 ride free on the 2:30PM narrated train. Scenic daily trips only operate during the summer and fall, but holiday trips for Thanksgiving and Christmas are available in the winter.
 * Cape Cod Melody Tent in Barnstable.
 * Cape Cod Museum of Art, Dennis, specializing in Cape Cod artistry.
 * Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, Brewster.
 * If you've got an ornithologist in your party, consider looking into offerings from the Massachusetts Audubon Society. They offer all-day cruises to Cuttyhunk and Penikese Islands every Sunday for six weeks, starting in September. These islands are owned by the state and today serve as bird sanctuaries.
 * Visit Monomoy Island, a national wildlife refuge just off the coast of Chatham. It's actually two islands, and you do need a special permit to visit. Lucky for you, there's one operator licensed to make the trip; all you'll need to do is supply up to 12 warm bodies. Hiking, fishing, birding, and enjoying the beauty of some of Cape Cod's most secluded and untouched beaches are all possible here.
 * If you've got an ornithologist in your party, consider looking into offerings from the Massachusetts Audubon Society. They offer all-day cruises to Cuttyhunk and Penikese Islands every Sunday for six weeks, starting in September. These islands are owned by the state and today serve as bird sanctuaries.
 * Visit Monomoy Island, a national wildlife refuge just off the coast of Chatham. It's actually two islands, and you do need a special permit to visit. Lucky for you, there's one operator licensed to make the trip; all you'll need to do is supply up to 12 warm bodies. Hiking, fishing, birding, and enjoying the beauty of some of Cape Cod's most secluded and untouched beaches are all possible here.

Cape Cod lighthouses

 * Nobska Light, Woods Hole
 * Sandy Neck Light, Barnstable
 * Lewis Bay Light, Hyannis Harbor
 * Hardings & Chatham Light, Chatham
 * Nauset Light, Eastham
 * Cape Cod Light, Truro
 * Race Point, Wood End Light & Long Point Light, Provincetown

Do

 * Visit the many art galleries
 * Beaches Explore the beautiful beaches of Cape Cod.
 * Bicycling
 * Cape Cod Canal Bikeway a paved bike trail on both sides of the canal. It is maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers.
 * Cape Cod Rail Trail in Dennis, Brewster, and Wellfleet
 * Shining Sea Bikeway in Falmouth
 * Extensive bike paths on Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket
 * Nickerson State Park in Brewster
 * Provincetown Bike Trail in Provincetown

 * Boating and Water Sports - Parasail in Falmouth, Yarmouth, and Provincetown.
 * Camping - many towns.
 * Critter Cruises - Provincetown.
 * Fishing, both freshwater and saltwater.
 * Geocaching is a popular activity locally with many caches available.
 * Play with your Cape Cod friends: At municipal courses, residents of that town usually get a break on greens fees, and in many cases if a resident books a tee-time for their foursome, everybody in the group gets the lower rate. Additionally, if your friend happens to be member of a fully private (i.e. not open to the public) country club such as Oyster Harbors, they can bring you as their guest for free.
 * Play mid-week: Fees are usually $10-20 lower Monday-Thursday, it's also easier to get a good tee-time.
 * Play in the afternoon: If you're willing to tee-off after 1PM (instead of the more typical 7AM), rates drop about 25%. Some courses discount greens fees even further after 3PM or later.
 * Play Par 3: Often overlooked are the Cape's several Par 3 (sometimes called a "Short Course" or "Pitch and Putt"). These courses are maintained to the same high standards of their Par 72 counterparts with many of the same amenities and beautiful scenery. Additionally, they are also quite challenging (your short game will really be put to the test!) Fees at Par 3 courses tend to be much lower, and playing in the afternoon can be ridiculously cheap. Holly Ridge Golf Club in Sandwich was featured as a "Best Place to Play" by Golf Digest and is also home to an excellent free summer clinic series.
 * Play nine holes: Many courses will let you play the back nine in the early morning (when most foursomes are just starting on the first tee) at a substantial discount.
 * Skip the cart: Almost every golfer on the Cape uses a cart, but usually there's nothing saying that you have to. If you're physically able to walk the course, it's great exercise and will save you $20 or more per golfer. A handful of courses do require carts at certain times (e.g. summer weekends) - check with the pro shop when you book your tee-time.
 * Play in the offseason: Some (typically municipal) courses on the Cape are open year-round. During the winter season (November–March), golfers are typically offered substantial discounts, as well as a more peaceful experience and the ability to just "show up and play" (in fact, many courses do not even book tee-times come winter.) Cape Cod winters are not usually that cold, just remember your jacket!
 * Play in the offseason: Some (typically municipal) courses on the Cape are open year-round. During the winter season (November–March), golfers are typically offered substantial discounts, as well as a more peaceful experience and the ability to just "show up and play" (in fact, many courses do not even book tee-times come winter.) Cape Cod winters are not usually that cold, just remember your jacket!

 * Hiking: Almost any beach can become a perfect hiking trail, of particular note Sandy Neck Beach in Barnstable features miles of walking trails right through the dunes.
 * Seal Cruises - Chatham
 * Tennis - There are many tennis clubs scattered across Cape Cod. In Dennis, Mashantum Tennis and Sesuit Tennis are two clay court clubs worth visiting.  The former, hidden in woods away from crowds, features fabulous red clay courts.
 * Theatre, Cape Cod has a large number of theatres—one in nearly every town as well as a number of festivals including the Provincetown Fringe Festival and Eventide Arts Festival.
 * Whale watching Excursions from Barnstable and Provincetown.

Colleges and universities

 * Cape Cod Community College, ("4C's") in West Barnstable is the Cape's single institution of higher education. Those looking to study on Cape Cod will find the college as a friendly place to embark towards their goals, with associates degrees and certificate programs offered. For visitors, the summer semester offers a wide array of credit and non-credit opportunities excellent for those looking to get ahead in their studies elsewhere (credits are transferable) or for an enriching summer activity. Although financial aid is not available for visiting students, tuition is surprisingly affordable for MA residents, with tuition waivers available for senior citizens, veterans, and high school students who scored well on the state MCAS exam.

The arts

 * Cape Cod Conservatory, in West Barnstable and Falmouth, offers private and group instruction in music, along with classes in dance, drama, and visual art. Summer programs for children are available.
 * Falmouth Artists Guild is a community organization running classes and workshops for children and adults year round in painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, and more, with a large selection of short summer classes. +1 508-540-3304
 * In addition to their full season of productions each year Harwich Junior Theatre also offers classes year-round in acting, musical theater, playwriting, improv, and theater tech for children and teens.

Outdoor activities

 * Golf: Many courses on the Cape hold clinics led by a PGA or LPGA Pro for golfers of all abilities. The reasonably priced (usually $20 per session or less) and informal setting are the preference of most Cape resident golfers looking to lower their score. Most facilities offer a weekly or bi-weekly series during the summer, with each session working on a different skill (such as driving, short game, or putting).
 * There are free clinics offered by the Holly Ridge Golf Club two Saturdays a month from May until September. No advanced registration needed, just show up at 8:30AM the day you wish to attend, but you do need to bring your own clubs.
 * One-on-one instruction to improve your game: Any course that's open to the public should offer private lessons with a pro. $45-50 for a half hour is standard with discounts usually available if you're a member or purchase a block of several lessons at a time. Call the pro-shop for prices and scheduling.

 * Sailing: Several Yacht clubs offer beginning sailing programs, although you may need to be a member or know somebody who is one. Sailing lessons for youth are also available through some town recreation departments, and are usually open to non-residents.
 * Town recreation departments also offer a range of outdoor programs and classes including swimming lessons. These are open to non-residents (although resident families have priority in registering).
 * The YMCA of Cape Cod and the Islands offers an array of summer camps and programs for all ages through their Camp Lyndon Facility. Visitors who belong to any New England Y have reciprocal access (including free use of the fitness center and pool, as well as paying member rates for classes and programs.) Y members from the rest of the US or Canada get 50% off the day-pass rate.

Eat
As is commonplace for a New England area, seafood restaurants are a regular sight. There is no shortage of restaurants in the entire region, both seafood and not. Wellfleet is well known for its shellfish, particularly oysters. At one time oysters were actually shipped there and put in the harbor to get the "distinct flavor."

Drink
Cape Cod is home to many different types of places to grab a drink. There are all sorts of bars, pubs, restaurants with bars and so on. Nearly all are open in season (typically June–August), many are open for extended periods (April–October, for example) and fewer are open year-round. In the off-season it would be wise to call ahead or check the Google or Facebook profile of the establishments you are hoping to visit before making the trip.

Like the rest of the country, the drinking age is 21; generally patrons who look under 40 will be asked to show ID. If your only photo ID is an out-of-state driver's license, you may encounter some difficulties purchasing adult beverages. State law is very specific in allowing only the following forms of ID as legal proof of age for alcohol sales: (1) a Massachusetts drivers license or non-driver ID card; (2) a US passport book or card; (3) a foreign passport; or (4) a US military ID. In the past, many bars wouldn't serve to out of state patrons at all, or only those from a neighboring state such as Rhode Island or New Hampshire but now it is common for out of state licenses to be accepted when presented with a second form of ID (which doesn't need to have a photograph, a credit or debit card in your name is usually good for this purpose). Individuals using a passport or military ID as proof of age should also be prepared to show backup ID, even though state law specifically allows those forms of IDs as primary proof of age.

Sleep
Cape Cod has a very large number of accommodations ranging from basic motels to plush spa resorts. Resort areas include Chatham, Hyannis and Provincetown. Many hotels are only open seasonally (April through October) and that prices can increase dramatically during the summer high season and during festivals. Cape Cod is also home to several campgrounds. One of those is the Bourne Scenic Park. The Bourne Scenic Park is a campground under the Bourne Bridge on the canal. It is a popular site that permits tent camping and trailers. It is also right next to the canal with easy access to the bike trail.

The area along Route 6A in North Truro, just south of the Provincetown line is, for connoisseurs, the real Cape. This is "roughing it indoors" - the accommodations are not fancy - usually just one room, perhaps no kitchen or no drywall wall surfaces, and not very modern. For some, this is the real Cape—all the stuff south of the "elbow" is civilization. You have to go to Wellfleet, Truro or P-town to get beyond it.

Hyannis, is perhaps the Hub of Cape Cod. On the Main Street and the Waterfront you'll find Hyannis Harbor, the Village Green, the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum, the JFK Memorial Park, the Cape Cod Maritime Museum, waterfront restaurants, ferries to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard.

Stay safe

 * Deer ticks carrying Lyme disease are a real concern, especially in warm weather. Stay out of dune grasses and brushy areas. If you get a ring-shaped rash and/or a flu-like ache, seek medical treatment. Nantucket has the highest incidence of Lyme disease.
 * Mosquitoes have become a concern in this area as there have been cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Use insect repellent when appropriate.
 * Poison ivy is widespread on Cape Cod and the Islands. The vines of shiny three-leaf clusters run along the ground or climb bushes and trees. Contact can cause intense skin irritations.
 * Great white sharks are native to the area and are commonly sighted off the shores. However, attacks are quite rare, and local beaches keep a strict watch out for signs of danger. Beaches where sharks are sighted are temporarily closed.
 * State law requires children under 13 to wear helmets while bicycling.
 * Boating safety:
 * All children 12 and under are required by law to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD (Personal Flotation Device) when on a boat.
 * All individuals over the age of 12 are required to have in their possession (aboard the boat) a USCG approved PFD or floating seat cushion. It is recommended that they are worn, but not required by law.
 * Anyone water-skiing, wakeboarding, rafting, or in any way being towed behind the boat must be wearing a PFD at all times, regardless of age.
 * Check the local weather and file a float plan with a friend before leaving the dock.
 * Check the local tides before leaving the dock as many places on the Cape cannot be accessed at specific times during the tidal cycle.
 * If you have any questions about local laws and regulations, contact the local Harbormaster:
 * Cape & Islands Harbormasters Association

Radio

 * WCAI, 90.1 FM, in Woods Hole, the voice of Public Radio for the Cape & Islands
 * WMVY, 92.7 FM, on Martha's Vineyard, one of only a handful of independent radio stations in the country.

Go next

 * Return to Boston, capital of New England.
 * Explore the whaling city of New Bedford, and don't miss out on the Portuguese cuisine.
 * How will you remember your time in New York City?
 * Keep exploring in the footsteps of the Pilgrims in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
 * Compact and walkable, Providence proudly shows off its "creative capital" to locals and visitors alike.

title: Cape Cod


text:
Cape Cod National Seashore

Cape Cod National Seashore is a national seashore in the state of Massachusetts in the United States of America.

Understand
Cape Cod National Seashore stretches over 43,500 acres (176 km²) of dunes, ponds, woods and almost 40 miles (64 km) of Atlantic shoreline. It is located on Cape Cod, principally in the towns of Provincetown, Truro, Wellfleet, and Eastham, but also covers some shoreline in Orleans and Chatham.

History
Cape Cod is relatively young geologically at 18,000 years or so. American Indians began using the land at least 9,000 years ago.

In 1620, a group known as "The Pilgrims", a group of English Separatists seeking to establish a settlement in Virginia were forced to land here. They sent out three separate "discovery" expeditions to see what the area had to offer. During these "discoveries" they found their first fresh water, took some Indian corn, and almost had a battle (called the First Encounter) with some Native Americans. Cape Cod had many good features, but after a month of searching, it was decided to finally settle in Plymouth.

In 1902 Guglielmo Marconi built one of two North American wireless stations at South Wellfleet. On January 18, 1903 the first public two-way communication (in Morse Code) between Europe and America occurred through this station. The station was closed in 1917 and scrapped in 1920, with the communication station being relocated to Chatham. Cable stations were later established in North Eastham and Orleans.

Seashore history also includes shipwrecks and lifesaving. Two lighthouses (Highland or "Cape Cod" and Nauset) have been moved to keep them from toppling down eroding cliffs.

The Cape Cod National Seashore was created on August 7, 1961 by President John F. Kennedy.

Landscape
The park includes beaches, high cliff dunes, sand spits, tidal flats, salt marshes, and soft-bottom benthos. Inland there are kettle ponds, vernal pools, sphagnum bogs, and swamps. Vegetation includes pitch pine and scrub oak forests, heathlands, dunes, and sandplain grasslands.

Flora and fauna
As a result of almost total deforestation by European settlers between 1650 and 1900, globally rare heathland habitats have resulted here. Bayberry and beach plum are common.

Twenty-five federally-protected species occur in the park. The Seashore is a significant site for the piping plover, with roughly 5% of the entire Atlantic coast population nesting here. Cape Cod National Seashore also supports 32 species that are rare or endangered in the state of Massachusetts. Some of these, such as the common tern, are conspicuous. Much less visible is the spadefoot toad which spends most its life buried in the sand, emerging only on warm nights with torrential rainfall.

Climate
Spring is generally cool and damp with temperatures of 40°F-60°F (4°-15°C). Summer brings temperatures in the 70s and 80s°F (20-30°C), and cool nights. Autumn is drier than spring with similar temperatures. Winter is milder than inland, but dampness and wind chill can make winter days bitter cold. Temperatures range between 30°F and 40°F (-1° to 4°C) in mid-winter, but intervals of below 0°F (-18°C) as well as milder temperatures are also possible.

Visitor information
Generally, the Cape Cod National Seashore—encompassing all beaches, parking areas, and trails—is open year-round from 6AM through midnight. The Seashore is additionally served by two visitor centers, with different hours. Although it sounds important, don't waste your time at Park Headquarters (99 Marconi Site Road, Wellfleet). Passes are not sold at Park Headquarters, this is an administrative facility primarily for park personnel.
 * Park website

By car
Route 6 is the main Cape Cod "highway". All areas have signs from this road. From Boston travel south on Interstate 93 and Route 3 to the Sagamore Bridge where Route 6 begins.

Fees and permits
Entrance fees are collected daily at all six swimming beaches from late June through early September, when lifeguards are on duty. Fees are also collected on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day to the end of September. The daily fee per vehicle is $20. Motorcycles are $10 a day, while pedestrians and cyclists are charged $3 per day. For repeat visitors, a Cape Cod National Seashore annual pass is offered for $60. All fees waived for active duty military and their dependents (with proper ID), and children under the age of 16. Fees may be paid at all beach entrances, annual passes may be purchased at either visitor center.

Rules and regulations
Due to the fragile ecosystem, and the relative popularity of the Cape Cod National Seashore, there are a fair number of rules and regulations for visitors to follow. At the end of the day, they're really not that inconvenient, and following the rules helps keep the park healthy and beautiful for the next generation to enjoy.

Do not disturb natural or cultural features, all are protected by federal law. Glass containers, flotation devices (like rafts and rubber-tubes), snorkels, and masks are prohibited on any life-guard-protected beach. Pets must be leashed and under control at all times. Leashes may not exceed six feet. Pets are not permitted in public buildings, picnic areas, on protected beaches, or on self-guided trails. Climbing slopes is hazardous and prohibited, sand here is constantly shifting and collapses easily. Digging holes above knee level is also prohibited.

There are plenty more rules too, depending on your interests. Want to make a campfire? See the "Drink" section. Want to drive on the beach? See "Do". For rules regarding sleeping on the beach, look to the "Sleep" section.

Get around

 * Most people would use a car in order to explore all areas of the Cape Cod National Seashore.
 * Experienced bicyclists could use that method. The Cape Cod Rail Trail connects the Marconi area and the Salt Pond Visitor Center.

Lighthouses
These six lighthouses each possess their own poetic beauty, most visitors tour at least one during their time on the Seashore. The grounds of Wood End, and Long Point lights are accessible, but the towers themselves are not open to the public.

Do

Beaches
These six swimming beaches are all a part of the Cape Cod National Seashore. Access to any of these beaches is included in your entrance fee, see "Fees and permits" section above. All beaches have paved parking, showers and rest rooms (seasonal, except at Salt Pond Visitor Center), changing rooms, drinking water, and water quality testing. Lifeguards are on duty late June through Labor Day. Beachside passenger drop off and pick up prohibited. Coast Guard Beach in Eastham and Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown, are handicapped accessible and can provide wheelchairs capable of traveling over sand.

Self-guided walking trails
The Seashore has twelve self-guided trails, all are open year round. Individual route maps are available at some trailheads. Many have picnic areas.

Bicycle trails
Whether you ride or not, you'll find cycling to be a popular activity on the Seashore. All public facilities will provide bike racks where you can lock up. Bikes are basically allowed anywhere you can ride them, except for hiking trails and beaches.

Buy

 * Eastern National runs bookstores at the Visitor Centers, selling books, tapes, videos, toys and gifts.

Eat
Additional food options may be purchased at the Highland Links clubhouse, in Truro. See the "Do" section for more information.

Drink
While there are no bars or clubs here, there is one option for fun after sundown. If you're staying at the beach into the night, it's possible to make a beach fire with a free permit. There are a limited number available every day, and they can be reserved by calling one of the visitors centers. However, it is recommended, by far, to actually go and pick up the campfire permit in person. Demand is extremely high during popular summer months, and phone reservations may not be accepted then.

Sleep
There are no hotels, motels, b&b's, caravansaries, or lodging of any kind within Cape Cod National Seashore. You can; however, find umpteen options in any of the nearby towns: see Provincetown, Truro, Eastham, or Orleans for options. But if you absolutely positively must spend the night on the Seashore, you do have one option: camping. Not camping in a tent, mind you, but camping in a "self contained vehicle". If you don't already know, an SCV is any vehicle that has had a permanent toilet installed. Additionally, this vehicle must have 4WD capabilities so it can be driven around on the beach. About 100 camping spaces are available on a first come, first serve basis. To find out if your rig qualifies, visit the NPS SCV site to find out what makes the cut.

Stay safe

 * Rip currents and undertow are common, dangerous conditions along ocean beaches. Swim in lifeguard protected areas and if caught in a rip current free yourself by swimming parallel to the beach first.
 * Take precautions to avoid contact with ticks and mosquitoes. Deer ticks may carry lyme disease. Mosquitoes may carry encephalitis or the West Nile virus. Stay on trails and out of tall grasses. Use repellent and wear proper clothing.
 * Poison ivy is prolific on Cape Cod and the rash it produces can cause severe discomfort. “Leaves of three, let it be.”
 * Be alert for bicycles and pedestrians on the Seashore's narrow roads.

Go next

 * Check out the seals and multitudes of wild birds in Chatham's Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge.
 * Many folks will either arrive or depart to Boston, New England's unofficial capital.
 * Tired of all that nature? Tour the gilded age mansions of Newport, Rhode Island.
 * If you're not ready to leave, but you'd like someone else to make dinner, Provincetown's got options.
 * Keep exploring the area's shifting sands on Nantucket island. Similar landscapes, but totally different vibes.

title: Cape Cod National Seashore


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Cape Coral

Cape Coral is a city in Southwest Florida. Visitors are drawn by its beaches, nature trails and sea kayaking opportunities on Black Island in Lovers Key State Park.

By air
If you are flying you will likely either fly to Southwest Florida International Airport. Regional airports further afield include Tampa International Airport or Punta Gorda Airport.

By car
Cape Coral is directly west of Ft. Myers, in Lee County Florida. Since it is a "cape" two points of entry are by bridge. There are four points of entry into Cape Coral Florida:
 * 1) Veteran's Memorial Parkway Bridge
 * 2) Cape Coral Parkway Bridge (both bridges have a toll, the toll is reduced by 50% if you have a LeeWay transponder and are enrolled in the discount program. In fact, with the discount, the toll is as little as 25 cents during off-peak times).
 * 3) Pine Island Parkway/ Bayshore Dr. from North Ft. Myers which is a free alternative.
 * 4) Get into the NW Cape via Burnt Store Rd., from Punta Gorda, in Charlotte County.

Get around
Santa Barbara Boulevard divides the city into east and west, while Hancock Bridge Parkway (east of Santa Barbara) and Embers Parkway (west of Santa Barbara) divide the city into north and south. Thoroughfares going east to west are: Pine Island Parkway, Veterans Memorial Parkway, Cape Coral Parkway, and El Dorado Dr (listed from northernmost to southernmost). The North and South are Del Prado, Santa Barbara, and Chiquita (taken from easternmost to westernmost). The Cape is large and flat, areas are laid out far from one another; driving is a must. Cape Coral is the 2nd largest city in Florida by square mileage, so expect things to be spread out. The southernmost tip has the largest concentration of businesses and homes. A bike lane is provided and can be a handy way to navigate the SE and SW portions if you're inclined to be in those residential only areas.

If travelling by bus, regional operator Leetran provides an acceptable service with departures at least every hour. Fares are $1.50 with day and week passes available.

Do
Multiple beach accesses are one of this community's strong points. This includes typical beach/tourist activities on Ft. Myers Beach, nature trails and sea kayaking opportunities on Black Island in Lovers Key State park, and sunsets from Captiva's uniquely west-facing beach (a tourist must).

Go boating: Cape Coral has many canals. Neighboring Pine Island has excellent fishing.

Buy
Shopping opportunities abound in nearby Fort Myers including the Tangers Outlet Mall. For unique opportunities there are multiple quirky and bohemian opportunities on Sanibel and Captiva which have boutiques and shops. For an enjoyable shopping experience spend time on Sanibel's Perriwinkle Way or for a mall experience go to the Edison Mall (SW Florida's largest) in Fort Myers.

Eat
A number of small restaurants may be found anywhere in the Cape. Although chains are also popping up around Cape Coral including Ruby Tuesdays and Jason's Deli off Santa Barbara and Houlihans on Cape Coral Parkway, try to stick to the local hang-outs. Many more dining options can be found along Cleveland Avenue, which is a short drive (15 min) away in Fort Myers.

Drink
Downtown Cape Coral has a slew of restaurants and bars on Cape Coral Parkway between Del Prado and Coronado.

Go next

 * Sanibel Island
 * Captiva Island
 * Fort Myers Beach
 * Lovers Key - Lovers Key State Park
 * Pine Island
 * Cabbage Key (short boat ride required)
 * Bonita Springs Beach

title: Cape Coral


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Cape Elizabeth

Cape Elizabeth is an upscale community about 5 miles southeast of Portland, Maine on the Southern Maine coast. Its centerpiece is the 90 acre Fort Williams bought by the town in 1964. It used to guard Portland Harbor and now features the tourist attractions of Portland Head Light and the stone Goddard Mansion as well as the usual park activities and events.

Get in
Route 77 south from Portland across the Casco Bay Bridge through South Portland.

title: Cape Elizabeth


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Cape Girardeau

Cape Girardeau is a city named after a French soldier/trader in southeastern Missouri. Watch out for murals and flood walls in this college town.

Get in
Cape Girardeau Municipal Airport has service on United Airlines to Chicago.

I-55, Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge

See

 * Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge, MO-34. Cable stayed bridge across the Mississippi that is a Cape Girardeau landmark.
 * Southeast Missouri State University, 1 University Plaza. Emphasis on arts.
 * The Crisp Museum, 518 S Fountain St. Rotating art and history and archeology exhibits. Free classes occasionally. Tel: +1 573-651-2260. M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa-Su 1PM-4PM, First Fridays open late.
 * Cape River Heritage Museum, 538 Independence St. Small history museum about Cape Girardeau. Tel:+1 573-334-0405 or (800) 777-0068. Th-F Noon-4PM, Sa 11AM-4PM.
 * The Crisp Museum, 518 S Fountain St. Rotating art and history and archeology exhibits. Free classes occasionally. Tel: +1 573-651-2260. M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa-Su 1PM-4PM, First Fridays open late.
 * Cape River Heritage Museum, 538 Independence St. Small history museum about Cape Girardeau. Tel:+1 573-334-0405 or (800) 777-0068. Th-F Noon-4PM, Sa 11AM-4PM.

Do

 * Century Casino Cape Girardeau, 777 Main St. Slots and entertainment and a nice view of the river.
 * The Bedell Theater of Southeast Missouri State University
 * The Holland School of Visual and Performing Arts of Southeast Missouri State
 * Cape Girardeau Bike Trail
 * Cape Girardeau County Park Conservation Center
 * Cape Rock Park, E Cape Rock Dr. Fine views of Mississippi from this bluff. Hiking and biking.
 * Riverfront Park Downtown Cape Girardeau, East Morgan St. Alongside the river.

Buy
Most standard American big box stores, including Walmart, Target, and Lowe's, have a presence in the town. There is also a mall with standard fast-food establishments nearby.

Eat

 * Minglewood Brewery, 121 Broadway, They have fantastic pizzas and brew their own beer on site. Neat place in historic downtown Cape Girardeau.
 * Dexter Queen, 1109 W Business U.S. 60, Dexter. Bbq.
 * Broussard's Cajun Cuisine, 114 Main St. Cajun seafood and steak.

Drink

 * Shakers Bar, 2 North Main St.
 * The Pour House, 113 Broadway St.
 * Independence Place, 5 S Henderson Ave. Night club.

title: Cape Girardeau


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Cape Jervis

Cape Jervis is a town in South Australia, and a gateway point to Kangaroo Island, Australia's third largest island excluding the mainland.

Get in
Sealink operate coach services from Adelaide twice daily, and to Victor Harbor once daily except Saturdays and Wednesdays. There is no other scheduled commercial transport options to Cape Jervis.

Rental car facilities are available in Victor Harbor and in Lonsdale. The harbor and wharf is around from the town.

Get around
If you were to only get around the inner areas of the town's CBD, then it's best to walk, but otherwise take the car.

Connect
Ferry to Kangaroo Island.

Go next

 * Kangaroo Island

title: Cape Jervis


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Western Cape Karoo

The Western Cape Karoo (Central Karoo) is in the Western Cape province of South Africa. It includes the Little Karoo (Klein Karoo), a semi-desert region between the Swartberge and the Garden Route, which is known for its ostrich farms.

Cities

 * — the largest town in the Great Karoo region, a centre for sheep farming
 * — an agricultural town with many authentic Cape Dutch, Karoo and Victorian buildings
 * — there are San art and ancient man-made rock formations in the area
 * — near the Meiringspoort pass, a gateway that connects the Klein Karoo and the (great) Karoo through a gorge with a 25-km road crossing the same river 25 times
 * — "the ostrich capital of the world"

Other destinations

 * — a 750-km² semi-desert area that is a sanctuary for herds of springbok, oryx, rhinoceros, etc.

Little Karoo
The Little Karoo’s boundaries are sharply defined by mountain ranges to the west, north, and south. The road between Uniondale and Willowmore is considered, by convention, to form the approximate arbitrary eastern extremity of the Little Karoo. Locally, it is usually called the Klein Karoo, which is Afrikaans for Little Karoo.

The Little Karoo is separated from the Great Karoo by the Swartberg Mountain range. It is a 290-km-long valley, only 40–60 km wide, formed by two parallel Cape Fold Mountain ranges, the Swartberg to the north, and the continuous Langeberg-Outeniqua range to the south. The northern strip of the valley, within 10–20 km from the foot of the Swartberg mountains is least karoo-like, in that it is a well-watered area both from the rain and the many streams that cascade down the mountain, or through narrow defiles in the Swartberg from the Great Karoo. The main towns of the region are along this northern strip of the Little Karoo: Montagu, Barrydale, Ladismith, Calitzdorp, Oudtshoorn, and De Rust, as well as such well-known mission stations such as Zoar, Amalienstein, and Dysselsdorp.

The southern 30– to 50-km-wide strip, north of the Langeberg range, is as arid as the western Lower Karoo, except in the east, where the Langeberg range (arbitrarily) starts to be called the Outeniqua Mountains.

This area was explored by European settlers in the late 17th century, who encountered the Khoisan people as the original inhabitants of this area. The latter called the Swartberg Mountains kango meaning "a place rich in water". The Cango Caves in the Swartberg Mountains are named after this Khoisan word.

The Little Karoo, and especially Oudtshoorn, became synonymous with the ostrich-feather industry in the 1880s. The resulting "feather millionaires" built Victorian "Feather Palaces" all over town, using the red rocks belonging to the Enon Conglomerate, and related Kirkwood Formation, to build them. These grand red palaces and other buildings in Oudtshoorn can still be admired today.

Get in
The Little Karoo can only be accessed by road through the narrow defiles cut through the surrounding Cape Fold Mountains by ancient, but still flowing, rivers. A few roads traverse the mountains over passes, the most famous and impressive of which is the Swartberg Pass between Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo and Prince Albert on the other side of the Swartberg mountains in the Great Karoo. Also, the main road between Oudtshoorn and George, on the coastal plain, crosses the mountains to the south via the Outeniqua Pass. The only exit from the Little Karoo that does not involve crossing a mountain range is through the 150-km-long, narrow Langkloof valley between Uniondale and Humansdorp, near Plettenberg Bay.

The Swartberg Pass was built, with convict labour, between 1881 and 1888 to provide an all-weather road connection between the southern Great Karoo, and Oudtshoorn (and from there to the sea). The Swartberg Pass is not tarred and can be treacherously slippery after rain. It also becomes impassable after heavy snowfalls on the mountain, a not infrequent occurrence in winter.

See

 * Cango Caves near Oudtshoorn
 * Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
 * Take a tour to see the meerkats, outside of Oudtshoorn. These tours start before dawn do that you can see them sunning themselves in the morning before going out foraging.

title: Western Cape Karoo


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Capel Curig

Capel Curig is a village in the county borough of Conwy, popular with climbers and hillwalkers due to its location in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park.

By car
Capel Curig is on the historic A5 London to Holyhead trunk road. There is an important road junction here, as the A5 continues between the Glyderau and Carneddau mountain ranges to Bangor and the A4085 turns further south to Llanberis.

By train
The nearest station is at Betws y Coed, 5 miles away.

Go next

 * Betws y Coed
 * Bethesda
 * Llanberis

title: Capel Curig


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Cape Le Grand National Park

Cape Le Grand National Park is in the Goldfields–Esperance region of Western Australia. It's home to some of the world's whitest beaches.

Understand
Cape Le Grand National Park is considered by many to be among the best coastal scenery in Western Australia. Secluded bays cradling white sand beaches, wave pounded headlands and imposing granite peaks are nature at its most dramatic. The parks expansive heathland supports an abundance of colourful wild flowers and a curious native animals. Many visit as a day trip from Esperance, though the excellent camping facilities make it viable to stay longer.

History
The area has been traversed for thousands of years by Aboriginal peoples who most likely used the granite outcrops for shelter and to made use of the abundant natural resources. The first recorded non-indigenous visitors was in 1792 when French expedition ships commanded by Admiral D'Entrecasteaux navigated the Recherche Archipelago. The cape was named in honour of an officer on L'Esperance who climbed the tall ships mast during a storm to identify a safe place to wait it out. British explorer Matthew Flinders also dropped anchor in Lucky Bay in 1802. Rossiter Bay is named after the captain of the French Whaling ship Mississippi who saved explorer Edward John Eyre and his Aboriginal companion Wylie from starvation after they had completed their famed crossing of the Nullarbor Plain in 1841. Less notable accounts exist of whalers, sealers and pirates using the bays and isles for their trade over the past few hundred years. Cape Le Grand was established as a national park in 1966.

Landscape
Typical of the southern coastal region, the parks terrain comprises gently undulating heath-covered sandplain interspersed with swamps and the occasional shallow pools of fresh water. The lower coastal section of the park is interwoven chain of gneiss and granite rock headlands that fridge the bays and rise up into the distinctive peaks of Mount Le Grand (345 m), Frenchman Peak (262 m) and Mississippi Hill (180 m). Much of the curving shapes of the outcrops and peaks were being formed 40 million years ago in the Eocene period when higher ocean level put the present land underwater and the caves and tunnels evident in the peaks were etched out by waves action and ocean currents. Apart from the access roads and some low impact recreational facilities the area has changed very little since the sea receded at the end of the Eocene.

Flora and fauna
Small native mammals such as the honey possum, quenda, southern brown bandicoot inhabit the park, though you would be lucky to glimpse them during the day. You are more likely to encounter grey kangaroos who frequent the beaches and campsites, quite unperturbed by human observers. Reptile species such as the barking gecko, legless lizard and the heath monitor are commonly found scampering among the granite outcrops. Swamp and freshwater areas support a chorus of several frog species including the quacking frog, the western banjo frog and the humming frog. Southern Right Whales can be spotted spurting jets of water or belly flopping in the ocean as they cruise around the islands during their calving season in mid-Oct–Nov.

The heath comprises mostly of low scrubby bushes and coastal grasses, though pockets of deep sandy soils support dense thickets of Banksia that can grow to a height of 3 or 4 metres. The brush like flowers of the Banksia explode into colour during the regions short wild flower season around Sep–Nov. Nuytsia floribunda, more commonly known as the native Christmas tree, has a similar short profusion of yellow-orange flowers usually between late November and January. Throughout the year the surrounds are dotted with the red fingers of Grevilleas, the white bottle brush like Melaleuca and the shimmering green fronds of the ubiquitous grass tree.

Climate
The Esperance region is renowned, or perhaps notorious, for its erratic weather. A warm, blue-sky day can quickly fill with stormy clouds that pass before you can even get your umbrella out. Blustery winds and frequent, but short, bursts of frigid rain can temporarily dampen your plans but you will forget it all when the clear periods make for utterly idyllic conditions.

Temperatures in the summer months (Dec–Feb) are relatively mild, rarely cracking 25⁰ C during the day and dropping to 15–17⁰ C at night. Winter months (Jun–Aug) sees the daytime temperatures drop to around 18⁰ C and a chilly 8⁰ C at night. Rain and the Antarctic winds are at their most persistent at this time of the year and a good blast off the glaciers can quickly drop temperatures by several degrees.

By car
The main entrance to the park is around 50 km by road from Esperance. Take Fisheries Road, then turn off at Merivale Road and then on to Cape Le Grand Road to the park entrance.

The second entrance at the Le Grand Beach campsite is accessed by driving 30 km along the beach from Wylie Bay. A 4WD is essential and be sure to check tides as parts of the beach can be cut off by the rising tide. Many imprudent people have lost their cars to the sea.

By boat
Seafarers can enter the park from the Southern Ocean. The park lacks jettys to dock at so you will have to drop anchor at a suitable spot offshore and make land fall on a smaller craft. Lucky Bay has been a popular sheltered water for centuries.

Fees and permits
A fee of $15 per car (Sep 2020) is collected at both entrance gate. The ticket booths are generally staffed between 8AM and 4PM, but may close early or not be staffed at all during quiet periods. If ticket staff are not on duty you can still pay using the self-service ticketing envelopes and deposit box at the rear of the ticket booth. The ticket is valid for the day of purchase but if you are camping and don't leave the park you only need to pay for the day you arrived. Make sure you keep the ticket displayed on your dashboard as park rangers sometimes do spot checks of vehicles inside the park.

The entry fee can be avoided if you arrive on foot or from the ocean.

Get around
Sealed roads run through the park and down to the main beaches.

See
Secluded bays cradling white sand beaches, imposing headlands and the sentinel granite peaks inland invite awe or quiet contemplation of the pristine landscape.

 * Frenchman's Peak – The 262m-high granite cone is not the highest in the park but the gentle slopes make it the easiest to climb for sweeping views over the entire park. The craggy summit can get crowded at peak periods, especially on the very highest boulder as perfectionist climbers take turns being photographed on top as they try not to get blown off by the strong wind. Nonetheless, the peak has many quiet crooks to sink into and contemplate the landscape that has barely changed since the first tall ships sailed past. The cave like arch over the hollow peak is worth exploring for evidence of ancient human activity or as a shelter from an unexpected burst of rain.
 * Hellfire Bay – Perhaps named after the orange rocks that curve around the fingernail of white sand beach in the crook of the small bay. The booming ocean waves that crash into the headland peter out by the time they reach the shore. The surrounding bush is well stocked with showy Banksia trees and other wildflowers. An easy 40-min walk loops up and along the headland from the carpark. Gas BBQs, wheelchair accessible and regular toilets are available.
 * Le Grand Beach – A wide stretch of flat white sand seems to stretch out forever from the granite headland. It may not have the dramatic beauty of the other bays but is does offer plenty of wide open space. The coastal hike starts here and even if you don't want to do the whole thing the first section to the top of the headland leads to a good site to look out into the islands.
 * Lucky Bay – A sweeping bay with a rocky headland on one side, half moon of white sand on the other and a camp site in the middle. Considered by many to be the most beautiful spot in the park, if you sit on the headland and looking at the islets in the bay as the sun sets behind you, it's hard to disagree.
 * Thistle Cove – A bay between two bulging headlands named after Matthew Flinders' ship master, John Thistle who drowned here 1802. A natural monolith next to the carpark makes a peculiar sound similar to an air-conditioner or electrical humming depending on the angle of the wind and your position. The rocky cove is scattered with boulders sculpted by wind and water into savage shapes. Behind it is a small sandy bay that has the force of the entire ocean concentrated into to a white capped tumult. Probably not the best spot for a swim. No toilet or shower facilities.
 * Rossiter Bay – Though the bay is not particularly exciting, it's historically significant as the stretch of coast where explorer Edward Eyre and his Aboriginal companion Wylie were saved from near starvation in June 1841 by Captain Rossiter and the crew of the French whaling ship Mississippi. The bay and nearby Mississippi Hill were named by Eyre.

Do
The crystal clear water and long often empty beaches provide a pleasant background for aquatic recreational activities. Those who prefer to keep their feet on dry ground will find plenty of hiking and climbing options.

Climbing

 * Frenchman's Peak – (2 hr return, 30–45 min up) A popular climb as it's not too hard to reach the 262-m summit, though a reasonable amount of fitness and balance is needed to traverse the constant incline and scamper over obstructing boulders. Markers from the bottom show a general path to follow up the side with the gentler incline. The lower half is more or less flat (albeit with an upwards slant) but the upper reaches requires some scrambling around and over rocks. Strong winds may cause some difficulty and extra caution is needed in the rain as the moss covered surface gets very slippery. It's a good idea to take water, wear a hat and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
 * Mount Le Grand – (3 hr return, 1 hr up) Slightly higher than Frenchmans Peak at 345 m, but a far more challenging climb as there are not any defined paths to the summit. A pair of caves on the eastern side are worth exploring and, of course, the view from the top worth the climb. The most direct access is from Hellfire Bay.
 * Mississippi Hill – (30 min return) At 180 m this one is a mere bump compared to the other peaks. The trail starts at the Lucky Bay campsite and winds its way up the very gentle hill and is pleasant walk in the evening.

Diving
The abundant marine life in the crystal clear waters and a few wrecks attract divers to the region, though the frigid waters and turbulent current of the southern ocean might deter the feint hearted.

Hiking
A 15 km long hiking trail follows the coastline from Le Grand beach, passing through Hellfire Bay, Thistle Cove, Lucky Bay and ending at Rossiter Bay. The trail is well signposted and information boards along the way point out the significant flora, fauna and cultural features. Most people take 6–8 hours to complete the whole length, though less ambitious hikers may opt to take on just one of the four sections. Each section takes about 2–3 hours except for the short section from Thistle Cove to Lucky Bay which you can easily walk in 30 min. The two sections from Le Grand Beach to Thistle Cove are the most difficult as the headland necessitates negotiating varying inclines and descents. The other two sections from Thistle cove to Rossiter Bay are more easy going as the terrain is flatter and the Thistle Cove–Lucky Bay section is easy and short enough to be suitable for children. The start or end point of each section is accessible by road, enabling you to have someone drop you off and pick you up and the other end.

Eat
The closest restaurant or supermarket is in Esperance so your eating options are limited to whatever you bring with you. Free public gas BBQs are located at Hellfire Bay, Lucky Bay and Le Grand Beach.

Drink
Rainwater tanks and drinkable water taps can be found next to the campers kitchen at both camp sites.

Sleep
The two prescribed camp sites for tents and caravans are the only option to stay overnight in the park. If camping is not your thing, Esperance has numerous hotels, backpacker hostels and caravan parks.

Camping
Located at opposite ends of the park, the two low impact camping areas each have a distinct feel. Though the sites are basic, both provide treated rain water taps, solar heated shower block and a campers kitchen. The campers kitchen have BBQs, four burner cooktop and a sink. There aren't any publicly accessible electricity outlets.

Camping fees at both camp sites are $9 per adult, per night. The ranger collects the fees directly from you whenever they make their rounds, usually in the morning and evening.

 * Le Grand Beach campsite – Fourteen spaced out caravan bays behind the sand dunes with a campers kitchen and clean ablution block. Sometimes it smells of the ocean – and not in a good way.
 * Luckybay campsite – On the bay, sheltered under trees. A bakers dozen of caravans sites and a smaller, somewhat cramped, separate area for tents. This one is the more popular and fills up fast during on long weekends.

Backcountry
Camping rough outside of the campsites or in parking lots is not permitted.

Stay safe
The same dangers that apply to most of the southern coastline are evident here too. Don't let the inviting waters fool you, the ocean can be deadly.

King waves, as the name implies, are large freak waves common along this part of the Western Australian coast. They are difficult to predict and calm waves are no guarantee that one is not on its way. Keep in mind the old sailors adage; Never turn your back on the sea. Rips and other strong current at some beaches pose a danger even if you are a strong swimmer. Swimming in the bays is generally safe though if the beach has a reef offshore a rip might be present. The poisonous Dugite snake is rarely seen in this part of the region though it is possible that one may venture into the park. Other snakes of the non-lethal variety are found around the granite outcrops but unless you are a snake expert it is best observe them from afar.

Mobile phone reception can be spotty out here. Unless you have a satellite phone, calls to emergency numbers won't work. The park has two resident rangers on duty 24 hours a day who can provide assistance if you get into strife. One lives near the main entrance on Cape Le Grand Road and the other is based at the Lucky Bay campsite.

Go next

 * Esperance – The closest town with all the modern conveniences and sublime beaches.
 * Cape Arid National Park – Not nearly as harsh as the name suggests. Similar to Le Grand but on a much, much larger scale.

title: Cape Le Grand National Park