Cape Cod National Seashore Beach Conditions & Surf Report

The Cape Cod National Seashore protects more than 40 miles of the Outer Cape's Atlantic shore — towering dunes, salt marshes, and wide wild beaches from Chatham to Provincetown, established with the help of President Kennedy. Iconic beaches like Coast Guard and Nauset define classic Cape Cod: dramatic surf, big skies, and unspoiled sand. The North Atlantic here is cold even in summer — typically the low-to-upper 60s°F at the August peak — and cold the rest of the year. The Outer Cape has a well-documented great white shark presence tied to its seal population, so heed posted shark advisories, stay close to shore, and avoid swimming near seals. Check the safety flag and rip-current risk above, be ready for cold water, and swim near a lifeguard.