In 1961, summer native President John F. Kennedy designated the east shore of the Outer Cape a national park. Today, the 40-mile stretch of coast is recognized as having some of the best beaches on Cape Cod, including Nauset Beach in Eastham, Marconi Beach in Wellfleet and Race Point and Herring Cove beaches in Provincetown.

Beyond the shores, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails for you to explore, and two helpful visitor centers that are worth a pit stop. Plus, the seashore is a great place to attend lecture series and take in the spectacular scenery along the beach. Past visitors called sunsets along the shore "magical," and recommend stopping at the visitor centers to learn more about the area.

The Cape Cod National Seashore is open year-round. Official parking lots are open from 6 a.m. to midnight with daily parking stickers costing about $20 a day; $10 for motorcycles; and pedestrian and bicyclist beach entrance fees costing $3 from May through September. An annual pass costs $60. The Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. year-round, and the Province Lands Visitor Center in Provincetown welcomes visitors from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, from mid-April through mid-October. Check out the National Park Service's website for more information on permits, parking fees and special events.