With six swimming beaches, picturesque lighthouses, and plenty of historic sights stretched out along 40 miles of the Atlantic, the Cape Cod National Seashore is a haven for beach bums, nature lovers, history buffs, and sea worshipers. Here's what to see, do and eat in each town along the way.

Provincetown
See: Catch glimpses of whales breaching in the distance at Race Point Beach. To experience this beauty you'll need to hike the dunes or take a scenic ride in season with Art's Dune Tours. On the journey, you'll pass beach plums, beautiful pines, and the famous "dune shacks" where famous artists and writers including Eugene O'Neill and Jackson Pollock came for artistic isolation (read more about those here). Herring Cove Beach, located at the very tip of the Cape, offers prime viewing for stunning sunsets.
Do: Visit the 200-year-old Race Point Lighthouse, which even offers B&B style accommodations in season (if you want to overnight on the furthest reaches of the Cape, you'll need to book your stay far in advance).
Eat: You may be first attracted to Fanizzi’s in Provincetown for the views (three walls of windows look out over the harbor and sea), but you'll come back for the food; we recommend the homestyle meatloaf, Seafood Alfredo, and their thick Angus burgers.

Truro
See: Highland Light, Cape Cod's oldest lighthouse, remains an active beacon and is open for tours spring through early fall. The lighthouse was celebrated by painter Edward Hopper in his 1930 watercolor rendition of the historic landmark.
Do: Wander down to Head of the Meadow Beach, often less crowded than nearby beaches. You'll need to navigate dunes and thick grass to access the water, but once there, you'll feel like you have the beach to yourself.
Eat: The menu changes near daily at Blackfish, where you'll dine on refined seafood dishes & craft cocktails in a rehabbed blacksmith shop. Wine lovers should head to Truro Vineyards for tastings and free guided tours from Memorial Day through Columbus Day.

Wellfleet
See: Take in sweeping views of the Atlantic at Marconi Beach, named for the nearby telegraph station which was the site of the first wireless message between the U.S. and Europe. In summer, the beach is dotted with colorful umbrellas and sunbathers.
Do: Go exploring at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. The 1,200-acre Mass Audubon reserve features 5-miles of peaceful trails on the hillsides and shoreline overlooking Wellfleet Harbor.
Eat: Slurp the town's most famous bivalve at the Wellfleet Bookstore & Restaurant. The restaurant offers waterfront views and a menu packed with such New England seafood classics as lobster rolls (served both hot and cold), and, of course, Wellfleet oysters.

Eastham
See: Frequently appearing on lists of America's best beaches, Coast Guard Beach offers prime summer swimming (although the water remains cool), great waves for surfers, grassy dunes, and a picturesque boardwalk. In summer, park at the nearby Little Creek parking area and take the shuttle to the beach. One mile north is Nauset Light Beach; while there, be sure to take the trail leading to the Three Sisters lighthouses. Carve out time to stop at the National Seashore's Salt Pond Visitor Center; the Nauset Marsh hiking trail around the pond is serene and beautiful.
Do: Tour the Eastham Windmill, the oldest of its kind on Cape Cod, and one of the oldest in the country. If you are ticking off quirky bucket list items from your travel list, be sure to visit Doane Rock. It's Cape Cod's largest exposed glacial boulder, which stands at 18-feet high.
Eat: The Fairway Restaurant & Pizzeria in North Eastham is a go-to spot for hearty breakfasts and mouth-watering pizzas, and the Hole in One Bakery has some of the best hand-cut donuts around (trust us, you'll be back for more).

Orleans
See: Maritime buffs can go to Rock Harbor in season to view the restored Coast Guard lifeboat CG-36500, which was involved in the dramatic 1952 rescue of the SS Pendleton. The mission was the inspiration for the 2016 Disney film The Finest Hours.
Do: Stroll Nauset Beach. While Nauset Beach isn't located within the Cape Cod National Seashore, this is one of the most popular beaches on the Outer Cape, for good reason—the waves are popular with surfers and the view of the dunes are striking. It's also great for long beach walks; the coastline stretches for many gorgeous miles.
Eat: After working up an appetite hiking one of the Seashore's trails, enjoy a tasty burrito from The Corner Store in Orleans (followed up by one of their signature whoopie pies).

Chatham
See: Make time to see Chatham Light, one of the most scenic lighthouses East Coast, or stroll Chatham Fish Pier, especially in the morning hours when you'll spot fishing boats unloading the day’s catch.
Do: Visit the Atwood House Museum, home to the Chatham Historical Society. The gambrel-roofed house was built in the 1750s and includes eight exhibits highlighting the town’s commercial fishing industry and the work of famed local author Joseph Crosby Lincoln.
Eat: The Sacred Cod at the Chatham Bars Inn serves up refined pub fare in a cozy dining room. Feast on local oysters, mussels, and scallops, along with popular menu items like lobster pie and gourmet burgers. The Chatham Squire is also a treat with favorites for the whole family, from stacked Angus burgers and fried clams to a full raw bar starring Chatham oysters.