Places to Explore on Cape Cod & the Islands
Not sure where to start exploring? Try visiting one of our wildlife sanctuaries on Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, or Nantucket. At three sanctuaries with nature centers, friendly and incredibly knowledgeable staff members and volunteers will be happy to help you make the most of your visit!
Nature Centers & Trails
Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary
Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Edgartown
Trails: 4 miles
Miles of trails through woodlands, meadows, ponds, salt marsh, and along the shorelines of Martha's Vineyard, which allow for exploration, discovery, and quiet contemplation. Details >
Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary
Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Barnstable
Trails: 2.5 miles
Sandy beaches, butterfly-filled meadows, woodland trails, farm animals, and gentle, varied trails lead to Barnstable Harbor flanked by the dunes of Sandy Neck Barrier Beach. Details >
Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Wellfleet
Trails: 5 miles
Find peace and unmatched beauty on the hillsides and shoreline overlooking Wellfleet Harbor. Extensive trails bring you to a panoramic salt marsh, sandy barrier beach, and pine woodlands. Details >
Just Trails
Ashumet Holly Wildlife Sanctuary
Ashumet Holly Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Falmouth
Trails: 1.5 miles
Known for its 1,000 holly trees of 65 varieties, Ashumet Holly also features an eight-acre coastal plain pond, considered a globally rare natural community attracting over 30 species of dragonflies and rare pondshore wildflowers. Details >
Barnstable Great Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary
Barnstable Great Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Barnstable
Trails: 1.5 miles
This sanctuary is part of the ecologically significant 3,800-acre Sandy Neck salt marsh and barrier beach system. Find expansive salt marsh views, two open ponds, shady oak woodlands, and numerous wildlife. Details >
Sesachacha Heathlands Wildlife Sanctuary
Sesachacha Heathlands Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Nantucket
Trails: 3 miles
Discover two of Massachusetts’ rarest habitats—coastal heathland and sandplain grassland; Sesachacha Pond is a magnet for birds, with 300 species recorded here. Details >
Skunknett River Wildlife Sanctuary
Skunknett River Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Barnstable
Trails: 1 mile
Walk the tree-lined trails to witness nature reclaiming former mill sites, explore a fragrant atlantic white cedar swamp, and look in the waterways for American eel. Details >
No Trails
Sampsons Island Wildlife Sanctuary
Sampsons Island Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Barnstable
Trails: none
Piping plovers, least terns, and common terns nest on the island, earning it an Important Bird Area designation. Access to the island is limited to protect nesting areas. Details >