Guide

Go seeBirds

Cape Cod National Seashore beaches in the cold months with a dog

November to February

From April through mid-October, the National Seashore closes its key shorebird beaches to pets and bars them from lifeguarded beaches in summer. In the cold months, leashed dogs can walk those beaches again, and the water offshore holds the enormous flocks of common eiders that winter off Cape Cod.

Why this time of year

The Seashore's recurring pet closures run April 1 through October 15 each year, and the Province Lands and Nauset bike trails reopen to leashed pets November 1. Mass Audubon says winter is a great time for sea ducks on Cape Cod and that Cape Cod is an important part of the common eider's wintering range. NOAA notes gray seal pupping in New England extends through March.

How to notice it

  1. Walk a Seashore ocean beach with your dog on a leash no longer than 6 feet, and scan the water beyond the breakers with binoculars for rafts of sea ducks bobbing and diving.
  2. Check the pet signs at the beach entrance first. The Seashore says signs and active closures on the beach take precedence over its website.
  3. If you see a seal on the sand, turn around or give it a wide berth: stay at least 150 feet away and keep your dog away, too. NOAA says it is normal for a mother seal to leave her young pup alone on the beach for up to 24 hours while she feeds.
  4. Pick up and pack out your dog's waste.

Try this with kids: Count how many ducks dive under the waves while you count to 10. Where do they pop back up?

Safety

  • NOAA Fisheries: 'Stay at least 150 feet (about four school bus lengths) away from seals, and keep pets away, too.' To report a seal in trouble, call the Greater Atlantic Region Marine Animal Hotline at 866-755-6622.
  • Cape Cod National Seashore: 'Failure to leash your pet or being in an area closed to pets may result in a fine.'

Sources

  • nps.govPRIMARY, NPS Cape Cod National Seashore 'Pets', last updated February 5, 2025 (read 2026-11-10). 'Where they are allowed, pets must be on a 6' leash at all times.' 'seasonal pet closures are in effect annually April 1 through October 15 to protect nesting and staging shorebirds.' Leashed pets permitted on 'Cape Cod National Seashore ocean beaches except as follows'; 'During the summer, pets are not permitted on lifeguard-protected beaches.' Bike trails 'November 1-April 30'. 'Signs and active pet closures on the beach take precedence over information on the website.'
  • massaudubon.orgPRIMARY-EXPERT, Mass Audubon Long Pasture news, January 15, 2025 (read 2026-11-10). 'Winter on Cape Cod is a great time to search for ducks, geese, loons, and grebes.' Common Eider: 'Cape Cod comprises an important segment of their wintering range.' Long-tailed Duck 'can be found on open saltwater'. Eiders: 'Traveling in enormous flocks'; 'The large sea ducks dive underwater in search of mussels and mollusks.'
  • content.govdelivery.comPRIMARY, NOAA Fisheries bulletin 'Reminder: Seals Need Space', January 30, 2019 (read 2026-11-10). 'Gray seals pup this time of year in New England, with pupping season extending through March.' 'Stay at least 150 feet (about four school bus lengths) away from seals, and keep pets away, too.' Hotline 866-755-6622. 'It is normal for a mother seal to leave her young pup alone on the beach for up to 24 hours while she feeds.'
  • fisheries.noaa.govPRIMARY, NOAA Fisheries harbor seal page (read 2026-11-10). 'Observe all seals and sea lions from a safe distance of at least 50 yards and limit your time spent observing to 30 minutes or less.'

Checked against these sources on November 10, 2026.

In the guide for November, December, January, February

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