Wellfleet Harbor #491
While the Wellfleet beaches on the ocean side (National Seashore area, administered by town) offer fee parking to non-residents in the summer, kayaking on this side is NOT advised due to high surf. There are many small public access beaches on the Cape Cod Bay side, which offer safer kayaking but almost all require weekly or seasonal passes that are only available to visitors who are renting property in the town on a weekly or seasonal basis, available for a fee (with rental documentation) at a booth at the town pier. However, these beaches are free and open in the spring and fall.
Two parking options: park at Town Pier lot (fee charged in the summer), moderate carry to launch area adjacent to pier or longer carry to nearby Mayo Beach; farther out toward Great Island, small dirt road leads to free parking just over the small bridge on Chequessett Road. Parking regulations vary here year to year so check with Town Hall for the latest information. Launching near the town pier gives access to the large upper harbor. Moderate to heavy boat traffic in season. Fairly well protected water but best fishing will be found farther out in the harbor. Launching near the bridge on Chequessett Road is a better option for good fishing – stripers are attracted to the strong outflow from the “flapper dam” that drains the upper marsh. Stripers will be found anywhere along this spur of the harbor, on out toward the back side of Great Island. Early morning and evening are best.