Starting on Tuesday next week, Cape Cod National Seashore will no longer accept cash payments at beach entrance booths. According to Boston.com, visitors will need to use credit cards, debit cards, or mobile payments as the park shifts to a cashless system aimed at improving efficiency and aligning with broader government policies.
Park Superintendent Jennifer Flynn told the Boston Herald that during peak season, rangers can spend up to eight and a half hours daily handling cash. The new system is expected to allow staff to focus on other tasks and may help increase revenue used for park maintenance and improvements.
The transition comes as beach activity rises during the summer months, along with increased shark sightings in the area. Shark researchers are encouraging visitors to follow safety guidelines and use the Sharktivity app, which provides updates on shark activity and safety resources.
Shark encounters are rare, but local authorities and the Cape Cod National Seashore can temporarily close beaches in response to sightings. Safety recommendations from the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy include following lifeguard instructions, observing beach flag warnings, and avoiding areas with active seal populations.
This cashless policy reflects a wider trend across U.S. national parks, where visitors are encouraged to use Recreation.gov for entrance fees, camping reservations, and other services. Revenue collected supports projects such as the Marconi Beach boardwalk and Beech Forest Trail upgrades.
