Ocean View Hill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ocean View Hill |
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 Ocean View Hill
Location in Massachusetts
Ocean View Hill
Location in the United States
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 92 ft (28 m) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Cape Cod, Massachusetts |
| Topo map | USGS Provincetown |
Ocean View Hill is a small, but important, hill located in Barnstable County, Massachusetts. It stands about 92 feet (28 meters) tall. This hill is special because it offers amazing views of the ocean and is home to a main visitor center for the Cape Cod National Seashore.
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What is Ocean View Hill?
Ocean View Hill is a natural landform, a bit like a small mountain, though it's much shorter. It's known for its gentle slopes and the wide views you can get from its top. Even though it's not very high, it's a great spot to see the surrounding area.
Where is Ocean View Hill Located?
This hill is found on Cape Cod, a famous arm-shaped peninsula in southeastern Massachusetts. Specifically, it's about 1.6 miles (2.6 kilometers) northwest of the village of Provincetown. Provincetown is a lively town at the very tip of Cape Cod. Another nearby hill, called Snake Hills, is located to the northeast of Ocean View Hill.
Why is it Called Ocean View Hill?
The name "Ocean View Hill" makes a lot of sense once you visit! From the top of the hill, you can see wide, beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. It's a perfect place to watch the waves, see boats, and enjoy the coastal scenery. On a clear day, you might even spot distant lighthouses or the curving coastline of Cape Cod.
The Cape Cod National Seashore Visitors Center
One of the most important things about Ocean View Hill is that it's the site of the main Visitors Center for the Cape Cod National Seashore. This national park protects nearly 44,600 acres of beaches, dunes, forests, and ponds along the outer Cape. The Visitors Center is a great starting point for anyone wanting to explore this beautiful natural area.
What Can You Do at the Visitors Center?
The Visitors Center on Ocean View Hill is a hub of activity and information. Here, you can:
- Learn about nature: Discover the different plants and animals that live on Cape Cod.
- Explore history: Find out about the rich history of the area, including its lighthouses and fishing traditions.
- Get maps and advice: Park rangers are there to help you plan your visit, suggest hiking trails, and tell you about ranger-led programs.
- Enjoy the views: Even from the center, you can enjoy some of the "ocean views" that give the hill its name.
Exploring the Cape Cod National Seashore
From Ocean View Hill, you can easily access many parts of the Cape Cod National Seashore. This protected area is famous for its sandy beaches, like Race Point Beach and Herring Cove Beach. It also has walking trails through pine forests and over sand dunes. The Seashore is a wonderful place for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, birdwatching, and swimming. It helps protect the unique environment and history of this special part of Massachusetts.
