Where is marconi beach

Marconi Beach has a unique feel among the beaches of the national seashore. The area offers wild pristine nature in all directions. The coastal bluff that runs the backside of Cape Cod is around 50 feet in height here, and a stairway leads down to the sandy beach.

Marconi Beach is popular for swimming and surfing, and its large parking lot provides access for beachgoers. On the other hand, Bocce Italian Grill has a bocce court out back, so you can continue your fun in the sun after your meal. The restaurant also has live music and dinner shows on weekends if you happen to be in the area a bit later. After all, your Cape Cod vacation rental will have a kitchen, making it easier to plan ahead.

While the mainstream, touristy characteristics of Wellfleet attract visitors every year, the area has some interesting stories that are worth looking into because they provide off-the-beaten-path locations to explore from your vacation rental.

You're probably aware that bananas aren't native to the United States, as they are an imported tropical fruit. Did you know, however, that Captain Lorenzo Dow Baker , the man responsible for mass-scale banana importing in the country, was born and raised in Wellfleet? In , Baker took his ship to Venezuela, and on his way back to New York City, stopped in Jamaica to pick up a few bunches of bananas.

Unfortunately, the produce spoiled by the time he reached the United States. Undeterred, Baker returned to Jamaica the following year and picked some green bananas, which ripened on his way home. He would turn this practice into a very successful business where he'd make his fortune. Eventually, Baker would form the Boston Fruit Company, an entity that has since become the United Fruit Company, a corporation that imports the Chiquita brand bananas you see in grocery stores today.

Baker envisioned the resorts he had seen in his travels through Florida and the Caribbean when he built the inn, and made it an all-inclusive property that catered to high society. The inn, a four-story-tall building with 62 rooms, collapsed into Wellfleet Harbor during an intense winter storm in There is a plaque near the spot the hotel stood, which is near Mayo Beach off Kendrick Avenue, and you can still see pieces of the pier in the water during low tide.

The Chequesset Inn is chiefly responsible for developing the early tourism industry in Wellfleet, as it gave people a reason to visit. As our next fact suggests, the industry has taken off exponentially since the late s, to the point that Wellfleet is an entirely different place in the summer.

Wellfleet is a relatively small town, with an estimated population of about 3, people during the offseason. In the summer, however, the community swells to over 17, residents , many of whom own or rent Cape Cod vacation homes. Although this temporary growth is an inconvenience for many locals, as it leads to lines and crowds everywhere, it is responsible for keeping the economy afloat.

Cape Cod businesses rely on seasonal residents spending money in the area and, thus, the influx of visitors is essential for the survival of the town in its current form. Marconi Beach is one of the more popular places to spend time in Wellfleet during the summer, but did you know that it got its name from world-famous Italian inventor and engineer Guglielmo Marconi?

Marconi is known for his work with long-distance wireless telegraphs and credited with inventing our current system of using radio waves for transatlantic communication. As the story goes, Marconi chose the area that is now Marconi Beach to set up Marconi Station in , where he planned to make the world's first wireless transatlantic communication. He chose the beach because it is elevated without much vegetation, providing a clear shot across the ocean.

Marconi ultimately ended up sending the first communication to cross the Atlantic from Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. But on January 18, , a message from President Theodore Roosevelt was sent to King Edward VII using his station in Wellfleet in what was the first transatlantic wireless communication to emanate from the United States. Pieces of the first wireless tower are still visible at the beach.

When you're in Wellfleet's downtown area, you're sure to hear the bells at the First Congregational Church on Main Street ring every half hour. This tradition occurs because the church is home to the only bell clock in the country that remains on ship's time. On a ship, time is broken down into four-hour shifts that start both in the AM and PM at , , and There is then one bell-ring for every half hour past the start of a shift. A great stairway makes easy access down to the beach. I can walk for miles in either direction enjoying the sound of the waves.

Hildegard D. The ocean has good waves for surfing, you can walk for miles. Mary C. Plenty of parking, a beautiful sweeping beach with stunning dunes, frequent wildlife, and access to the Marconi station viewing area and the lovely White Cedar Swamp walk. Easy biking from the rail trail. It just has everything! Bob R. Had plenty of room to set up for the day, parking is a short walk to the beach and good waves both visits.

Worth the trip! Rachel M. Lots of seals and we even saw a whale breaching off the shore! Spectacular panoramic views from the parking lot where there is a big beach house and changing stations without roofs. Huge orange, full moon rising over the horizon.

Always love that feeling of being outside. Be prepared for the hike up and down the long staircases. Karen P. Its not blazing hot, there's no fee and it's way less crowded. Seal watching is a big hit too! Sheila S. Beautiful views, great for boarding, and lots of seal sightings. Great sand and so peaceful, even during peak times there is plenty of room where you can spread out down the beach in peace.

Terri R. Perfect for an afternoon in the waves. Plus seals play right off shore. Nicole B. Wendy R. Kay F. Thomas A. Roger M. Nancy D. Mark A. The Federal Gov't does charge for parking. What a deal!! Paul M.

My family and I have been coming to this beach for over 20 years, and it never ceases to take my breath away. Donald F. Easy to get to. Clean bathrooms were close. The water was clean and cold.

Beth A. Plan your trip around the tides. It's best at low tide when are great sand bars and tide pools. Deborah T. Great place to see the sunrise! Nancy M. John D. Marconi with its long low tide shelf is better for those who enjoy long walks. The bathroom, shower and changing facilities are the best on the cape in my opinion.