To access the parking lots at Wellfleet beaches in summer, every car needs a permit. Permits are sold at the new expanded shack on the pier, now called Beach Sticker House. They are required through Labor Day. A gracious crew of town employees, including Diane Chudomel, below left, sell the permits, which are, in fact, stickers for the windshield. 
One week costs $60; three days, $30. One-day-permits are available at White Crest and Cahoon Hollow. Stickers are required from 9 to 5. On busy weekends several hundred beachgoers pass through this new office, which is still under renovation. 
The more frugal-minded have an alternative choice of buying a National Parks permit at Marconi Beach, which is recognized at all the country's national parks and is good through the end of the year. (This permit does not, however, allow access to town beaches and ponds.) Two versions exist, beaches for $45 cash, or an annual pass to all federal lands for $80 cash. Parking at Mayo Beach is free, if you can find a space. Beach Sticker House employees also sell shellfishing permits and fire permits for our four ocean beaches. Only four permits per beach, per day, are sold. They go fast, so arrive early. Apparently bonfires remain a favorite evening activity. Mmmm! I can almost smell the marshmallows roasting over the open fire ...
