Ptown Favorites

Harbor Beach is located close to town (along the coastal side of Commercial Street). It is a great place if you want to walk the beach. You don’t see too many people sunbathing at this beach, but there are lots of kite flying, kayaking, and other activities going on. Lots of restaurants and fast-food stands are located close by. Dogs are allowed at this beach from 6 to 9 am during the summer months. There are several access points along the Commercial Street from the east end all the way to the west end.

Cape Cod National Seashore Park encompasses much of Cape Cod and acts as a gateway to many Provincetown beaches, including Herring Cove and Race Point Beach. The park also gives access to the Province Lands Bike Trail and the Dune Shacks of Peak Hill Bars Historic District.

Visitors to Cape Cod National Seashore can explore Henry David Thoreau's famous route as he traced the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in Massachusetts.

Located on the outer portion of the Cape Cod peninsula, which extends 60 miles into the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Cod National Seashore has long inspired wonder among those who value nature. From the striking heights of the coastal bluffs to the serenity of a forested pond, it’s easy to understand why so many become enamored with the natural beauty of this place.

With 40 miles of pristine beach, marshes, ponds, and uplands, visitors can enjoy swimming, walking, biking, and many more outdoor activities. For the more experienced naturalist, the coast, wetlands, and woods offer a variety of ecosystems to explore. The lighthouses, cultural landscapes, and wild cranberry bogs offer a glimpse of Cape Cod’s past and its legacy in the modern age.

This National Seashore beach is a "must-do" if you are visiting Cape Cod. Clear waters and clean shorelines abound this narrow but long beach. Herring Cove Beach is one of the most amazing places to watch the sun go down over the water! And don't leave right after the sunset; you'll miss the beautiful sky changing colors.

If you enjoy walking the beach, there are many beautiful polished treasures along the shoreline to collect. Bring a pair of water shoes since the shoreline is a bit rocky. Like to fish, bring your rod! You can actually park your car close to where you plan to sit on the beach. Pack a lunch or enjoy the great food you can order at the new snack bar, with shaded seating. A brand-new bathhouse provides clean restrooms, changing areas, indoor showers with hot water, and outdoor rinsing stations. You can walk or bike to this beach. You can also drive and park at this beach for a fee. Shuttle buses are also available to Herring Cove Beach, which is open to the public.

Race Point Beach, located on Race Point Road, is one of the Cape’s most beautiful National Seashore Beaches-you will be amazed at how far the beach seems to extend! The National Park Service Museum is within walking distance. Lots of soft sand, seagulls, beach grasses, sand dunes and weathered fences make this unprotected beach a must-see. While you are at the beach, you just may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a whale, dolphin, or seal passing by. It’s a great beach for sunbathing and an ideal spot for taking long walks with beautiful sand dunes all over. Anglers also enjoy surfcasting for striped bass and bluefish along the shoreline. If you enjoy biking, bike trails are located close to the parking area. This beach offers plenty of parking and is open to the public.

The Race Point Lighthouse has been a Provincetown staple for over 200 years. The lighthouse is open for public tours on the first and third of every Saturday during the summer and fall seasons. The tour accepts 5 dollar donations at minimum to climb the ladder from the watch room to the lamp room. Flip-flops and pets aren’t allowed.

Long Point Beach, located at the very tip of Cape Cod, is a favorite of anyone who wants to get away from the crowds. You can only reach this beach by boat (boat shuttles are available-check w/Flyer’s Boat Rentals), kayak (rentals available in Provincetown) or walking 1.5 miles over the breakers (wear your sneakers, bring water and make sure you check the tides). It may take you an hour, but it’s well worth the walk. The views are spectacular and you just may get a distant view of a seal or whale. Bring your camera since Long Point Light, an unmanned lighthouse that was built in 1875, will be within your view!

Hop on your bike, cruise out past the Moors, and join the unofficial bike parking lot in the sand. From there, take the path in. Be ready… it’s about a 20–30 minute hike, and how easy it feels totally depends on the tide (and your mood). Some call it a beautiful adventure; others, a sweaty march through sand purgatory. Technically, clothing is required on National Seashore land… but let’s just say Boy Beach has its own interpretation of “rules.” Bring water, snacks, and an open mind—it’s not a quick jaunt. If you’d rather skip the inland hike, park at Herring Cove, walk to the ocean, hang a left, and stroll for about half an hour. At high tide, this route’s usually the friendlier option. However you get there, Boy Beach never disappoints—it’s beautiful, wild, and absolutely worth the effort. This beach is generally only visited by gay and queer men.