Provincetown sits at the tip of Cape Cod, water on three sides, and most of that shoreline is protected as the Cape Cod National Seashore. That's the whole reason the beaches out here feel so much bigger and emptier than what you'd find on the rest of the Cape. Here's where we send people staying with us.

Race Point Beach

Race Point is the one most people picture when they think of Provincetown: open sand, rolling dunes, cold Atlantic surf. It faces north instead of east, which changes the light in a way that's hard to describe until you've watched a sunrise there. It's also a solid bet for spotting whales from the sand during migration season, and there are lifeguards on duty through the summer. You'll need a Cape Cod National Seashore parking pass or day fee to get in during the season.

Herring Cove Beach

Herring Cove is the National Seashore beach closest to downtown, and it's one of the few beaches on the Cape where you actually watch the sun go down into the water, since it faces west into Cape Cod Bay. A lot of people walk over after dinner on Commercial Street just for that. The water here is calmer and a little warmer than the ocean side too, so it tends to be the better pick if you've got young kids.

Head of the Meadow Beach

Head of the Meadow is a few minutes up the road in Truro, and it's usually the quietest of the three. Tall dunes, a paved bike trail running along the marsh behind it. If you're already out that way exploring, it's worth the detour.

A few things worth knowing before you go

  • Race Point, Herring Cove, and Head of the Meadow all require a parking pass or daily fee in season. Weekly and seasonal passes are sold at the entrance booths.
  • In July and August, get there early. The lots at Race Point and Herring Cove fill up by mid-morning on sunny days.
  • Bring a layer even in summer. It's noticeably cooler and windier on the ocean side than it is in town.
  • If sunset is the plan, Herring Cove is really your only option, since it's the one facing west.
  • Outside of peak summer, these beaches are free and nearly empty. We'd argue that's the best time to see them.

Hideaway Hill is a short drive from all three. Browse our Provincetown vacation rentals to plan your stay.