Provincetown is practically an island surrounded by miles of beautiful beaches managed by the National Seashore. There are beaches for Gay men and Lesbians as well as families. Race Point Beach has been named #6 by the Travel Channel as one of the country’s most beautiful beaches. It has steep dunes that overlook the Atlantic. If you walk to your right you’ll be able to find a quiet place. The main beach is basically occupied by families.

Herring Cove Beach
The left side of the beach is Gay and Lesbain and to the right of the bath house is the family section. At the far end of the left side of the parking lot you’ll see a path to the beach. The first part of the beach is occupied by women. As you walk further to your left, it becomes mixed and eventually all men. If you continue walking for about 20 minutes or so, you’ll start to come to the area that becomes a nude beach. There are some great spots in the dunes overlooking the beach but you need to arrive early to get one.

Please note that nudity is illegal on National Seashore Beaches. However, the rangers for the most part don’t make a big deal about it. Keeping a suit nearby—if you hear a ranger coming toward you in a dune buggy, slip it on. People usually start yelling “ranger” up and down the beach to forewarn people if they see one coming (they have been known to give fines). There is a legal nude beach called the “Spaghetti Strip” but it is very hard to reach and not really worth the trouble.

Click here to see more photos of our beaches.


Driving: When you enter the parking lot, drive to your left and park as far left as possible. The parking lot to the right of the toll booth is the family section. You may pay a daily entrance fee or purchase a pass for the season that is valid at any National Seashore Beach. If you’re here for a week or more and plan to go to the beach everyday, the season pass would be a better buy.

Bicycling: One of the nicest ways to get around Provincetown is by bike. You rent a bike at several locations either hourly, daily or weekly. Ptown Bikes has the best selection — they’re located on Bradford Street across from Mussel Beach Health Club. There’s also Arnold's across from The Patio.

When you bike to Herring Cove, there’s no need to use the parking lot if you want to go to the men’s section. Ride down Bradford Street until you reach the Moors. Take your first right and shortly thereafter, you will see hundreds of bikes chained to a fence. You’ll see a path that goes through what is know as the “Enchanted Forest”. Follow the boys as they trek along a winding path towards the beach. The further to left you go, the more secluded. Due be aware of poison ivy. It is everywhere in the dunes. When you trek this far, be aware that the snack bar is near the parking lot. You might want to bring some food and certainly something to drink since it is quite a walk back and forth.


Shuttle Bus: In the high season, the bus it runs every 20 minutes. It will take you right to the main parking lot of the beach. Click here for a schedule and map.

If you’re not a beach person and prefer a pool…

You have 3 choices. These are pools at hotels that allow non-guests to use their facilities.

They all offer cocktail service and lunch by their pools.

Crown & Anchor: In the center of town. A more extensive lunch menu.

Provincetown Inn: At the extreme West of end of town. Popular with locals, mixed crowd. Lunch is very basic snack bar fare.

Boatslip: Until Tea Dance. Mostly men. Lunch consists of grilled burgers and sandwiches.