It’s no surprise that Race Point Beach in Provincetown is one of two New England Beaches that are top rated by Trip Advisor travelers! This beautiful, white sand beach has a 4.5 “excellent” rating on TripAdvisor’s website and has been named as #24 of 25 top American beaches by Trip Advisor’s 2019 Travelers Choice! This Cape Cod favorite is also Trip Advisor rated #4 of 45 things to do in Provincetown!
Visiting Race Point Beach
Race Point Beach is located at the end of Race Point Road off of Route 6 in Provincetown and sits at the mouth of Cape Cod Bay at the northernmost point of Cape Cod National Seashore. It’s a wide sweeping beach with soft white sand and dunes. This beach can have rougher waters at times (it’s named for the fierce rip tides that come around the point of the Cape). It’s also one of Cape Cod’s quieter beaches with great views and beautiful sunsets. In the far distance you can spot RVs in the ORV area and many beachgoers spot seals and whales. Birdwatchers bring your binoculars as you can expect to see Razorbills, Turns, Gannets, Shearwaters, Plovers and more.
Lifeguards are on duty from late June through Labor Day weekend. On the premises are seasonal restrooms, showers and changing rooms (Trip Advisor travelers rate this beach as clean and they take note of the very clean bathrooms and concession stand, which is not surprising as the property is maintained by the National Park Service).
There is a $20 per car parking fee during the summer season: daily from late June through early September, and on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day through the end of September. Get there early when it’s hot as the parking lot fills up fast.
Driving on Race Point Beach
There is a road from Race Point Beach to Race Point Lighthouse and an Off Road Vehicle (ORV) permit and a 4-Wheel Drive vehicle are two basic requirements. Permits are needed for oversand beach driving. (click here for ORV permits for Provincetown). Sections of this road can be closed at any time during shorebird nesting season.
Bringing your Pup to Race Point Beach
Enjoy the tranquil beauty of Race Point with your pet, but remember that important restrictions apply. During the summer, pets are not permitted on lifeguard-protected beaches on the Cape Cod National Seashore. Passing through lifeguard-protected areas of the beach is permitted. Pets must be on a 6′ leash at all times in-season on beaches that are not lifeguard-protected. Off-leash times for Provincetown beaches: Memorial Day through November 1st, 6am to 9am and 6pm to 9pm and November 2 through the day before Memorial Day, 6am to 9pm. Dogs must be under voice & sight control. For Cape Cod National Seashore’s Park Policy on Pets – Call (508) 349 3785, (508) 487-1256 or read updated restrictions here.
Bonfires and campfires on Race Point Beach
The Cape Cod National Seashore Park requires a bonfire permit for the beaches on its land, and grants a limited number of permits per beach per day. You need to reserve the permit 3 days in advance for your bonfire on Race Point Beach. Visit or call the Province Lands Visitor Center to reserve your permit (171 Race Point Rd, 508-487-1256). The permit is free!
Stay at the Light Keeper’s House at Race Point Light House!
Staying at the Lightkeeper’s Quarters at Race Point Lighthouse is not costly (A room costs $175/night for two guests on a weekday in June 2019, for example). There are 3 available bedrooms that will collectively accommodate 11 people. You’ll be on a secluded beach surrounded by dunes and wildlife and a tour of the light house is included. Bring your own linens, towels and drinking water. Also bring your own food that you can prepare in the shared kitchen or on the provided outdoor grill.
The Lighthouse volunteer of the day will pick you up in their off-road vehicle at Race Point Beach parking lot at Noon for the beautiful drive to Race Point Light House for your stay and will return you to the parking lot at 10:00am on your check-out day!
Click here to see rates and reserve a room at the Keeper House of Race Point Light House.
