Race Point Beach: Wild Beauty at the Edge of Cape Cod
Tucked away at the very tip of Cape Cod, Race Point Beach in Provincetown is one of those rare places that blends dramatic natural scenery with rich maritime history. It's part of the Cape Cod National Seashore and is a favorite for visitors who want wide sandy beaches, unforgettable sunsets, and a real sense of connection to the sea.
A Place with History
Race Point gets its name from the fast-moving water or racing tides that made this part of the coast especially tricky for ships to navigate. Over the centuries, strong currents and unpredictable weather led to many shipwrecks here, turning the area into a focal point for maritime rescue. To help save stranded sailors, the Old Harbor Life-Saving Station was originally built in Chatham in 1897 and later moved to Race Point. It s now preserved as a museum where you can get a glimpse of what coastal rescue work looked like more than a century ago. Volunteers still perform rescue reenactments on summer evenings.
Just beyond the beach, you ll also find the Race Point Lighthouse, which has stood watch since 1816. Though it was rebuilt and modernized over the years, it still plays a vital role in navigation and now welcomes visitors for tours and even overnight stays in the former keeper s quarters.
What You ll Find Today
Race Point Beach is all about space, sky, and sea. It's known for its wide-open stretches of sand, tall dunes, and north-facing shoreline that catches light beautifully throughout the day. Here s what makes Race Point a standout:
Scenic Views and Wildlife: This beach is a great place to spot wildlife. You might see seals lounging close to shore or whales spouting off in the distance especially in the spring and early summer. Birds are also plentiful, making it a solid stop for nature lovers.
Swimming & Beach Walking: The water here is colder and deeper than some other Cape beaches, and the surf can be strong. It s great for experienced swimmers, surfcasters, and long shoreline walks, but it's best to swim only in lifeguarded areas during the summer months.
Hiking and Biking: Trails nearby offer quiet hikes through dunes and wetlands, or scenic biking routes through the Province Lands. You can also walk out to the Race Point Lighthouse about two miles each way along the sand or ORV trails.
Off-Road Access & Beach Camping: If you have a 4WD vehicle and an ORV permit, you can drive out onto designated beach routes and even camp overnight in certain areas. It s a rugged, off-the-grid way to experience the Cape.
Museums and Culture: The Old Harbor Life-Saving Station offers free tours in the summer, with staff dressed in period uniforms explaining life at sea and performing traditional rescue drills.
How to Visit
Follow Race Point Road in Provincetown all the way to the end. There s a large parking area managed by the National Park Service.
Fees (as of Summer 2025:
Daily vehicle pass: around $25.00
Walk-in or bike access: approximately $15.00
Annual pass: roughly $60.00 (valid at other Cape Cod Seashore beaches too)
ORV permits are available for purchase if you want to drive on the sand.
Amenities:
Restrooms and showers are available in-season
Lifeguards in designated areas (summer only)
No food vendors on-site bring your own or head back into Provincetown for food
Tips:
Seals = sharks, so be shark aware (there are signs and safety guidance posted)
Watch for poison ivy and respect dune vegetation
Why It s Worth the Trip
Race Point Beach isn t your average beach day it s a place where the landscape feels wild and untouched. Whether you re looking for a long walk along the surf, a sunset picnic, or a glimpse of a lighthouse in the distance, there s a sense of peace and history here that s hard to match. For many, it s a must-visit stop in Provincetown.
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