Beaches
The Travel Channel has rated Provincetown’s beaches the sixth best in the country! Provincetown offers a wide variety of beaches, from Race Point’s dramatic sweep of tall dunes on the Atlantic Ocean to narrow Herring Cove, where ocean meets the bay. Don’t miss the beaches on Long Point—if you want a bit more seclusion from the summer hordes, trek across the breakwater and find a spot far removed from the crowds. It’s one of the most dramatic and beautiful walks you will ever take, crossing Provincetown Harbor on the gigantic rocks that prevent the fragile marshlands from being swallowed by the ocean.
If you’re looking for a more spirited, community experience, Herring Cove is one of the most famous gay beaches in the world. Here there’s a place for everybody. Just turn left when you enter the Herring Cove parking lot and head up to the beach. The women tend to gather first, then the guys, then the—ahem, naturalists. (Just make sure you watch out for the rangers, as bathing suits are officially required.) Stay at least once until dusk: this is the only place on the East where the sun sets over the ocean. Despite what you’ve heard, the water is warm enough to swim in all summer. Sure, it’s a bit bracing in June or early July when you first take the plunge, but once you’re in, it’s magnificent!
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National Seashore
The ocean isn’t Provincetown’s only natural wonder. If you’re feeling more adventurous than just lying on a beach towel, try hiking, biking, boating or horseback-riding. Too often visitors miss out on experiencing the other side of Route 6. You’ll quickly agree that there’s nothing quite like the Province Lands anywhere else in the world. The vast panorama of dune, sea, and sky is breathtaking. Here is where Thoreau concluded his famous walk along the outer rim of Cape Cod, marveling at the rare beauty of this magical place. Here is where you can find quiet and solitude in the height of August. To paraphrase Thoreau, here you stand and put the rest of the world—with all its troubles and hostilities—behind you.
There’s something for everyone here. Rent a boat and circle Long Point, or sign on to one of the world-famous whale-watching tours. Hike out past the famous, isolated dune shacks, where so many writers and artists have hunkered down to work. Like to bird watch? Spot the hundreds of species that make their homes here, or just stop by to visit seasonally. Pack a picnic and visit one of Provincetown’s water-lilied covered lakes (yes, lakes in Provincetown!)
A bike ride or nature walk through Beech Forest never ceases to surprise and delight. If you purchase an off-road vehicle permit, a whole new world opens up for you to see. Watch the swirl of colors at sunset from the soft, sandy beaches of Hatches Harbor. Hike to one of Provincetown’s three historic lighthouses. Wander up to the observatory at the Visitor’s Center and take in an awesome panoramic view of the town and surrounding park lands. From wild cranberries to soaring falcons, from barking seals to magnificent sunsets, there is always something wondrous to discover in the Province Lands.
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