Race Point Beach in Provincetown Named One of the Country’s Best

What do Clearwater, Florida, Lahaina, Hawaii, Jekyll Island, Georgia, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Provincetown, Massachusetts all have in common? Why, they're home to some of the country's best beaches, of course.

Every year, TripAdvisor comes up with a list of the best beaches in the United States based on its reviews and every year, Race Point Beach in Provincetown, part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, ranks in the top 25. In 2019, it’s ranked 24^th.

While this ranking is no surprise to locals who frequent the beach, which is known for its vast expanse of sand, towering dunes, open ocean views, and watch-watching opportunities, lists like this allow the rest of the country to see what we already know: Cape Cod's beaches are outstanding.

If you have time this summer, make sure you check out Race Point Beach because it's not every day that you have the opportunity to relax on one of the best beaches in the entire country.

 

Why Race Point Beach?

To answer this question, we’d first have to look at why people love this beach. After all, TripAdvisor bases the list on its reviews, which come directly from those who have visited. So, why do people love Race Point Beach?

For starters, it’s enormous. You can walk up and down the beach for miles, making it possible to find a little piece all to yourself. You can even drive on the beach if you can get your hands on an ORV permit, making it even easier to come across a personal section of paradise.

Secondly, the beach isn’t even the most popular in Provincetown. That distinction goes to Herring Cove Beach, which is closer to downtown and more easily accessible. As a result, Herring Cove gets far more tourist traffic, leaving Race Point to locals who are in the know. Once again, this means more available space at the beach for relaxation, and an easier time finding parking.

It has great fishing. Whether you have a boat that you can launch from the beach or you wish to wade into the water a little bit (called surfcasting) to try your luck, Race Point Beach is extremely popular with anglers because its sudden drop-offs bring fish. There are overnight vehicle camping permits available, as well, giving you the option of staying on the beach all night and fishing first thing in the morning. Keep in mind that you have to sleep in your vehicle, as tents and trailers are prohibited.

Finally, Race Point Beach is one of the most scenic locations on Cape Cod. It’s thoroughly stunning when you first arrive because all you can see is the ocean and sand. While many beaches on the Cape have become somewhat commercialized, you won’t find any restaurants or shops here, as it’s just sun, sand, and surf as far as the eye can see. Race Point Beach is a throwback to how beaches used to be, and that is why it’s no surprise to see it on the top 25 list every year.

 

Getting to the Beach

Driving to Race Point Beach is very easy, as Race Point Road connects with Route 6 on the north side of downtown Provincetown and heads right to the beach. Province Lands Road, which originates on Herring Cove Beach, also meets with Race Point Road. You'll pass Provincetown Municipal Airport on your way.

The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority operates a shuttle in Provincetown that travels from MacMillan Pier to Race Point Beach and other sites throughout town. Shuttle service begins on Memorial Day weekend and continues through the end of September, with connections from North Truro available, too. The cost is $3.

Since it's only about three miles from downtown Provincetown to Race Point Beach, many people ride their bikes. The advantage is that you won't have to fight for a parking spot or pay the $20 daily parking fee. You'll still have to pay $3 to access the beach with your bike, however. There is also a bike trail along the dunes, making it easy to explore the rest of the beach.

 

What to Do at the Beach

We’ve already gone over why people love this beach, but there are even more activities to mention. For example, you can hike the dunes for miles. In fact, heading west, you can walk all the way to Race Point Lighthouse, which dates back to 1816 and remains active to this day.

If you’re lucky enough to get a permit, you can have a campfire on the beach at night. You can make a reservation for a campfire permit three days in advance by showing up at the Province Lands Visitor Center at 9:00 AM. While you can also make reservations by phone, those who show up in person receive priority, and since only a limited number of permits are available for each day, you could be out of luck if you go that route.

Some beach-goers luck out and see some wildlife. While it’s not overly common, there are right whales spotted from the beach every year, and there have even been some shark sightings. There are seals everywhere, hence the shark sightings, so keep your eyes peeled for them, as well. In the spring and early summer, you could come across a piping plover nest. These birds are a protected species, however, so keep your distance.

Of course, you can do some swimming at the beach but proceed with caution because of the sudden drop-off and strong current in some parts. The undertow is mainly a problem at the end of the beach closest to the lighthouse, but it’s still a good idea to stay in shallow water. There are lifeguards on duty in the summer.

 

Experience the Beauty of Race Point

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons why Race Point Beach made this list, and why it should be considered one of the best beaches in the United States for years to come.

The next time you plan to spend a day at the Cape Cod National Seashore, make Race Point Beach your destination. You won’t regret it once you see the beauty of this one-of-a-kind destination.