Race Point Beach and the Province Lands on Cape Cod

                     Race Point Lighthouse seen from Herring Cove/DM Smith

Part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, Race Point Beach is on the Atlantic shore near the tip of Cape Cod.  The north-facing beach is popular with sun worshippers and fishermen.

It is also one of the few beaches on the Cape where off road vehicle (ORV) owners can get an oversand permit to drive or even camp on the beach.

Swimmers should be aware that the currents may be strong here and the waters will be colder than Nantucket Sound or Cape Cod Bay. Beachgoers may want to keep an eye out for whales, dolphins and seals passing close to shore.

Beech Forest in the Province Lands

Race Point is part of the Province Lands section of the Cape Cod National Seashore. The first stop in Province Lands is Beech Forest, which is popular with birdwatchers in the spring. There are walking trails around the ponds in the forest, which attract migratory warblers.

Bicycle to Race Point on Province Lands Trail

The Province Lands Trail is 5.5 mile loop with a couple of spurs that can take you to Race Point or Herring Cove Beaches. There is also a spur out to Bennett Pond. Bicyclists can ride in from Provincetown or unload bikes the Beech Forest parking lot. While much of the trail is either groomed or paved there are some sand dune sections to test your strength. The trail has recently been reopened with a new section added.

The Province Lands Visitor Center

This small visitor center is open May 1 to October 31 from 9am to 5pm. Interpretive exhibits, a small theater showing short films about Cape Cod and a small gift shop fill the interior. But the biggest draw is the observation deck, which is accessible year round. The deck encircles the top of the building and provides views of the dunes, the ocean and historic Cape Cod buildings in every direction.

The Race Point Lighthouse

Originally manned in 1816, the Race Point Lighthouse was one of the first to have revolving lights. The area around Race Point is treacherous with swift currents and sand bars. Today, guided tours of the Race Point Light Station, which includes the former keepers houses, are led by members of the Cape Cod Chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation.

It is also possible to spend a night in the Keeper’s House or a week in the newly restored Whistle House.  Tour schedules and information on accommodation are available on the Race Point Lighthouse website or they can be contacted at 508-487-9930. There are also many other accommodation options in Provincetown.

If you're looking for more upscale accommodation, check out the Crowne Pointe Historic Inn and Spa in Provincetown.