Cape Cod National Seashore
The entire Atlantic Ocean coastline of Cape Cod was preserved as a National Seashore (CCNS) by President John F. Kennedy in 1961.
The National Seashore offers several gateways to some of the most valuable real estate in America which can be accessed with an Entrance Pass purchased at booth at beach entrances.
Herring Cove Beach
Located between Wood End and Race Point Lighthouses, Herring Cove Beach has ample parking and a beach facility with toilets, showers and take away food for the complete ‘day at the beach.’ There is also access to the Bike Trail (through sometimes rugged) dunes that lead to several jumpoff spots including the following:
Beach Point Beach Can be reached by bike trails from Herring Cove. It aso has seasonal restrooms, showers and changing rooms. It is wheelchair accessible. There are no lifeguards on duty at Race Point Beach. Swim at your own risk.
The Old Harbor Life-Saving Station is located near Race Point Beach, and is open seasonally.
The Province Lands Visitor Center, Race Poing Road, is open from May through October with Staff to answer questions, and provide maps and brochures. A Bookstore and Gift Shop are there too. Restrooms are available.
For more information please visit their website at NPS.gov/caco.
Please note: All beaches in the Cape Cod Natioan Seashore are transitioning to a fully cashless system at our fee entrance stations. Only credit cards, debit cards, or mobile payments will be accepted.
Safety:
- Do Not feed the wild animals.
- Great White Sharks swim in the waters of Cape Cod. Be aware of your surroundings.
- Use caution on bike trails, watch out for ticks and poison ivy, use caution when walking and do not damage beach grass.
Shorebirds: Protected shore birds typically nest and stage on this beach from late spring to fall. Note and follow any posted pedestrian or pet closures.
Details: The demand for reservations for Beach campfirew is extremely high during the summer months. There are a limited number of free permits per day. For more information about permits for campfires, special events like weddings, and overland beach driving, please call 508-487-1256 or visit Province Lands Visitor Center.
Also you may want to check Provincetown Art’s Dune Tours, which offers wide variety of tours to suit everyone’s needs: National Seashore dunes and beaches, Race Point Lighthouse, and sunset tours in addition to private charter with dinner and bonfire.
The Province Lands Seashore Visitors Center on Race Point Road
Cape Cod National Seashore, Herring Cove Beach
Cape Cod National Seashore, Race Point Beach
Be Shark Smart
Cape Cod’s waters are part of a natural and wild marine ecosystem with a rich diversity of sea life, including sharks and seals. Seals are the major prey species for the great white shark. Sharks often feed on seals close to shore, and they’ve been observed near swimming beaches.
While it is rare for a great white shark to bite a human, since 2012, sharks have bitten people three times in the waters off Truro and Wellfleet. One bite, in 2018, resulted in a fatality. With coastline topography changes and sharks and seals in the ocean, any level of activity in the water, whether wading, swimming, or surfing, will pose a different degree of risk.
Everyone going into the ocean should exercise caution and be willing to assume the level of risk associated with their behavior prior to entering the water.
If you decide to venture into the waters off Cape Cod, learn how to be Shark Smart.
Learn how to be Shark Smart.
Do Not Feed or Touch Wildlife
Wildlife accustomed to being fed will become aggressive to obtain food. This includes coyote and fox. There have been serious incidents involving bites to people and pets. Report injured or deceased wildlife to park staff. Never touch injured wildlife.
Cape Cod National Seashore Race Point Old Harbor Life-Saving Station
Race Point Ranger Station
Seashore, Beech Forest Walking Trail
Cape Cod National Seashore