Herring Cove Beach

Herring Cove Beach is the southwest-facing National Seashore beach just west of Provincetown — markedly different from the dramatic north-Atlantic exposed Race Point Beach just around the Cape tip. While Race Point takes the full force of the North Atlantic, Herring Cove faces into Cape Cod Bay, producing calmer surf, somewhat warmer water (the bay builds temperature faster than the open ocean), and the most spectacular sunsets on the outer Cape. The evening gathering at Herring Cove's parking lot to watch the sunset is one of the quintessential Cape Cod summer experiences.

Herring Cove has developed a longstanding and celebrated reputation as an inclusive, LGBTQ+-welcoming beach, largely because of its proximity to Provincetown — one of America's most significant LGBTQ+ cultural and historical communities. The beach atmosphere at the southern section in particular is relaxed, festive, and diverse; it represents a rare beach culture where everyone genuinely feels welcome. This tradition of inclusion and the beach's vibrant social scene — many consider it the best "party beach" on the outer Cape — is as much a draw as the scenery itself.

The parking area at Herring Cove is the largest of the National Seashore outer Cape beaches, which means it's possible to get a spot when other seashore beaches are turning visitors away — a useful backup plan. The snack bar near the parking area serves seafood and classic beach concession food. Whale-watching boats depart from adjacent Provincetown harbor; combining a morning Herring Cove swim with an afternoon whale watch is one of the most popular Cape Cod itineraries.