The great Outer Beach described by Thoreau in the 1800s is protected within the national seashore. Forty miles of pristine sandy beach, marshes, ponds, and uplands support diverse species. Lighthouses, cultural landscapes, and wild cranberry bogs offer a glimpse of Cape Cod's past and continuing ways of life. Swimming beaches and walking and biking trails beckon today's visitors.
Current Alerts
- CautionLifeguards at Herring Cove Beach Weekends ONLY
Lifeguards will be present at Herring Cove Beach on weekends ONLY until August 23. Pay attention to signage and swim at your own risk on weekdays.
- CautionNo Lifeguards at Race Point Beach
There are no lifeguards on duty at Race Point Beach. Swim at your own risk.
Source: National Park Service.
Upcoming Events
- Craft with a RangerSun Aug 23 2026171 Race Point Road, Provincetown, MA
- Province Lands View TourSun Aug 23 2026
- Terrace TalkSun Aug 23 202650 Nauset Road, Eastham, MA
- Old Harbor Life-Saving Station Open HouseSun Aug 23 2026Race Point Beach, Provincetown, MA
- Nauset Light TourSun Aug 23 2026120 Nauset Light Beach Road, Eastham, MA 02642
- Discover Nauset Marsh Walk (NO PROGRAM 7/26)Sun Aug 23 202650 Nauset Road, Eastham, MA
- Highland LightSun Aug 23 202627 Highland Light Road, Truro, MA.
- Kayak the Outer CapeMon Aug 24 2026Meeting location provided upon reservation.
- Captain Penniman House TourMon Aug 24 2026Fort Hill Road, Eastham, MA
- Snails and Crabs: Tidal Forays on the Cape TipMon Aug 24 2026Meeting location and time provided upon reservation.
- Whaling with Captain Penniman (NO PROGRAM JULY 27)Mon Aug 24 202650 Nauset Road, Eastham, MA
- Fort Hill HikeMon Aug 24 2026Fort Hill Road, Eastham, MA
- Dune and Bog WalkTue Aug 25 2026Province Lands Visitor Center, 171 Race Point Road, Provincetown, MA
- Sharks and Seals: Cape Cod’s Dynamic Duo Walk (Eastham)Tue Aug 25 2026Parking is limited at the Coast Guard Beach and can fill up quickly. Take the shuttle bus from the Coast Guard Beach Shuttle Parking lot.
- Art in the Dunes HikeWed Aug 26 2026Meeting location provided upon reservation.
- Salt Pond PaddleWed Aug 26 2026Meeting location provided upon reservation.
- Birding 101Wed Aug 26 202650 Nauset Road, Eastham, MA
- Sharks and Seals: Cape Cod’s Dynamic Duo Walk (PTown)Wed Aug 26 2026Meet at Race Point Beach, Provincetown.
- Kayak AdventureThu Aug 27 2026Meeting location provided upon reservation.
- Beach Apparatus DrillThu Aug 27 2026Old Harbor Life Saving Museum, Race Point Beach, Provincetown, MA