Race Point Beach

At the tip of Cape Cod, Race Point is a National Seashore beach with the Old Harbor Life-Saving Station behind the dunes and both sunrise and sunset views. Lifeguards are on duty from late June through Labor Day, and white sharks swim in these waters, so heed the flags and swim close to shore with company. A large lot sits at the end of Race Point Road, with a daily fee in season.

Directions

Photo: Giorgio Galeotti · CC BY 3.0

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Latest reading · SwimScore 65/100 (Good swim) for a typical swimmer: air 16°C, wind 40 km/h, waves 1.8 m, UV 1. Updated 23 Sept, 22:00 UTC.

Know before you go

Best conditions: Outer Cape ocean water averages 60-70°F in summer. Sunrise and sunset views.
Getting in: Cape Cod National Seashore beach at the end of Race Point Road, off Route 6 in Provincetown; seasonal entrance fee.
Parking & transport: Large lot. 2026 fees: $25 per vehicle per day or $60 season pass; America the Beautiful passes accepted. Buses prohibited July 4-Labor Day.
Lifeguards: Lifeguards typically on duty late June through Labor Day; none between Labor Day and the third week of June.
Water quality: Barnstable County's beach program samples Cape Cod beaches weekly in season for enterococci in ocean water; a beach is posted closed if a re-test also exceeds the state limit of 104 cfu/100 mL.
Season: Lifeguards late June-Labor Day; beach fees late spring to early fall.
Watch for: White sharks hunt seals in shallow water; purple flags signal sightings
Rip currents, shore break and strong undertow
Facilities: Seasonal restrooms, showers and changing rooms · Old Harbor Life-Saving Station museum (seasonal) · Province Lands Visitor Center nearby (May-October)