Description: In 2001, I went to the Herring Cove Beach. Our vacation then was in the middle of September. Therefore, the beach was pretty much dissolute. We only saw four people besides us. Hence, we had plenty of room to put down our beach blanket. The weather that day was sunny but chilly. But in spite of this, we entered the ocean. It was cold, but it was still fun (but I did get knocked down by enormous waves, and I can't swim). Then I did some beachcombing and discovered some gorgeous shells for my nautical décor at home. Lastly, we saw a great sunset over the water.
My partner (who has been here numerous times) told me that in the summer Herring Cove Beach is very crowded and mostly by gay people. She said that on the right side of this beach, usually heterosexuals are present. And on the left side, the gay people are present. The lesbians will gather first here, and then the gay guys are located past the point. But she doesn’t know anything about who predominantly occupies the Race Point Beach, since she never was there. But what I read, besides what I have already mentioned, said the two main differences of these beaches is that Race Point is surrounded by awesome sand dunes, and Herring Cove has calmer waters.
As noted above, there are mostly gay people who occupy the Herring Cove Beach. And occasionally a nude swimmer or a nude sun worshipper can be present (even though it is against the law to do so here). In addition, it is not uncommon for gay organizations to have "drag queens" hand out free condoms on the Herring Cove Beach. And gay entertainers, such as comedians, will occasionally be on the beach to announce their act will be playing at a local club in P-town. Therefore, if you or your family members are conservative or faint-hearted, this is not the place to come or bring families to. Perhaps other beaches like Marconi Beach in South Wellfleet are better for you. I have been there too, and from my observation, it has a more conservative atmosphere.
When we went to Herring Cove Beach in 2001, there wasn’t a cost to get in, but my partner said they do charge in the regular season. But she said you can buy a season pass. I think now a season pass is $45, and a day pass for a car is $15 and $3 daily for a person on a bike or pedestrian.
Both beaches have lifeguards, restrooms, and showers. And Herring Cove has a food stand.
I highly recommend going to the beaches in the Provincetown area if you are open-minded and want to enjoy great sightseeing, beachcombing, and swimming. Even the Travel Channel has designated that P-town has the best beaches in the Eastern Region.
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