find the best beaches that allow dogs in Provincetown, Mass.
Provincetown’s beaches are among the best in the world – and P-town is also the most dog-friendly place on all of cape cod!
The dog beach on commercial street is the only off-leash dog beach on cape cod in the summer.
Herring Cove remains open to dogs all summer long on the beach to theleft side of the parking lot, a great option when other nearby beaches are closed to pets due to nesting shorebirds.
Race Point Beach has amazing ORV trails, but the public beach often is closed for pets in the summer.
- Learn dog rules for Provincetown beaches
- Find out where to get a beach sticker
- Find nearby beaches open to dogs in the summer
See below for a full list of public beaches in P-town, and to learn about other fun activities for pets nearby.
Dog rules for Beaches in Provincetown, Mass.
Provincetown public beaches
- Dogs allowed off-leash from 6am to 9am and 6pm to 9pm, Memorial Day through Nov. 1st
- Dogs allowed off-leash 6am to 9pm, Nov. 2 until the day before Memorial Day
- Leashed dogs allowed year-round
National Seashore dog rules
- Leashed dogs are allowed all summer long at some National Seashore beaches, unless prohibited for nesting shorebirds
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Pets not allowed at fresh water ponds within Cape Cod National Seashore (beaches and water), May 15 – October 15
How to get a beach sticker in Provincetown, Mass.
Beach parking stickers (daily or seasonal) are available at the booths for Race Point and Herring Cove Beaches.
- How to get National Seashore Beach stickers: click here
- More information on oversand driving permits at Race Point Beach: click here
There is no parking lot for the public beaches on Commercial Street, but you’ll need to pay to park nearby.
Provincetown beaches that allow dogs
Provincetown is known for some of the best beaches on cape cod. It’s also a very dog-friendly location so it’s perfect for a day trip or extended vacation with your pet.
Dog Beach
Off Commercial Street,
Provincetown
The beaches on Provincetown Harbor are a great place to walk your dog while strolling p-town. Dogs are allowed off-leash all year long in the mornings and evenings at these beaches. Only off-leash dog beach on cape cod in the summertime.
Herring Cove Beach
Province Lands Road, Provincetown
Herring Cove beach is one of the only National Seashore Beaches that consistently remains open to dogs all summer long. Nice beach sand. Gentle surf conditions. Full snack bar, changing rooms, and showers. Awesome place to pull up and park for a sunset.
Race Point Beach
End of Race Point Road, Provincetown
Race Point Beach on the National Seashore features miles of sandy beaches backed by sand dunes. ORV trails let you explore the shoreline and provide acess to Race Point Lighthouse. The public beach and ORV trails ares often closed to dogs during June and July due to nesting birds.
Learn more about beaches in Provincetown, Massachusetts
Herring Cove Beach: A visitor’s guide
Learn everything you need to know to enjoy a fun-filled day at Herring Cove Beach in P-town.
Herring Cove Beach remains open to dogs all summer long. It offers a long stretch of sandy beach with gentle wave conditions.
Race Point Beach: A visitor’s guide
Race Point Beach is one of the best beaches in the U.S.
It offers a large public beach, and many miles of oversand driving trails. Dogs are allowed, but usually restricted during parts of June and July due to nesting shorebirds.
Frequently asked questions
Are there any off-leash dog beaches in Provincetown, MA?
Yes!!! Dog Beach off of Commercial Street allows pets in the morning and the evening to be off-leash. Make sure your dog stays under voice command though or you may find yourself running after them on Commercial Street while they hunt out food to eat.
Are dogs allowed on Provincetown beaches in the summertime?
Herring Cove Beach allows dogs to the left of the parking lot if you’re looking the water. There’s a long stretch of beach to walk so you can hike a bit to thin out the crowd. Walk too far thought and you’ll hit the nude beach, so be warned.
How do I get an oversand driving permit for Race Point Beach ORV?
ORV permits are sold in-person and through the mail. Learn more at nps.gov
Before you go, here’s everything you’ll need to know: guide to oversand driving trails on cape cod
Do the oversand driving trails at Race Point Beach allow dogs?
Dogs are allowed at many parts of the open oversand driving trails. Access may be limited in areas near shorebird nests, or in areas such as Hatches Harbor. Typically the whole beach shuts down in June during shorebird breeding season.
How do piping plovers impact beach access at Race Point Beach?
While some beaches of the Cape Cod National Seashore allow dogs all summer long. Race Point Beach typically closes the public beach to pets during much of the summer. Nesting birds also shut down the ORV trails for June and July. Check out map of current ORV trail closures at race point beach
Do Provincetown beaches sell daily parking passes?
You can buy daily or seasonal passes at Race Point and Herring Cove at the entrance booth. During the offseason access is free.
Planning a day trip to Provincetown
Provincetown is the most dog-friendly place on cape cod and is an absolute must if you’re planning a vacation.
Start at one of the beaches and end up walking commercial street when you get hungry.
Here are some ideas to help you plan:
Looking for more beaches that allow dogs in the summer?
Find dog-friendly beaches on cape cod
Check out our full guide to all of Cape Cod’s beaches to find towns and beaches where dogs are allowed during the summer, including an off-leash dog beach.
Other pet-friendly activities in Provincetown, Mass.
Provincetown has endless fun things to do with your dog after the beach: restaurants, dog walks and hiking trails, a great dog park, and so much more!
Restaurants in Provincetown that allow dogs
Provincetown has more dog-friendly restaurants and stores than anywhere on Cape Cod. Dogs are encouraged pretty much everywhere.
Most options are located on Commercial Street, so it’s perfect to walk around grab some food when you’re hungry.
5 best things to do in provincetown with your dog
Here are our top 5 favorite things to do when we visit P-town.
Hope you and your dog enjoy them as much as we do!
