The Dune Shacks
When a famous American playwright rented a decommissioned lifesaving station in 1919 in which to write among the Provincetown sand dunes, he cemented a tradition. Today, 19 shacks remain in the Peaked Hills Bars Historic District, many of which operate as artist and writer residencies. While you can take tours of the dunes, adventurous travelers can also leave their shoes at the trailhead off Snail Road and walk up the soft sand path on their own.
Herring Cove Beach
At the very tip of the Cape Cod Peninsula, Herring Cove Beach enjoys smooth sand and calmer waves. The gentler water of the only bay-facing beach here brings in hordes of swimmers on hot summer days, while concerts in the evenings keep people there long after the stunning sunset.
Province Lands Bike Trail
This 5.5-mile paved path winds through the National Seashore, looping among cranberry bogs, pine forests, and sand dunes. Spur trails shoot off toward various beaches, ponds, and trailheads, making it a nice way to explore the area, especially when you add in stops for picnicking and swimming.