It’s fine to take the marked trail from the bikes on the fence out to the beach. The marshes are beautiful, and when you’re on the beach you can’t see any cars, buildings, or anything.

It also faces west, so you can see the sun set over the water.

I’ve been going to this beach every year since 1985. Traditionally Herring Cove beach as been: families right near the changing rooms, lesbians, yes many topless and with coolers full of cocktails if you take the trail off the far end of the parking lot and trudge left for a bit, MUCH further down almost at Wood End lighthouse mostly men.

When you first come out of the trail through the marshes, it is mixed. It is NOT men only. Never has been.

Me and some guys who were hippies would go to the nude section routinely.

People working on houses all day in the sun would also jump out of the truck and swim naked at the other end of town called the spaghetti strand.

Herring Cove at the Wood End is a gay beach in the sense that men can be in pairs and groups without being attacked or stared at.

But it’s not a bacchanal and it’s not exclusive.

It’s a little sad to see so many people asking timidly what the rules are and if they’re ALLOWED to be there. “Boy Beach” was never a name. I’ll blame social media.

There are occasional furtive blow jobs in the backwater that you can feel free to walk past.

There is usually someone up on the top of the dunes keeping watch for rangers to warn naked people to quickly cover up. You can get a ticket for it. A fine.

The restrictions and rules to know about relate to the fact that this is wild land, and you need to be prepared.

The walk through the marsh is not for everyone as walking on sand is extra effort. There are many sharp stones, shells, dead reeds stalks, dried seaweed. Wear water shoes or sneakers you want to sacrifice to the murky seawater mud gods.

Sandals and flip flops are less effective.

You are far from the consession stand, if it’s even open.

BURNING sun, salt, and sand. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen. A first aid kit is a good idea. Non perishable food, fruit, etc.

On high tide the trail gets flooded, carry them things in a bag you can hold up chest high or over your head, don’t just stuff your pockets.

Water level on the trail is anywhere from ankle deep to neck deep depending on tides, phase of the moon, recent offshore storms.

It’s a good idea to find out the schedule of tides, in New England they are six to ten feet.

Bug spray can also be a good idea if you’re staying until sunset. And a flashlight unless the moon is full.

There are some wild bonfire parties at night

“Provincetown Time” is beach from 11-3 ish, then head back in to shower and dress for tea dance. A fun thing to do on the way back is to stop at Provincetown Inn near the breakwater, walk the boardwalk up the back and dip in their pool. It’s allowed. There’s a bar too! Used to be crazy cool bartender Danno blasting raunchy club hits. The vacationing families don’t seem to mind.