The south end of Longnook Beach is a popular nude beach on the Atlantic side of Cape Cod near the town of Truro. This area can be accessed by parking at Longnook Beach and walking south about half a mile. You can also get here by parking at Ballston Beach and walking north about 3/4 mile. Be aware of both options since parking is often tight.

Like Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown, Truro area beaches are part of Cape Cod National Seashore (CCNS), where nude bathing is specifically banned. However, national park rangers mostly turn a blind eye to nudity on the established nude portion of this beach. (See Herring Cove Beach for more about the dynamic between nudists and park rangers. The same applies at Longnook.)

The nude crowd at Longnook includes couples and a few families. (Nearby Herring Cove, 12 miles away, is the preferred nude beach of gay men.) Longnook is a beautiful white sandy beach set in a dramatic landscape, with dunes rising over 75 feet in some places. Restrooms are located at the main (textile) beach area, but otherwise there are no beach amenities or services.

Before you visit this beach, there are a few things to consider. Even though Longnook Beach is on CCNS land, it is managed by the town of Truro. That means you'll have to spend at least $25 for a non-resident permit in order to park at Longnook (or Ballston). Permits are issued by the week or season but not by the day. Furthermore, parking is limited, and a permit does not guarantee you a space. You may be able to avoid purchasing a permit if you visit out of season or late in the afternoon. You'll need to contact the Truro Chamber of Commerce for information about where in Truro to obtain a permit: phone (508) 487-1288.

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GPS: 42.0126, -70.0308

city, county, state, country  Truro, Barnstable, Massachusetts, U.S.A.

classification  2 (traditionally nude)

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