SamAt the tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown (or Ptown as the locals refer to it) is ready to welcome everyone who visits. Known as a longtime haven for the LGBTQ+ community, Provincetown is rich in energy, culture, and scenic views. The community always has open arms for all who want to visit and enjoy the charm of Ptown.
While Provincetown is fairly small, there is a lot to do and explore. Here are the top things to do and check out while in Provincetown.
Food
Provincetown has some of the best hidden gems of food on all of Cape Cod. Sitting right on the Atlantic Ocean, the seafood couldn’t get more fresh. And with a huge mix of cultures present, there are a wide variety of delicious cultural foods around every corner!
Here are the most notable eateries in Provincetown from my own personal experience. Should you stop into any of them, I promise it will make your experience all the more memorable.
Lobster Pot
Both an iconic landmark of Provincetown, and a fantastic eatery, the Lobster Pot is the best joint for traditional New England seafood classics that you won’t want to miss out on!
Portugese Bakery
If you’re in Provincetown even for a few hours, you need to pop into the Portuguese Bakery. Most known for their malassadas, this bakery makes delicious and traditional Portuguese treats are every day. You will not regret stopping in!
Yolqueria
A little bit down from the downtown commercial street, but well worth the few extra steps, Yolqueria is a modern twist on classic American brunch and Mexican favorites. This is by far one of my favorite restaurants of all time. The food is absolutely outstanding.
Nature: Beaches, Hiking, Biking, And More
In terms of nature, Provincetown is home to some of my favorite places on Cape Cod. The beaches are absolutely stunning, and there are even some hikes to consider exploring.
The beaches in Provincetown are part of the Cape Cod National Seashore. Herring Cove and Race Point Beach are the two prominent beaches in the area, each offering their own charm. However, let it be known that Race Point Beach is one of my favorite beaches on all of Cape Cod. The seclusion and sanctity is out of this world, and I always feel at peace there.
If you are looking for more of an adventure, there are a handful of bike paths throughout the town that vary in distance and difficulty. Each of them immerses you into Provincetown’s nature, whether it be along the dunes or in the Beech forest. A majority of the bike trails are also open to hiking if that is more your style.
A notable hike close to the center of town is the Provincetown Causeway. At a little over a mile long, this rock causeway extends all the way across the bay. At the end, you are met with a secluded beach, and can even continue walking to go all the way to Long Point Lighthouse. Keep in mind that the tide effects the accessibility of this hike. Areas of the causeway tend to be submerged under water during high tide. So either be okay getting wet, or time your adventure around the tides!
Whale Watching
Due to Provincetown’s prime location next to the summer feeding grounds of so much marine life, it is actually one of the best whale watching destinations in the entire world! Dolphin Fleet operates right out of the Provincetown harbor, running 3 hour trips everyday of the season. I have never had a bad trip with this company, and I always see such an abundance of wildlife. From breaching humpback whales, to huge dolphin pods, to endangered whale species, I can assure you that this is the best whale watching you can experience in New England!
Shopping
There are so many small businesses and unique shops in Provincetown, that shopping is an entire day’s worth of activities in itself.
Commercial Street is the main hub of Provincetown, lined with small business, local shops, art galleries, eateries, and more! Take your time venturing down this picturesque street and appreciating everything it has to offer.
Culture
Pilgrim Monument
Provincetown takes immense pride in being the initial landing place of the Pilgrims. Standing tall over the Provincetown landscape is the Pilgrim Monument, representing the towns history and pivotal roll in America’s making. The monument is open to visitors and is accompanies by the Provincetown Museum, where you can learn more about the town’s history!
Queer Culture & Events
Whether you are part of the community, or just an ally, I encourage you to engage in the bounty of queer events that are put on throughout the town. With nightly drag shows, weekly pride events, and most notably the yearly Provincetown Carnival, there is so much LGBTQ+ culture to engage with!
Art
An artists community, Provincetown is full of an array of art and stunning art galleries. It is definitely worth the time to explore the abundance of art galleries and local art shops. Maybe even pick up a unique piece as a keepsake!
And while exploring Provincetown, be sure to take time to admire the bounty of street art pieces throughout the town. Most notably is the Bob Gasoi Memorial Art Alley!
If you have visited Provincetown, leave a comment bellow sharing your favorite places to go!
