A Day Trip to Provincetown

Provincetown, located at the tip of Cape Cod, is a vibrant town known for its rich history, artistic community, and stunning coastal views. Whether you're a local or a visitor, spending a day in Provincetown offers a memorable experience.

The Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum is a wonderful historic place to visit. Climb the 252-foot tower for breathtaking panoramic views of Cape Cod and learn about the Pilgrims’ first landing in the New World. If you’re more into art, consider visiting The Provincetown Art Association and Museum (PAAM). They showcase a rich collection of works by local artists and offer rotating exhibitions. 

There is plenty of shopping to be done in Provincetown. Commercial Street is the town's bustling main strip, filled with shops, galleries, and restaurants. The Shell Shop offers an impressive collection of seashells, nautical gifts, and beach-themed decor. It’s the perfect place to find a unique souvenir to remember your visit. Satisfy your sweet tooth at The Penny Patch, a charming candy store known for its wide variety of homemade fudge, saltwater taffy, and old-fashioned candies. For a unique shopping experience, visit Shop Therapy, an eclectic store filled with everything from funky clothing and accessories to quirky home goods and gifts. 

Stroll over to MacMillan Pier to explore The Artist Trap Sheds. These colorful sheds house local artists who display and sell their work, ranging from paintings and sculptures to jewelry and crafts. It's a wonderful opportunity to meet the artists and find a one-of-a-kind piece of art.

When hunger strikes, stop by the Provincetown Portuguese Bakery for a taste of authentic Portuguese pastries and bread. For a quick and nutty treat, visit The Nut House, where you can sample and purchase a variety of fresh-roasted nuts, dried fruits, and gourmet snacks. 

If you’re looking for entertainment, catch a show at The Provincetown Theatre, which offers a range of performances from classic plays to contemporary productions. Additionally, The Crown & Anchor and The Post Office Cafe and Cabaret are two of many hot spots for entertaining drag performances.

There are plenty of nature-focused activities to engage in as well. The Provincetown Dunes Tour provides an exciting excursion through the majestic sand dunes, offering insights into the area's unique ecosystem and history. Go on a whale-watching tour from Provincetown Harbor for the chance to see majestic whales in their natural habitat. Escape the crowds by exploring the rugged beach landscape of Long Point or give the five-mile Province Lands Bike Trail a try.

For dining options, Provincetown boasts several notable restaurants that are a must-visit. The Lobster Pot is an iconic seafood restaurant offering spectacular views of the harbor and a menu filled with fresh, delicious seafood dishes like lobster, clams, and fish. The Canteen is another popular spot, known for its casual beachside dining, with a menu featuring New England classics like lobster rolls and clam chowder, as well as creative, fresh takes on seafood. 

As the day winds down, make your way to Herring Cove Beach. This beautiful beach is perfect for a relaxing walk along the shore, swimming, or simply enjoying the stunning sunset over the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a serene and picturesque spot to end your day in Provincetown.

Spending a day in Provincetown, MA, offers a perfect blend of history, art, shopping, and natural beauty. It is a Cape Cod spot that offers truly unforgettable experiences.

Get Lost in Provincetown

Get Lost on the Tip of the Cape

On the very tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown is a unique blend of old-fashioned fishing village and hip arts community. Its narrow streets are lined with charming old homes and its main thoroughfare, Commercial Street is filled with unique shops, top-notch art galleries and inviting restaurants. It’s a great place to spend a day because there’s so much to do. Provincetown was selected by the National Historical Society as one of the top 12 historic places in the country. While Provincetown is known for its vibrant downtown and arts scene, there are also incredible natural landscapes to explore.

Explore Long Point:

At the tip of Cape Cod, Long Point is the perfect location if you’re looking to get away from it all. This rugged landscape features breathtaking views of Provincetown from across the harbor, plus the awe-inspiring sight of the expansive blue Atlantic. This protected land is teeming with wildlife, from a wide variety of birds to fish, starfish, and other sea creatures. Long Point Lighthouse is one of the main features of this area. This picturesque old lighthouse is tucked behind grassy dunes, overlooking Long Point Beach. Spend the day swimming, exploring, and bathing in the warm summer sun to get the most out of this unique spot; you’ll feel like you’re at the end of the Earth. 

Ride the Long Point Shuttle from Flyer’s Boat Rentals

During peak season, the Long Point Shuttle leaves from MacMillian Pier every hour. The shuttle also stops for pick-ups at the Boatyard dock in the West End at ten past the hour. Take the shuttle in the morning to spend the entire day on Long Point. You can also rent a boat from Flyers Boat Rentals to cruise around Provincetown Harbor on your way to Long Point.

Walk the Causeway

If you’re feeling adventurous, embark on the 6-mile loop across the Provincetown Causeway (a long jetty) to get to Long Point Light and back to Commercial Street. The trail begins at Pilgrims Landing at the end of Commercial Street. Make sure to time your trip around the low tide, as the causeway is not accessible during high tide. There is no shade, so pack water and snacks. The 1.25-mile jetty can get congested during peak season; we recommend bringing a mask in case passing other hikers at a safe distance is impossible. 

Hike along the Beach 

If you want to make a day out of it, embark on the 8-mile loop that starts in the far end of the South Parking Lot at Herring Cove Beach. At first, you’ll walk through vegetation, but the path turns into beach pretty quickly. We recommend packing food and plenty of water and making a day out of it. The trail passes by the Wood End Lighthouse at mile 2, and you’ll get to Long Point Light at mile 4. 

Bike the Province Lands Trail:

A great way to enjoy Provincetown's natural environment is to rent a bike for the day at one of the many local bike shops. While there are many places in Provincetown to explore by bike, we recommend the stunning Province Lands Bike Trail. This 5-mile intermediate loop navigates around the Province Lands, passing pine forests, sandy dunes, ocean, and cranberry bogs, with access points at Race Point Beach, Herring Cove Beach, the Province Lands Visitor Center, and the Beech Forest Parking Lot. 

Start at the Province Lands Visitors Center. Turn left on the trail and travel 1 mile to Race Point Beach. At Race Point, stretch your legs, admire the ocean, and check out the Life-Saving Station nestled in the dunes. From there, continue to the main loop of the trail. You'll pass large dunes, oak trees, and a sweeping view of the ocean on the right. In about 3 miles, you'll reach the Herring Cove Beach spur, an extension of the Province Lands trail that adds two miles (round trip) onto the loop. If you've brought food with you, Herring Cove is a beautiful place to enjoy lunch and rest on the beach. There is signage to direct you to Herring Cove if you so choose. One mile after crossing Province Lands Road, you'll turn right to pass through a tunnel. Stay on that road to get to the beach.

Otherwise, stay on the main loop to head toward Bennett Pond. Here, sandy dunes fade into pine forests. This stretch of trail is peaceful and void of the sound of traffic. Riders will pass a lush forested landscape as well as cranberry bogs. The Beech Forest Parking lot and picnic area offer views of Blackwater Pond. Those who love to hike will want to return later to wander along the Beech Forest Trail, an excellent place for bird watching. The final mile of the Province Lands Trail features a hilly section. Beginner riders may choose to walk their bike up the steeper hills in this section. When you return to the Visitors Center, take the time to learn about the history and natural environment of the area you just explored. This summer, park rangers are staffing outdoor information stations and providing short orientation talks. Remember to wear a helmet and ride with care through the sandy sections of the trail. Follow state guidelines by social distancing and bring your mask in case there are many people on the trail. 

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