Things To Do
Commercial Street
Between stops at delicious restaurants, cafes, and ice cream parlors, there is ample opportunity for shopping on Commercial Street. In fact, most of the street has small, local shops that sell everything from used books, gorgeous jewelry, and handmade gifts, to furniture, Cape Cod souvenirs, and more. On Commercial Street, you won’t find mass-produced goods from chain stores. Instead, you will delight in the unique collection of locally-owned boutiques that line the sidewalks.
Boatslip Resort & Beach Club
It's 4 pm and time for Tea. Portable bars replace lounge chairs, a line queues up out front and Resident DJ Maryalice, a Provincetown favorite for over 25 years drops the needle on the first song of a supercharged 3 hour set. Come as you are and expect the unexpected at Provincetown’s biggest outdoor dance party. Brimming with spontaneous excitement, you never know who or what you’ll see. A historically important and revered institution for almost 50 years, the legendary Tea Dance at The Boatslip is a “must do” event for first timers and seasoned visitors alike.
Ptown Bikes
One of the town’s hidden jewels is the bike trails. Eight miles of paved trails weave through the dunes and Beech Forest with dramatic views of the ocean. You will also discover many hidden ponds in the valleys of the forest. There are many trails—you don’t have to do the entire eight miles. If you enjoy biking, this is not to be missed. This is also a great way to get to the beach. For bike rentals, check out Ptown Bikes.
Beaches in Provincetown
Provincetown is practically an island surrounded by miles of beautiful beaches managed by the National Seashore. There are beaches for Gay men and Lesbians as well as families. The two main beaches are Race Point and Herring Cove. Race Point Beach has been named #6 by the Travel Channel as one of the country’s most beautiful beaches. It has steep dunes that overlook the Atlantic. It offers stunning vistas of the landscape and ocean. With its northern location facing the ocean, it is ideal for sunbathers. If you’d like to hike or bike instead, the paved Province Lands Bike Trail is nearby. Once voted by The Travel Channel as one of America’s Best All-Time Beaches, this bayside beach is the most popular beach in Ptown. Warmer than Race Point with calmer waters, it is more enjoyable for swimming and water activities. The sunsets at Herring Cove are spectacular. It is one of the few spots on the East Coast where you can watch the sunset over the water.
The Canteen
This is our go-to for Lobster Rolls and Frose! It has an adorable back patio to sit and dine at.
Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum
The Pilgrim Monument and Museum has an interesting collection of art, theater and overall Provincetown history. You can also climb to the top of the monument (mostly ramps and some stairs) for a great panoramic view of the tip of Cape Cod.
Crown & Anchor Restaurant
On a summer's night, the Crown & Anchor can't be missed. In fact, it can't be ignored. Not only is it one of P-town's most prominent facades, with its grand columned portico and tower, but performers from the Cabaret—usually in drag—boisterously regale passers-by. The hotel business is a sideline; this is the town's "largest entertainment complex," true to its roots in the mid-19th century, when Timothy P. Johnson built the Central House (its first name) as a public hall for shows and entertainment, a bowling alley and—quite as important—a saloon.
Truro Vineyards
We don't go here for the wine but the drive down is great and the location is gorgeous.
Art's Dune Tours
One of the best Provincetown attractions is the Dune Shakes. The Dune Shacks have a very special place in Provincetown’s history. After being abandoned for many decades, in the 1940s and 50s they became home to many writers and artists. At any rate, there are two ways you can see the shacks. First, you can hike out to them. It will take you about an hour each way. Bring water — on a warm day, the dunes can seem like the Sahara. Please respect the privacy of the current occupants. People still live there — that’s another story. An easier way is to have an actual guided tour. Art’s Dune Tours will take you there in a van and tell you their complete history. I highly recommend the Sunset Tour. He stops on the beach and everyone hangs out and watches the sunset.
