5 things to do in Provincetown, Cape Cod

Provincetown, the furthest town on Cape Cod, is located on the very tip of the state about 2 hours from Boston. This coastal town, referred to as “P-town” by locals, is home to a year-round population of just over 3000. Over the summer months, the population soars to over 60,000. This area is rich in history and natural beauty, making it one of many great daytrips from Boston.

Mike and I were living in Fall River at the time so it was an easy daytrip. Two of the town’s beaches – Race Point and Herring Cove are often regarded as the most scenic beaches in the country. Of course, tourists flock here all summer to take in a gorgeous sunset on the beach.

The area is best known for its’ scenic beaches, art galleries, diverse LGBT community, and Pilgrim Monument. Many people do not know that Provincetown, not Plymouth, was actually the first landing area of the Pilgrims. I never knew this until moving to the area and researching further. The Pilgrims explored this coastal community for a month before deciding to settle in Plymouth. You will learn this and more if you visit the Pilgrim Monument. I recommend visiting the monument, enjoying one of the area’s gorgeous trails, visiting the history museum, and of course, taking a walk down famous Commercial street.

Enjoy my guide to great activities for first time visitors. There is lots to do here, but my guide includes a few activities to put on your must-do list if you are limited on time.

1. Check out the Pilgrim Monument

This 252 foot tall monument was built between 1907-1910 to commemorate the first landing of the Pilgrims. For a $21 fee, you can climb up to the top of the monument and gain access into the small history museum. After your climb, you will be rewarded with tremendous views of the harbor and Provincetown. Note: The parking lot ($10 fee) near the monument offers 1 free admission if you park there.

Address: 1 High Pole Hill Rd  Provincetown, MA 02657

2. Bike the Beech Forest Trail

The Beech Forest Trail is a short & scenic trail (about 1.5 miles) which offers great views of the ocean and surrounding landscapes. It is a very hilly ride which I do not recommend for beginners. However, if you can handle the steep hills, you will be rewarded with some amazing views in return! We really loved the scenery on this trail. We have been biking a lot of local trails since moving to Massachusetts and they are all so beautiful. I really love the views of the sand dunes on this one!

The path connects to another trail called Heritage Cove Trail. You could also access the trail leading to Race Point Beach, which is about 0.6 miles from the start.

Note: Watch out for the flooded areas of the trail, where water can soar several inches high: there is no way to go around them so you will have to just slow down. Tip: Park for free in the Visitor’s Center (Race Point Rd. Provincetown, MA)

Address: Race Point Rd Provincetown, MA 02657

3. Shop & dine on Commercial Street

This popular street in the center of town features dozens of unique restaurants and shops. A narrated trolley tour is available if you are interested in learning more about the history of the town. Beautiful historical buildings and art galleries can also be found. The entire area is so eclectic color – we loved just walking around taking it all in. It was a lively summer afternoon and there was a lot going on. We ate lunch at a small restaurant called Purple Feather – it was okay but the prices were a bit high for the quality. On the bright side, they serve great coffee and desserts and the vibe is very colorful. Update: This restaurant has closed. Here is a full list of dining options.

Address: Downtown Center (Commercial Street), Provincetown, MA 02657

4. Enjoy the views from Provincetown Harbor/Relax at the beaches

The harbor is located just a short walk from Commercial Street. There are great views of the Pilgrim monument here. There is a mat leading down to the ocean, so you don’t have to worry about walking in the sand – this was nice! This area is home to 2 of the top rated beaches in the country: Herring Cove and Race Point. Herring Cove is one of the best places in the area for watching a sunset, while Race Point offers amazing views of a lighthouse.

Address: Commercial Street. Provincetown, MA 02657

5. Take a scenic drive

Sometimes driving around is the best way to fully experience the beauty of an area. There are plenty of spots to pull over and take beautiful photos. I love just driving around enjoying the tranquil views of the sand dunes and the beautiful Atlantic coast.

More fun in P-town…

• Treat yourself to some great seafood. Check out Lobster Pot or Jimmy’s Hideaway.
• Watch a sunset at gorgeous Race Point Beach.
• Explore the Provincetown Museum.
• Take a dolphin or whale watching cruise. Massachusetts is one of the top places in the US for whale sightings, so be sure to take advantage of this fun opportunity on your trip! You can almost always find a Groupon deal, so be on the lookout!
• Enjoy hiking trails at Beech Forest.
• Take a kayaking tour.
• Take photos of the 3 lighthouses: Race Point, Wood End, & Long Point.

Tips for a great visit

Use parking meters for short visits. Parking in the area will run between $10-15 – If you only plan on staying for an hour or 2, it makes more sense to use a more cost efficient meter. There is limited side street parking available. If you plan on riding a bike, bike from the Visitor’s Center to save yourself the costly parking fees (you will see many others doing so).

Consider bringing with a bike – It is the best way to get around the area. You could easily bike from the shops and restaurants on Commercial Street to the beaches. Bike rentals are pricey, so bring your own if possible.

Visit the beaches around sunset – Race Point is one of the only places on the East Coast where you can watch the sun rise and set on the water.

Visit earlier in the day to beat the crowds –Summer months tend to be pretty crowded, especially at mid-day.