Waterfront Scene in Provincetown, Massachusetts
Situated at the farthest tip of Cape Cod, the tiny town of Provincetown (known locally as “Ptown”) is iconic Massachusetts — impossibly quaint oceanfront homes, excellent seafood restaurants, and idyllic beachfront beauty. However, like Key West is to Florida, the town has always been just a little “left of center”. Here are the best places to play, eat, and stay on your next long weekend in The Bay State’s funkiest seaside town.
Where to Play
For adventurous travelers looking to slowly explore Provincetown’s pristine natural beauty, there’s no shortage of hiking opportunities. A trek across the Breakwater Walk at the southern end of Commercial Street is the ideal way to see the town from the water without ever leaving land. On the opposite side of the breakwater, travelers can explore Wood End Light or trek to the Cape’s farthest tip to reach Race Point Lighthouse.
Those seeking a guided opportunity should look to Art’s Dune Tours. For decades, the company’s guides have been providing one-of-a-kind tours of the Cape’s iconic sand dunes. Guests board one of a handful of air-conditioned Suburban trucks for a narrated one-hour, sunset, or half-day tour through some of the state’s most lovely natural reserve.
Of course, no trip to the Bay State is complete without actually experiencing the bay. Head to the marina downtown for a trip aboard Cape Cod Whale Watch’s premier Dolphin Fleet whale watching vessels. Each three-hour cruise travels to the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary — a federally protected reserve that represents the best possible opportunities in New England for spotting whales and other marine mammals.
Where to Eat
THE red INN has been a staple on the Provincetown restaurant scene for two centuries. This part bar, part hotel, and part restaurant offers the best al fresco drinks and dining in the area with a small, but picture perfect outdoor deck overlooking the bay. But the eatery doesn’t just offer a pretty view. The food and well-crafted artisan cocktails — such as local Wellfleet oysters and properly poured Manhattans — are equally out of this world.
Like any beachside town, Commercial Street offers no shortage of dessert and treat shops. The pint-sized I Dream of Gelato is situated in an unassuming open-air mall, but features some of the best gelato and coffee drinks in the area.
Where to Stay
Ptown may be home to more B&B’s and beach-inspired inns per square mile than any destination in the United States. Land’s End Inn is a honeymoon-worthy bed and breakfast perched atop one of the town’s tallest hills. With sweeping panoramic bay views, a fantastic breakfast every morning, and a complimentary wine hour daily, there’s a lot to love about this tiny romantic property.
For something completely different, the Harbor Hotel Provincetown is a throwback hotel that’s been heavily updated from the retro travel era of the 50s and 60s. There’s just as much to love about this inn by the sea, including their beachfront bonfires, chic, modern decor, and great location at the end of Commercial Street, all within walking distance of the restaurants, shops, and goings-on of Ptown’s main strip.
Provincetown is just a quick day trip from Boston via bus or the Cape Cod Fast Ferry. The latter runs seasonally from Long Wharf to Provincetown in just under 90 minutes aboard one of the largest, fastest catamarans of its kind in the United States.
-Contributed by Mike Richard
A Long Weekend in Provincetown, Massachusetts from Boston Things to Do