Provincetown

The basics

You can visit Provincetown on a day trip from Boston, but with so much to see and do you can easily spend a few days here. Depending on your interests, you could spend the morning touring the many art galleries and studios in town, or go shopping for unique souvenirs. 

Soak up the sun and go for a swim at Race Point Beach or Herring Cove Beach. Go for a hike or bike ride along the Province Lands Bike Trail. Enjoy a catamaran cruise or go whale watching in season. At night, be sure to sample some of the town's legendary nightlife.

Things to know before you go

• Book your lodging and transportation well ahead of time during high season, particularly on the weekend.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes; the town is walkable, though you can also rent bikes, take a pedicab, or ride the trolley.

• Not all of Provincetown is wheelchair-accessible, as there are uneven sidewalks, stairs, and steep roads; Herring Cove Beach is accessible and offers beach wheelchairs.

How to get there

Provincetown is around a 90-minute ride on the ferry from Boston. Ferries operate between May and December. The closest airport is the Provincetown Municipal Airport (PVC), around 10 minutes from town. It's also possible to reach the town by train and bus. If you have your own car, you can reach the town on Route 6.

When to get there

Provincetown is a year-round destination. Summer is the high season, and will see the largest crowds and highest prices. Spring and fall are mild and pleasant, with smaller crowds. Winter can be bracing, and will see the smallest crowds. Some attractions, restaurants, and shops only operate during the high season.

Provincetown's art scene

Established in 1899, Provincetown is one of the oldest art colonies in the country. There are numerous art museums, schools, galleries, and studios. Start at the Provincetown Art Association and Museum (PAAM), which has a permanent collection of some 3,000 works by more than 700 artists. Contemporary art fans should visit the Provincetown Fine Arts Work Center. There are also more than 60 galleries in town, many of which are in the East End area, on Commercial Street.

Is Provincetown worth going to?

Yes, Provincetown is worth going to. Pristine beaches surround this creative, LGBTQ+-friendly town at the end of Cape Cod, and art galleries, boutiques, and seafood restaurants abound. It's also a starting point for exploring Cape Cod, whether you're whale watching, visiting sand dunes, or learning about local Pilgrim history.

What is the best time of year to visit Provincetown?

Summertime parties and events can fill Provincetown to overflowing. For fine weather and fewer crowds, consider visiting in the spring. April, May, and June are great for beach walks and sightseeing, and they're generally the best time to spot the whales that flock to this part of the cape from April through October.

How do I spend a day in Provincetown?

Start by strolling down Commercial Street, where boutiques, galleries, and cafes flank the town's liveliest thoroughfare. Take in some local history at the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum before lunching on locally caught seafood. In the afternoon, choose between a whale-watching tour and an excursion to nearby Race Point Beach.

What should I wear in Provincetown?

Pack plenty of casual beachwear for Provincetown—shorts, flip-flops, and sundresses are an unofficial summer dress code. Bring extra layers if you're going whale-watching, as temperatures offshore can be far cooler than in town. Provincetown's famed LGBTQ+-friendly nightlife is wonderfully colorful and includes themed parties to encourage fun and flamboyant attire.

What types of tours can you do of Provincetown?

Tours of Provincetown explore nature, heritage, and creative culture. Whale-watching tours take in the marine mammals that flock to Cape Cod from April through October, while guided tours of wind-blown dune shacks highlight the area's longstanding artistic community. Other options include guided pedicab tours, self-guided driving tours, and guided bicycle excursions.

Should you book Provincetown tours in advance?

Yes, it's a good idea to book Provincetown tours in advance. Summertime whale-watching tours at popular times fill up quickly, as do popular excursions such as dune tours, bicycle tours, and pedicab tours. If you're coming by ferry, prebooking tickets is a plan-ahead essential.

Ways to explore

Most visitors experience Provincetown by strolling Commercial Street, relaxing on nearby beaches, or heading out on the water. Whale-watching tours depart regularly from the centrally located harbor, offering chances to see the whales that frequent the coastal waters. Visitors can bike through the Cape Cod National Seashore, set off on a scavenger hunt, or explore the town’s many art galleries located in the East End.

Other highlights include Race Point Beach and Herring Cove Beach, trolley tours, the Provincetown Art Association and Museum, and the town’s many nightly theater and cabaret shows during the summer months.

Accessibility

There are sidewalks along Commercial Street, though there are some uneven stretches. Coast Guard and Herring Cove Beaches offer beach wheelchairs; select boat tours offer accessible boarding.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, sunscreen, reusable water bottle

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, light jacket for evening breezes

Not allowed

Drones unless authorized, glass containers on beaches

Amenities

Restaurants, hotels, cafés, public restrooms, beaches, bike rentals

Address 

Provincetown is situated at the northernmost tip of Cape Cod. The easiest and most common way to get here is by car, but you can also take a seasonal ferry from spring through fall.

Driving

It takes a little more than two hours to reach Provincetown from either Boston or Providence, Rhode Island, via US-6 East. Parking is limited in town, but a few paid municipal lots are available.

Public transportation

Seasonal ferries operate between Boston and Provincetown daily from mid-May through mid-October, then weekends only through mid-November. Local public buses are free and connect Provincetown with other Cape Cod towns during the warmer months.

Best times to visit

Early mornings and evenings are ideal for quieter walks along Commercial Street and cooler beach weather.

Best days to visit

Midweek visits are typically less crowded than weekends, especially during the peak summer months.

Best months to visit

June and September offer moderate weather and fewer crowds, while July and August are the busiest.

Special events

Provincetown hosts numerous events throughout the year, including Pride celebrations, Carnival Week in August, and the Tennessee Williams Theater Festival in September.