Provincetown[1] is at the very tip of the peninsular Cape Cod region of Massachusetts, USA. Perhaps due to being at the remote end of the Cape and because of its variety of beautiful scenes, Provincetown has attracted artists of all types over the years. One of the oldest artist colonies in America, it has produced a large number of excellent galleries, cutting edge theatre and many unique shops. There is also the persistence of an attitude of tolerance, making Provincetown a preferred home and travel destination for many gays and lesbians.
"P-town", as it is sometimes called, also has an intriguing history as the first landing site of the Pilgrims and the place where the Mayflower Compact was signed. Fishing and whaling have also been a huge part of Provincetown's past. Its large, safe harbor and prime location made it the Cape's fishing center, with thousands of ships calling it home port. The glory days of fishing are now gone and only a couple dozen ships continue the traditions. The Portuguese influence brought by the fishing era still lives in Provincetown.
Provincetown is also blessed with pristine beaches and dunes on the Atlantic side. Race Point Beach has often made the lists of top beaches in America. It is also one of the few spots on the east coast where one can watch the sun set into the water.
Because of its ethic of tolerance and the development of a large LGBTQ community, it is very common to see same-sex couples showing affection. One can also expect to encounter men in drag, particularly on Commercial Street, which is the main string of restaurants, shops and galleries. If this is not something you wish to experience, you may want to go elsewhere. However, the town's attitude of tolerance extends equally to heterosexuals.
The fastest route from the Cape Cod Canal bridges is Route 6, the Mid Cape Highway. Travel time from Logan Airport is about 2.5 hours without traffic slowdowns. From the Cape Cod Canal Provincetown is about 60 mi (97 km) and 1.5 hours.
Provincetown Municipal Airport (ICAO: KPVC), (small planes only), +1 508-487-0241, [5]. Cape Air flies several times a day from Logan Airport to Provincetown Airport. 20 min flight. Taxis (~$7) and shuttles {~$2) are available to take you to central Provincetown.
Cape Air, Barnstable Municipal Airport, 660 Barnstable Rd., Hyannis, MA 02601, +1 800-352-0714, [www.flycapeair.com].
Generally speaking visitors to town will not need a car during their visit. Most visitors staying in Provincetown walk, bike, or take a pedicab. Longer trips or visits to the grocery store can be accomplished by taking a cab ($5 per person anywhere in town).
Walking is the most efficient especially in the summer, everything is close so walking is great for all ages. The streets are often very crowded and there is a lot to look at while you stroll. It’s a short walk to the beach from Commercial Street as well. Short enough walk for elderly as well.
Car Rental
Enterprise Car Rental, Provincetown Municipal Airport, +1 508-487-0009.
Provincetown Trolley, Inc. Mailing Address, Provincetown Trolley Inc., 37 C. Court St., Provincetown MA. 02657. +1 1-508-487-9483. The trolley leaves from in front of Town Hall every 1/2 hour from 10am to 4pm Also 5, 6, 7p.m. The ride is about 40 minutes long, and although they don’t take reservations (unless a large group), it isn’t hard to get a spot on the trolley (since walking is so popular). However it is a great alternative for those who cannot walk.
A walk through the center of town on narrow Commercial Street is entertainment all by itself. Unique shops, abundant galleries of all sorts, cute old cottages in the East End.
The Packard Gallery, 418 Commercial St., +1 508-487-4690, [15].
The Passions Gallery, 336 Commercial St., +1 508-487-5740[16]. Adventurous in the true P-town spirit!
Provincetown Art Association and Museum (PAAM), 460 Commercial St., +1 508-487-1750, [17]. Hours: Memorial Day to Jul 4 daily 12PM to 5PM and also F,Sa 8-10PM; Jul 4 to Labor Day daily noon-5PM, 8-10PM; Sept daily noon-5PM, F,Sa 8-10PM; Oct-May Th,F,Sa,Su noon to 5PM. Really worth visiting. Excellent museum school for aspiring artists.
Helltown Workshop, 237 Commercial St. Whaler's Wharf 2nd Flr, +1 508-487-5483, [20]. An art space and gallery featuring low brow, outsider, experimental and abstract expressionism.
Coastline Tattoo, 290a Commercial St, ☎ 508-487-2012, [21]. dedicated to creating quality one of a kind tattoos and artwork in a clean, friendly, creative studio environment.edit
Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum, High Pole Hill Rd., +1 508-487-1310, [22]. Climb the 252 foot tower and visit the museum which portrays the roles of Provincetown in Pilgrim history, fishing, art, and theatre.
Province Lands Visitor Center, Race Point Rd., +1 508-487-1256, [23]. In the Cape Cod National Seashore. Free admission. Open May-Oct 9AM-5PM. Observation deck with 360 degree view is open year round. Ranger guided tours, activities and exhibits about the natural and cultural history of the area. Five and one-half mile bike loop.
Walk down Commercial Street. Many shops and galleries line the street in either side. Usually very crowded in the summer.
Provincetown Whales (PTownWhales), [28]. 100% DIY whale watches for up to 3 people. Whales in their own environment, on their own terms, without disrupting them or the seascape. edit
Herring Cove, Cape Cod National Seashore, Off Route 6. Lifeguards, rest rooms, changing facilities, food, handicapped accessible. Usually calmer waters than Race Point.
Long Point or "Breakwater" (Provincetown Harbor), By some it's called "the end of the earth". An 1827 lighthouse graces the very tip of the Cape. Beware poison ivy.
Race Point Beach, Cape Cod National Seashore, Off Route 6. Lifeguards, rest rooms, changing facilities. This is a nice, wide beach. The surf can be rough at times.
Town Beaches. The stretch of sand on the bay side is all public beach, but it's not as nice as the beaches above.
A bike trail starts at Bradford Street in the West End and loops through the dunes to Race Point in the National Seashore. The trail is well maintained and marked. About 6 miles.
Birdie Silkscreen Studio, 355 Commercial St. (Across from the Town Library), ☎ +1 508 487 3338, [35]. A unique clothing store. All of Birdie's art is specifically designed with images of Provincetown and Cape Cod. One of the fun aspects of shopping at Birdie's is that you can watch her print while you shop - but don't ask her more than three questions, or she'll put you to work folding tee-shirts!edit
Luchima, 289 Commercial St., +1 508-487-1147, [36]]. Provincetown's best spot to shop! - An incredibly eclectic mix of products and now featuring the Doug Marr Gallery.
Toys of Eros, 200 Commercial St., +1 508-487-0056, [37]]. Provincetown's premier sex boutique - all persuasions! Apparel, books, toys, safer-sex accouterments and current and classic DVDs.
Wild Hearts, 244 Commercial St., +1 487-8933, [38] is a women's space. It also ranks among the nation's most respected purveyors of lesbian erotica.
Shui Spa, 82 Bradford Street, ☎ 508-487-3583, [39]. Award Winning Provincetown spa located at the historic Crowne Pointe Inn. Massages, body treatments, skin care, nail salon, facials, body treatments, energy treatments & spa cuisine available 7 days a week all year round.edit
Shop Therapy, 346 Commercial St., +1 508-487-1310, manufactures, imports, wholesales and retails goods for alternative lifestyles including hippie clothing and children’s tie dye clothing.</buy>
Big Daddy’s Burritos, 205 Commercial St, +1 508-487-4432, offers food for both meat-lovers and vegetarians. Meats, salsas, beans, rice, and sauces are prepared with fresh ingredients.
The Lobster Pot Restaurant, 321 Commercial Street, ☎ (508) 487-0842, [42]. Open 7 days for Lunch & Dinner. Famous for fresh seafood, lobster, Portuguese specialties and more. Two dining rooms overlooking Provincetown harbor and a cocktail area for drinks and appetizers.edit
Bistro at Crowne Pointe, 82 Bradford Street, +1 508-487-6767, [43]. Set in a historic mansion on a bluff overlooking Provincetown. Unrushed award winning dining, free parking, stellar wine list.
Ciro & Sal's Northern Italian Restaurant, 4 Kiley Ct. (behind 430 Commercial), +1 508-487-6444, [44]. Great choice.
Edwige at Night, 333 Commercial St., +1 508-487-4020. Innovative dinner menu and great ginger-infused martinis. Note that this is a different restaurant during the day.
Enzo, 186 Commercial St., +1 508-487-7555, enzo@enzolives.com, [45]. Italian indoors and out.
Front Street Restaurant, 230 Commercial St., +1 508-487-9715, Fax 508-487-7748, [46]. Long time favorite for Italian. Good choice for wine lovers.
Mews Restaurant, 429 Commercial St., +1 508-487-1500, Fax +1 508-487-1461, [47]. Harborfront dining with 211 vodka selections from 29 countries? All one can say is, "Wow!". Good Food as well. Casual upstairs.
Napi's Restaurant, 7 Freeman St., +1 508-487-1145, info@napis-restaurant.com, [48]. In the provincetown spirit, with lots of art, lots of funk and great food.
Patio American Grill and Blue Bar, 328 Commercial St., +1 508-487-4003, Fax +1 508-487-4043, [49]. Quintessential P-town experience. People-watch, fun, great food, cocktails, good music and very friendly.
The Red Inn Waterfront, 15 Commercial St., +1 508-487-7334, +1 866-473-3466, Fax +1 508-487-5115, [50]. Harborfront. The real deal.
Connie's Bakery, 43 Race Point Road, +1 508-487-2167. [51] Connie makes the to-die-for pies, cakes and other sweets; Richie makes the wonderful Italian country loaves. Sandwiches and coffee, too. In season only.
Provincetown Portuguese Bakery, 299 Commercial St., +1 508-487-1803. Mar-Oct Breakfast and lunch all day. Until 11PM in summer. Try the malassadas, or the rich trutas. $10 to $16.
Wave Video Bar, 247 Commercial Street, +1 508-487-1430. Provincetown's only video/sports bar. [55]
Shipwreck Lounge, 67 Bradford Street, ☎ 508-487-9005, [56]. 6 PM - Close. An upscale bar located at the Brass Key Guesthouse featuring an outdoor patio with lounge seating, beautiful fountain, stunning gas fire pit and delicious cocktails. Conveniently located in the center of Provincetown. Ample parking available at the adjacent municipal parking lot.edit
The Boatslip Resort Hotel, 161 Commercial Street, +1 508-487-1669 Toll Free 877-PTOWNMA, [57]. A gay-friendly hotel.
Gabriel's at the Ashbrooke Inn, 102 Bradford St, ☎ (508) 487-3232, [58]. checkin: 3:00PM; checkout: 11:00AM. 17 room luxury inn steps to the action of Commercial Street. Jacuzzis, fireplaces and made to order breakfast. Family and pet friendly.$100-$380. edit
Crowne Pointe Historic Inn & Spa, 82 Bradford St., +1 508-487-6767,[59]. Central location walk to everything, great spa, wonderful rooms. Cape Cod Life Magazine Editors Choice 2007. The Shui Spa is open to the public and offers great treatments, steam room, sauna, mineral soaking tub, 4,000 gallon exotic koi pond.
The Brass Key Guesthouse, 67 Bradford Street, ☎ (800) 842-9858, [60]. Everyone is welcome at Provincetown’s premier gay luxury resort. Nine historically restored buildings enclose the terraced courtyard with its infinity edge pool and in-ground spa. Experience extraordinary lodgings, a gracious staff, full-service bar, on-site spa treatments, and our private rooftop ocean-view deck. The perfect place to relax, rejuvenate and make new friends; A short walk to the nightlife, museums, restaurants, shops, art galleries and bars of Provincetown.$130 - $679. edit
Carriage House Provincetown, 7 Central Street, ☎ +1-508-487-8855, [61]. checkin: 2PM; checkout: 11AM. A blend of space, amenities, privacy and location. 13 rooms all with private entrances in the center of Provincetown.$125-395. edit
Carpe Diem Guesthouse & Spa, 12 Johnson Street (info@carpediemguesthouse.com), ☎ 800-487-0132, [62]. Small luxurious Spa Resort featuring 19 rooms, gourmet breakfast, daily wine & cheese hour, 24 hour espresso coffee and tea station and numerous amenities to pamper you during your stay. Clothing optional Spa with Provincetown's largest Steam Room, Finnish Sauna and Hydrojet Spa Tub and Spa Deck. Full spa menu offering classic massages, scrubs & polishes, energy work and Thai Massage. 508-487-4242$95 - $445. edit
Christophers by the Bay Bed & Breakfast, 8 Johnson Street (info@christophersbythebay.com), ☎ 508-487-9263, [63]. checkin: 2PM; checkout: 11AM. Award winning bed & breakfast close to galleries, shopping, dining and nightlife. Ten guest rooms, both private and shared bath available. An inviting common room, sumptuous continental breakfast and a relaxing sunny back patio. edit
Dexter's Inn (Dexter's Inn), 6 Conwell Street, Provincetown, ☎ 1.508.487.1911, [64]. Located in the heart of downtown Provincetown, just a short walk to Commercial Street, shops, restaurants, art galleries, and clubs, newly renovated.edit
Land's End Inn, 22 Commercial Street, ☎ 508-487-0706, [65]. Panoramic ocean views and luxury accommodations located high atop a hill in Provincetown's West End. Provincetown's most luxurious guest rooms.edit
Places Men Stay, 97 Bradford St., +1 508-487-6636 or 1-877-697-6636,[67] Located only 1/2 block from the major dance club, the A-house, The only official clothing optional back deck and hot tub in Ptown.
Provincetown Inn and Resort, 1 Commercial St., +1 508-487-9500 (Fax: +1 508-487-2911). [68].
Revere Guest House, 14 Court Street, ☎ +1-508-487-2292, [69]. checkout: 11 AM. A restored nineteenth century colonial house furnished with antiques and modern amenities.edit
Romeo's Holiday Inn & Spa, 97 Bradford St., +1 508-487-6636 or 1-877-697-6636,[70]. Central location walk to everything, On site massage therapist, Unique rooms.
The Sandpiper Beach House, 165 Commercial Street, [71]. Waterside residence available to rent by the week.
Surfside Hotel and Suites, 543 Commercial Street, Provincetown, Massachusetts 02657, +1 800-421-1726, 508-487-1726 (Fax: +1 508-487-6556), [72]
White Porch Inn, 7 Johnson Street, ☎ +1-508-364-2549, [73]. checkin: 2PM; checkout: 11 AM. The new boutique contemporary B&B in Provincetown.edit
The Chicago House, 6 Winslow Street (Bradford St. to Winslow St.), ☎ (508) 487-0537, [74]. checkin: 2 pm; checkout: 11 am. We are located in the center of town. Just steps from Commercial Street. We have FREE parking, WiFi, continental breakfast, an outdoor 5 person jacuzzi, FREE bikes to borrow and we are one of the least expensive houses in Provincetown!60-195. edit
Beaconlight Guest House, 12 WINTHROP STREET, ☎ 800-696-9603, [75]. checkin: 3pm; checkout: 11am. Award winning guest house on a quiet cross street from Commercial St. Featuring 14 rooms with private baths, well appointed and uniquely decorated. 3 levels of outdoor decks including the largest roof top sundeck in town with panoramic views. outdoor hot tub, ac, free wireless, non smoking. expanded gourmet continental breakfast. Delicious coffee and espresso available. 90-440. edit
Crew's Quarters, 198 Commercial, ☎ 508-487-5900, [76]. Right in the heart of town. New guesthouse with great energy for those who want to experience the best Ptown has to offer.~$125/nt. edit
Victoria House, 5 Standish Street, ☎ 508-487-4455, [77]. checkin: 2:00pm; checkout: 11:00am. 1 block from MacMillan Pier, central to everything. affordable, clean, spotless accommodations with continental breakfast. private and shared bathrooms, A/C, WiFi, and more. $99-$199. edit
Heritage House (Heritage House), 7 Center Street, ☎ 508-487-3692, [78]. A lovely four-room B&B located close to everything in the center of town. delicious breakfast, on-site parking.$165. edit
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