Things to do

20 Exciting Things To Do In Provincetown, Massachusetts

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P-Town or Provincetown is a town on the tip of Cape Cod. This place is famous due to its beautiful look, its light, and as the oldest art colony in America.

It is a typical small town where most locations are reachable by foot. Some suggest walking and taking taxis to avoid the use of a car.

There are interesting shops, bookstores, and art galleries on Commercial Street, while Race Point Beach and Herring Cove will guarantee a pleasant time. Here are some more things to do in Provincetown:

1. Visit The Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum

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The first pilgrims landed in Provincetown before setting up camp in Plymouth and this tall monument is because of that. You really cannot miss this attraction as it dominates the town.

You'll get a good view up the tower. This over 250-foot campanile is the tallest all-granite structure in the United States.

You could purchase tickets at $20 per adult; this included entry into the museum which has many exhibits and the history of Provincetown. It also includes climbing the tower, and an elevator that takes you down to the streets to the shops.

2. Walk Around The Race Point Beach

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A peaceful and one of the popular Provincetown attractions that gets you away from the hustle and bustle of commercial streets. There are beautiful dunes and greenery along the way.

The place also attracts people to watch sunsets. The sandy beach here is more pleasant for walking barefoot and you get to experience the sea life and see lots of birds.

One way to enjoy this place to the fullest is to go with a 4x4 vehicle. Check the NPS race point website before going. They have a list of requirements one should follow before getting through with the vehicle. You can try the weekly access passes from the website between April to November.

3. Explore The Commercial Street

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From shopping to outstanding eating, this area just makes your trip and keeps you smiling. The streets offer lots of fun but be prepared to walk.

There is a big lot with paid parking as free spots are scarce. The florals, buildings, and architecture are perfect for a photo opportunity and everything is located right next to the water.

The nightlife here is a top attraction. The atmosphere is nothing like the harbor just one block away. If you are wondering what to do in Provincetown, explore these streets and try shopping, drinking, eating, or just walking.

4. Check Out The Provincetown Library

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Even if you do not want to check out books and films, you should not miss a tour of this building. Originally a church, then a museum, it houses the large replica of the Rose Dorothea racing ship.

It is accompanied by videos about the race, the build, and the rigging. There is a children's area next to the ship with lots of books and a play area.

They offer free wifi, use of computers, and public restrooms. Cardholders can check out passes for a couple of the town museums. The library also hosts year-round movie nights, speakers, and local artists on their website.

5. Take A Ferry To Boston From MacMillan Pier

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The pier is a great place to view Provincetown from a different vantage point. A lot of the tours leave from here and the water views are beautiful.

As you head down the pier, the right side is lined with shops full of local art. Further down are the kiosks that serve as the offices for whale watching, fishing charters, and other attractions.

Most people find walking here a nice way to kill time while waiting for a table at the Lobster Pot. At the end of the pier are the ferry launches to Boston. You might want to check out these free things to do in Boston if you decide to take the ferry and visit the city.

6. Dine In At The Lobster Pot

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The Lobster Pot ensures great ambiance and food for its customers. It is a must-visit for anyone craving flavorful seafood and great hospitality.

If you are here for lunch, try their "award-winning" clam chowder and lobster ravioli. Besides, the lobster roll, seafood orecchiette, Cioppino, and lobster primavera are also worth a try.

You do not need a reservation but since the restaurant is quite popular, you might have to wait. It is hard to try other places when you find such a good spot. Prices are reasonable, the wait time is decent, and portions are generous. To top it off, the view of the water adds to the dining experience.

7. Attend The Polar Bear Plunge Event

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Polar Bear Plunge is an interesting activity that happens in Provincetown every first of January. The event brings together people to charge into the cold waters of the Provincetown Harbor.

This is a fun and chilly way to celebrate the mark of a new year. The plunge is more than a dip in the icy water. People enjoy music, collect clothes, and support a good cause.

The event raises money and donates it to charities like the Center for Coastal Studies. This is a unique way to celebrate and if you are in the town around winter then, enjoy and be a part of the cause.

8. See Sunset From Herring Cove Beach

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The best beach in Provincetown with beautiful sand and a stunning view. Parking is free in the evening and you can sit, relax, and watch the sunset.

The beach is large and has many colored rocks and some shells. Wear some kind of footwear if you like long walks. You can also set a picnic or watch birds, boats, ferries, and sometimes seals.

You can drive to this beach and all the amenities are there in season. Lots of parking, bathrooms, changing rooms, food, picnic tables, and entrance to bike paths, make the beach a go-to spot for locals as well as tourists.

9. Go On Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch

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The whale watch does not disappoint. You get to see fin whales, and humpback whales on this trip.

When a whale is spotted every person on board shifts from one direction to another. To make this easy, stand at the back of the second deck and you will not have difficulty when needing to shift side to side.

The naturalist traveling along shares valuable information about the whales and keep you entertained. Fly fishing charters are also fun especially if you have not gone whale watching before, making it one of the best things to do in Provincetown MA.

10. Drive To The Race Point Lighthouse

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The Race Point Lighthouse can be accessed only by a vehicle with 4WD and an off-road permit from the Race Point ORV office. Take the tour once it is offered.

Or else, you can visit the NPS Race Pont website and read what you need to be able to get to the lighthouse. Oversand driving is one of the best activities here.

However, you cannot reach it only by driving. You have to walk for a while. It is a beautiful hike, largely across the marsh to the lighthouse and beach. After you get done walking, the result is a stunning panorama of the ocean, the beach, and the beautiful nature we don't get to see every day.

11. Take The Art's Dune Tour

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You can walk into this area from certain parts of the National Seashore. However, if you are pressed for time or are quite hardy enough to hike through sand, this tour is for you.

A knowledgeable guide travels along and discusses the history of the dunes and dune shacks. This keeps the tour fun and informative. The vehicles are comfortable, but if you have any mobility issues it is best to warn them.

The park itself is quite spectacular and expansive and you might get to see seals in the ocean. Moreover, you get a couple of photo ops along the way.

12. Try The Mayflower Trolley Tour

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Learn about the rich history of the town and see some beautiful landscapes with the Mayflower Trolley tour. It is a 45-minute sightseeing experience.

You will visit several landmarks including Commercial Streets, Herring Cove Beach, and the Province lands. The tour is led by a knowledgeable guide and it operates from May to October daily.

If you have missed the chance for this year, you can plan an event with them. The company provides transportation for weddings, corporate outings, school events, birthday outings, reunions, and more. Book a group charter and events and see their pricing at theĀ Mayflower Trolley website.

13. Explore The Province Lands Bike Trail

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Rent a bike from the Provincetown Bike Rentals and move on with the bike ride. The scenery is an amazing blend of dunes beaches, and woods.

Two hours is just enough time on this bike trail like no other. The trail is fully paved, with rolling hills and some pretty steep roads. It can be a nice workout on the road bikes but e-bikes make the ride fun and easy.

You can stop at various places along the beach for a quick dip or some open air. There are a couple of road crossings as well but for the most part, you do not have to worry about traffic.

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The Cortile Gallery is one of the best galleries in Provincetown Massachusetts. Located at Commerical Street they have a lovely mix of work from local and North Eastern artists.

The depth of their offering is something amazing. There is all original artwork, sculptures, and a fresh take on Cape Cod. You will also see different forms of art from oil and acrylic paintings to metalworks, and encapsulated glass works.

All are fairly priced which is why if you want something original from Provincetown, this is your place. The gallery also has a working Painters' Workshop nearly two blocks away where you can meet many artists.

15. Book A Private Charter With Moment Sailing Adventures

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Try something different besides visiting the regular landmarks and get a taste of sailing life on this brief tour. This is one of the popular outer Cape Cod deluxe private day sailing charters.

The company offers two, four, and six-hour sails for a group of up to six guests. One of their most popular options is the two-hour sailing charter. You can celebrate your special occasions uniquely and unforgettably.

From start to finish, your experience will be exhilarating, safe, friendly, and picturesque. The Moment can be a fundamental part of Provincetown memories and it is highly recommended to include this in your Cape Cod Provincetown journey.

16. Stay At Crowne Pointe Historic Inn, Spa & Restaurant

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Crowne Pointe Inn instantly makes you feel comfortable and welcome. The room is spacious and clean and has a lovely porch.

Sitting on the comfortable chairs and overlooking the courtyard fountain creates a soothing environment. The wine and cheese hour has a nice selection of snacks and great wines as well as sparkling and still water. The breakfast is prepared when ordered and the muffins served are nice.

This is among the hotels in Provincetown with a good location, right in the middle of town but high up on a hill. There's the chance to have a good view and it doesn't feel like you are in the middle of busy streets.

17. Take A Stroll At The Cape Cod National Seashore

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This natural area is one of the prettiest regions of Massachusetts. It is rich in history and has beautiful beaches, great waves, and stunning dunes that make the Cape Cod National Seashore a must-see attraction.

The place is also ideal for biking and relaxing by the cape. You can park at Race Point Beach for free and bike the entire loop, stop at the visitor center, and relax at the beach.

It is a mile-long area, so you won't have any trouble finding a secluded spot. There are not many shells but lots of colorful stones and rocks on the beach. You may even spot some wildlife in the water. Here are some more things to do in Cape Cod.

18. Buy Gifts At Jules Besch Stationers

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Jules Besch Stationers is a magnificent stationery boutique. It's a gorgeous shop with writing paper, cards, sealing wax, bookends, and every other manner of thing that makes you want to pick up a pen and write a real letter to people.

Many of the items are produced by local Cape Cod artists. Moreover, the pricing is amazingly affordable. It is a quaint and sweet place that reminds you of the old days when people spent time connecting.

The property once used to be an old schoolhouse. The man who runs it today is extremely knowledgeable and loves sharing about the history of the store.

19. Catch A Show At The Provincetown Theater

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The theater is a great asset to the community. It is open year-round with plays, story slams, and other programs.

The production, including the lighting, sound, and set is pure perfection. The staging is done in a way that makes the small space seem large. You get to see many local artists upcoming and shining.

There is a lovely bar set up in the lobby, and no seating in the house is bad. Keep it alive and catch a show here as one of the generating Provincetown MA things to do. Finally, this is what community theater is all about.

20. Discover The Mary Heaton Vorse House

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This historic home was once the residence of Mary Heaton Vorse. She was a famous writer and activist of the twentieth century whose input was vital to her cause.

Today it serves as a venue where art and cultural events are held by the community. Visitors can also walk past the nicely manicured garden and listen to the history of the garden during the visit.

The house is a part of the Provincetown Arts Society, which is known to promote local art and culture. Although Provincetown MA has many attractions to keep people engaged, here are some things to do in Massachusetts, on your next visit.