Provincetown

Travel Guide

Provincetown featuring a house and general coastal views
Provincetown
Provincetown which includes a sandy beach and a sunset
Provincetown featuring street scenes and shopping
Provincetown showing a house

With its historical connections to the Pilgrims, its stunning scenery and liberal mindset, this seaside town is one of the liveliest destinations on the Cape.

Provincetown attracts many visitors year after year to lounge on sandy beaches, discover intriguing historical ties and experience exciting nightlife. Go whale watching off the coast, learn about the arrival of the Pilgrims and experience the lively LGBT scene.

Remember your primary school history lesson: Pilgrims sailing on the Mayflower ship arrived in Provincetown’s harbour in November 1620. The vessel’s passengers created the Mayflower Compact setting out the laws of the land. This later became a primary inspiration for the United States Constitution. More recently, Provincetown has developed a reputation as a popular LGBT destination.

Visitors to Provincetown often arrive at MacMillan Pier from nearby Boston. Purchase art or visit the pier’s museum and take a boat ride out to see more of the ocean and its creatures.

Provincetown delivers sun, sea and sand. Stop at Herring Cove Beach, where pleasant water temperatures and wide sandy shores make it popular among swimmers. Spot whales and seals swimming offshore or follow the beachside bike trail. Race Point is another popular beach in Provincetown. Here, enjoy sunbathing and building sandcastles. Avoid swimming since the undertow can be quite dangerous. 

Be sure to see the Pilgrim Monument, one of the most eye-catching sights in Provincetown. Standing 252 feet (77 metres) tall, it is possibly the highest granite construction in the entire country. As its name suggests, this tower was built to honour the Provincetown pilgrims for their pivotal role in American history.

Walk along Commercial Street, Provincetown’s main shopping area, to find everything from jewellery to art stores. Choose from many quirky independent establishments take the time to explore a few. Provincetown is also noted for its LGBT-friendly lifestyle and hosts many events for this community.

Provincetown has its own municipal airport that receives flights from Boston Logan International Airport, which is about a 2-hour drive away. Visit during the summer and you can use the Shuttle, a seasonal bus service that carries visitors around town.

The Provincetown Inn
The Provincetown Inn
3 out of 5
1 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA
The price is S$497 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
S$497
9 Jul - 10 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Provincetown. Enjoy an outdoor pool, 3 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"We usually stay at the Harbor hotel, but we tried this place and loved it.The food was great.The pool was great.The beach was great.We will definitely be back."

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 2025

The Provincetown Inn
Cape Colony Inn
Cape Colony Inn
2.5 out of 5
280 Bradford Street, Provincetown, MA
The price is S$365 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
S$365
9 Jul - 10 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Provincetown. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Nicely renovated room with a spacious and well designed layout."

Reviewed on 1 Jul, 2025

Cape Colony Inn
Sandcastle Resort and Club
Sandcastle Resort and Club
3 out of 5
929 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA
The price is S$432 per night from 10 Jul to 11 Jul
S$432
10 Jul - 11 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Provincetown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,041 reviews)
"Ocean view rooms are our favorite. It’s our 3rd time staying here and it won’t be our last. Hope to return in October!"

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 2025

Sandcastle Resort and Club
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sandcastle Resort and Club
Sandcastle Resort and Club
3 out of 5
929 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Provincetown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,041 reviews)
"Ocean view rooms are our favorite. It’s our 3rd time staying here and it won’t be our last. Hope to return in October!"

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 2025

Sandcastle Resort and Club
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Provincetown

4.8
Top destination
5 - Excellent
10
5 - Excellent 83%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 17%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Anne

Very welcoming community and very LGBT friendly

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

An amazing town with quirky old time shops and restaurants and a great lively feel to the town

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great place to

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Easy walking, very friendly

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Lovely small town but has been taken over a bit by Cabaret and drag artists.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

very friendly and it felt safe there