Dozen Distinctive Destinations
Provincetown, Massachusetts
Year Listed: 2010
Hugging a sheltered harbor and surrounded by the dunes and beaches of the Cape Cod National Seashore, this New England seaport town boasts a rich history, including the site of the 1620 signing of the Mayflower Compact. For over a century, notable artists and literary giants, including Tennessee Williams, Norman Mailer and Charles Hawthorne, have called "P-town" home, and Friday night gallery walks are still a village staple. Commercial Street bustles with pedestrians, who can rent bikes or hop on a pedi-cab to explore the farmers market, shops and museums – most located in adaptively-reused historic buildings. While it has long been a favorite destination for LGBT travelers, Provincetown has something for everyone – and knows how to make every visitor feel welcome.
Art and Architecture
As the home of the nation's oldest art colony and the birthplace of the American playwriting movement, Provincetown boasts an incredible cultural past, present and future. Galleries, museums and theaters dot the village and are housed in historic architectural treasures. The over 1500 property National Register district includes residential neighborhoods, downtown and the waterfront village, and multimillion dollar restorations of selected public buildings are currently underway.
Coastal Living
With the beach making up seventy-five percent of the town, it is no wonder that Provincetown has long been influenced by the sea. Whale and dolphin watching are popular activities for locals and visitors alike, and maritime-themed festivals draw large crowds annually: the Portuguese Blessing of the Fleet and the Great Provincetown Schooner Regatta are among local favorites.
Don't Miss:
To plan your visit and learn more about Provincetown, visit the Provincetown Historical Commission.
