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.
Now it's your turn! Share your experiences or impressions of this Distinctive Destination: Unique restaurants, sights, family-friendly activities, hang outs, art galleries... tell visitors what they shouldn't miss!
Submitted by carol at: March 1, 2010
Provincetown is a magical destination. We love to rent a beach house on the bay in Truro and bike to P'town every day. It's our favorite summer destination. The people. The arts. The shopping. We love everything about it! Particularly the restaurants: Lobster Pot, Gutsy Benders, and so many others - yum!
Submitted by sjoyner5 at: February 25, 2010
Just great!
Submitted by lllz at: February 21, 2010
great place to visit and live!
Submitted by Nora at: February 20, 2010
This town and it's history has made my son a very happy man!
Submitted by Cyclist at: February 19, 2010
Great bicycle riding here in Ptown. Check out the paved bicycle trails through the dunes or ride your road bike on the roads. Gale Force Bikes is located near the entrance to the bike trails. You can rent a nice hybrid for about $20 for the day.
Submitted by Jake's Mom at: February 17, 2010
My Lab Jake gives Ptown "two paws up" for all the dog friendly shops in town and the wonderful beaches of the CC National Seashore where he gets to swim in the ocean and chill under a beach umbrella.
Submitted by Avis at: February 15, 2010
I was born and raised here.....never wanted to be anywhere else, which I guess says everything. I have worked in "everybody's favorite store" (Marine Specialties) for 12 years......which, in itself, is well worth the visit to Provincetown and the VOTE!
Submitted by Laura at: February 10, 2010
Ptown is the most magical place in the world!
Submitted by juya at: February 7, 2010
when you come up over the last hill in Truro, and the dunes roll out to your right over east harbor like the soft curves of a woman, and the bay, like a dazzling blue shimmering light,dances to your left, you know you are almost home.
Submitted by shore lover at: February 6, 2010
Peace and quiet or Party, Provincetown is the place!
Submitted by PHHV at: February 6, 2010
One of the most unique and beautiful places ever. Freedom and diversity equal the natural beauty and quality the people. It is beautiful year round.
Submitted by Claire Levick at: February 5, 2010
Great place.
Submitted by pjay at: February 5, 2010
There's something very magical about standing on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and knowing it's also lapping the shores of Spain & Portugal. The feeling of infinity at our very doorstep.
Submitted by Vinnie at: February 5, 2010
As a Labradoodle, I can say It's the BEST for dogs of all sorts! I especially like sitting outside fo Wired Puppy with my humans who love the lattes while I get dog cookies.
Submitted by eclectic at: February 4, 2010
summers here are ..... anything goes!!!!
Submitted by peace and quiet at: February 4, 2010
the winters are so peaceful!!
Submitted by artlover at: February 4, 2010
any genre of art you could imagine!
Submitted by whale watcher at: February 4, 2010
easy trip to Stellwagen Bank!
Submitted by fishing at: February 4, 2010
great fishing
Submitted by east ender at: February 4, 2010
the galleries!