A Complete Guide To Provincetown, Massachusetts (Updated 2026)

Hidden paths that lead to pristine beaches, an unexpectedly superb art scene, quaint bed and breakfasts, and a truly independent and unique culture make Provincetown a must-visit in Massachusetts. Located on the tip of Cape Cod you will find the one-of-a-kind Provincetown. Read on to discover Ptown!

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About Provincetown

Provincetown, also known as P-Town, is located on the tip of Massachusetts and Cape Cod. The beach destination is a popular summer spot for people from all over Massachusetts, the United States, and now, the world. Provincetown is all about pride. The LGBTQ community flourishes in P Town. When you walk down Commercial Street you will notice rainbow flags and LGBTQ themed posters and art. Provincetown is also one of the oldest towns in the United States as it was founded in 1727.

The shark situation on the Cape and Islands have been crazy over the past few years. Avoid swimming during the early morning and dusk, alone, with shiny jewelry, and always listen to the locals. I am not trying to scare you but seriously don't go out too far when you are swimming, especially if you are in the outer cape. The good news is that, other then the shark situation, Provincetown is one of the safest towns in the country!

Provincetown Hotels

White Porch Inn - Hidden Inn In PTown

Quintessential bed and breakfast set in downtown. Like many other New England Inns, The White Porch looks and feels like you are stay at a home. Each room is beautifully appointed with nautical themes throughout and unique from each other. A delectable breakfast is served daily.

Provincetown Inn - Family Hotel In Provincetown

The Provincetown Inn is the closest you will come to a run of the mill hotel in PTown. Set within walking distance of town and next to the beach, each room has a nautical theme and is quite basic. This is a great hotel for families looking to keep it simple with easy beach access and a pool.

The Provincetown Hotel at Gabriel's - Year Round Boutique Inn

This charming inn was built in the early 1800s as a single family home and fully embodies the historic side of PTown with colonial style architecture, wood floors, and multi-pane windows. The rooms are all quaint, cozy, and unique from one another - some have working fireplaces and are pet friendly. It is also open year round!

Read Next - 22 Best Hotels On Cape Cod

What To Do In Provincetown

Commercial Street

Provincetown's main street is Commercial Street. The bustling street is full of art galleries, electrical shops, cool health cafes, laid back seafood restaurants, and the occasional street performer. Make sure you stop at some of the local art galleries (my favorite is the Bowersock Fine Fine Art Gallery), Provincetown has so many amazing artists!

Some of the best shops on Commercial Street include Shop Therapy, Botanica, Century, and Ball Beachwear.

Make sure to wander down side streets because you can find some real hidden gems.

The Lobster Pot

Set on Commercial Street, The Lobster Pot is a staple in Provincetown. You can't miss the bright red sign that looks like it's straight out of an 80s coming of age movie. Think lobster, clams, oysters, steamers, calamari, shrimp made in New England fashion.

Provincetown Beaches

Provincetown has some of the best beaches on the east coast - think golden sand and clear, seaweed free water. There are a few beaches you can choose from in Provincetown (Herring Cove Beach, Race Point Beach, Long Point Beach, PTown Harbor Beach, Boy Beach, and Dog Beach.)

PTown Harbor Beach is right next to commercial Street so it is safe to say that it is the most convenient. Dog beach is next to PTown Harbor Beach and it is ment for dogs, so of course I spend some time there as well.

My favorite beach in Provincetown is Long Point Beach. Long Point is a quick drive from Commercial Street and is spacious and beautiful. Make sure to stop by the Long Point Light Station (the lighthouse) for photos!

Herring Cove Beach is located just west of the Provincetown downtown area - secluded and peaceful.

Race Point Beach is located on the outer cape. While Race point is incredibly beautiful and clean I would avoid swimming here. There are frequent shark sightings and strong currents at Race Point Beach. It is not a beach you go to all day with kids - it is better for long beach walks and picnics.

Boy Beach is the smallest beach in Provincetown. Boy Beach isn't a beach that you would go swimming at because it has marsh and is kind of swampy. It is however beautiful and worth exploring.

Dog Beach is just what it is called - a dog beach. If you are travelling with a pup or miss your dogs at home and want to see some dogs head over to Dog Beach! It's located just beyond Commercial Street.

Visit The Art Galleries

Provincetown has so many amazing art galleries! I would say that about 1/3 of the shops on downtown Provincetown are art galleries. One thing I thought was really cool while I was in PTown was seeing all of the artist at work in their galleries while people just popped in. Some of my favorite include the Cortile Gallery, The Bowersock Fine Fine Art Gallery, The Rice Polak Gallery, and The Thanassi Art Gallery.

Walk The Dune Shacks Trail

If you love the outdoors you will enjoy the Dune Shacks Trail. The Dune Shacks Trail is a two mile walk out and back in the sand dunes of Provincetown. You are basically just walking to the ocean and back. Perfect if you want a secluded beach day or just want to get outside.

For updates on the Dune Shacks Trail read here.

Old Harbor Life-Saving Station Museum

Located on Race Point Beach you will find the Old Harbor Life-Saving Station Museum. The Old Harbor Life-Saving Station Museum was built in 1897 and was used to house coast guards and had watchtowers to spot any ships in distress. You can learn all about what this ment at the Old Harbor Life-Saving Station Museum.

Explore More of The Cape and Islands

There are so many amazing things to see and do in the rest of The Cape and Islands. The best part is that you can easily see other parts of The Cape in a day trip from Provincetown. Some lovely places on the Cape that are easy to get to from Provincetown include Wellfleet, Orleans, Harwich, Chatham, and Brewster.

Related Article -15 Places To Visit In Massachusetts

When To Visit Provincetown

Provincetown is a summer destination. In the winter, while the coastal landscape is still beautiful, most of the shops and restaurants are closed for the season. New England doesn't have much of a spring so I would visit PTown between June and September! The fall is stunning, but shops and restaurants start to close in mid October on the Cape, sometimes they will reopen for the holidays.

How To Get To Provincetown

There are three ways to get to Provincetown - by car, by bus, or by boat.

In terms of getting to Massachusetts fly into Boston Logan International Airport. From Logan, Provincetown is about a 2.5 hour drive. Renting a car is the easiest way to get to and around The Cape for your trip.

Take a bus to Provincetown is the most affordable option. Peter Pan Bus Lines is great.

You can take the ferry from Boston to Provincetown also well. This is perfect if you are doing a day trip to Provincetown from Boston.

Where to Dine In Provincetown

Coffee & Breakfast In Provincetown

Post Office Cafe & Cabaret - The Post Office Cafe & Cabaret serves everything coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks. The indoor/outdoor cafe serves the best New England breakfast in Provincetown. The Post Office Cafe is also a great place to go out as there is live music in the evenings.

Joe Coffee and Cafe - Joe Coffee and Cafe is more of a traditional cafe. Serving up amazing coffee, smoothies, and grab and go food items, Joe's Coffee is a staple in PTown.

Mama Matcha Green Bar - More of a new generational cafe. With heath food, amazing coffee, and a style Mama Matcha Green Bar is lovely.

Lunch & Dinner In Provincetown

The Canteen - The Canteen is a cute and casual restaurant situated on Commercial Street with ocean views.

Rosie's Cantina - Mexican restaurant that serves delicious and affordable food!

The Grilled Cheese Gallery Provincetown - Unique grilled cheese joint set on commercial street.

Ocean 193 - Luxury seafood restaurant set on the water.

Best Provincetown Tours

Provincetown & Cape Cod High Speed Ferry to/from Boston - Provincetown is definitely a doable day trip from Boston. The best way to do a day trip to Provincetown is by to the ferry from Boston in the morning and then back again at night. The journey from Boston to Ptown only takes 90 minutes.

The Anne Hutchinson Tour of Provincetown - Experience Provincetown through the eyes of the 17th century feminist, Anne Hutchinson on this tour.

Mayflower Trolley Tour - This highly rated Mayflower Trolly Tour is a lovely way to see all of Provincetown. If you are of older age or are not comfortable walking then this is perfect for you!

Whale Watching Tour - While I never did this tour, I understand why it is ranked among the very best tours on the Cape! Seeing the whales from the outer Cape is honestly so amazing (I've been out that way fishing a few times) so this tour is definitely worth your time.

National Seashore Dune Tour - The sand dunes along the Capes National seashore are so amazing, you feel like you are on Mars or something. This tour is great if you are looking to experience the best of the National Seashore with a local guide.

A Complete Guide To Provincetown Wrap Up

Provincetown is truly a Massachusetts gem. It needs more recognition! I hope that this complete guide to Provincetown, Massachusetts helps you plan the perfect New England summer escape. If you liked this post all about a complete guide to Provincetown, checkout our Complete Guide To Nantucket, 5 of the Best Towns To Visit on Cape Cod, and my Locals Guide To Boston, Massachusetts.