Cape Cod Day Trips
Discover all there is to do in Provincetown
Fun Things to Do in Provincetown, MA
Provincetown is a notable vacation destination in Massachusetts that attracts travelers of all kinds from all over the world. If you are in Provincetown, you will probably be delighted to know that the destination offers a lot more than its beautiful landscapes. One of the things that set Provincetown apart from other towns on the Cape is its artsy side. The town has a history of attracting and nurturing some of the nation’s finest writers and artists. A walk down Commercial Street will reveal just how much art is appreciated in Provincetown. Below are some of the fun things you can do while in Provincetown.
Visit the Pilgrim Monument
The Pilgrim Monument commemorates the first landing of Mayflower in New England in 1620. Over the years, millions of people have scaled the heights
of the 252-feet attraction. You too can visit the monument to experience the magic of this non-profit institution that boasts of being the tallest all-granite structure in the United States.
Explore Nature by Bike at Province Lands Trail
The Province Lands Trail is a paved bike path that starts from Province Lands Visitor Center and stretches for 5.25 miles with extensions to Race Point Beach, Herring Cove Beach, and Bennett Pond. Riding a bike on the paved path will provide you a great opportunity to experience the dunes in Province Lands and the beautiful greenery of the Beech Forest.
Experience the Beauty of Commercial Street
Visitors to Provincetown have said that walking down Commercial Street is like walking through art. It is a surreal experience. The street has several restaurants, art galleries, bars, clothing stores, jewelry stores, salons, boutiques, coffee shops, and plenty of other establishments. There is something for everyone on this street. Many restaurants and coffee shops have outdoor seating so you can people watch and take in the scenery.
Treat Yourself to the Best Seafood in Provincetown
The best seafood in Provincetown is served by small restaurants that are basically small family businesses. Some of the establishments you should consider visiting include Governor Bradfords, Pepe’s Wharf, Mac’s Fish House, John’s Footlong, Lobster Pot, Jimmy’s Hideaway, and Victor’s Restaurant.
Watch Spell-Binding Sunsets at Race Point Beach
If you want to watch beautiful sunsets in Provincetown as seals play in the water in front of you, Race Point Beach is the place to be. The sunsets at race point beach are breathtaking. The seals come in plenty during the summer and their presence adds to the magic of the place. The presence of seals attracts great white sharks and this provides a great opportunity for whale watching in a relaxed beach environment.
Celebrate Art at Provincetown Art Association and Museum
The Provincetown Art Association and Museum (PAAM) has a long history dating as far back as 1914. Provincetown is known for its artistic side and the museum has played a significant role in contributing to the artistic legacy of Boston for more than a century. The museum showcases hundreds of art pieces from PAAM members. For every piece sold, 50% goes to the artist and the other half goes to supporting PAAM activities and causes.
Explore the Cape Cod National Seashore
The Cape Cod National Seashore is one of the most impressive stretches of ocean-side real estate open to the public in the United States. It stretches over 40 miles and it is a 43,500-acre showcase of beautiful beaches, woods, dunes, ponds, sand spits, salt marshes, kettle ponds, and historical structures. You can get around by car or by bicycle. The National Park Service has bike, daily and annual passes where proceeds go to support the National Parks. If you will be on the Cape for more than a few days and plan on going to any of the National Parks, the Annual pass is the best deal and is valid at ALL National Parks nationwide.
Take a Scenic Trip in Provincetown Ferry
If you are going to Provincetown from Boston, why take the road when there’s a fast ferry service provided by Bay State Cruise Co. from May to October? The Provincetown Ferry gives travelers an opportunity to relax with snacks and drinks while enjoying great views of Boston and Provincetown from the sea. The ferries make four trips a day - 7 days a week - during the season. The ferry is the fastest way to make the journey between Boston and Provincetown. The fast ferry service makes the journey in only 90 minutes.
Whale Watch with the Guidance of a Naturalist
The Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch is one of the top attractions of the Cape. A cruise on the ships to the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary will give you an opportunity to get up close with Minke, Finbank, and Humpback whales. You will take the voyage in the company of an experienced naturalist who
will be your guide and educator on all issues whales, marine life, and the Cape Cod National Seashore. Aside from the whales, other animals such as dolphins and sunfish will also pass by the ship. Don’t forget to bring your camera, binoculars, sunglasses, and sunblock. See their website for fares and schedules.
Go on an Enchanting Dune Tour
If you want to get some sand on your feet, a dune tour on Cape Cod is the perfect thing to do. Cape Cod has one of the most unique landscapes and dunes are a staple of the geography of the area. There are companies providing daily day-time dune tours while others provide sun-set dune tours. A tour will usually last for about one hour or longer and will take you through some of Cape Cod’s most scenic landscapes. One of the most popular companies offering dune tours on the Cape is Art’s Dune Tours. The business was founded in 1958 by a Cape Cod native named Art Costa and it is currently run by his son, Rob.
Enjoy the Views from Province Lands Visitor Center
Province Lands Visitor Center provides one of the best views of the region. On a clear day, from the observation deck, you will be able to see most of Provincetown including Race Point Beach, Pilgrim Monument, Race Point Ranger Station, the Old Harbor Life-Saving Station, Cape Ann, and several other landmarks. They also have an indoor theatre that rotates a few short films about the Cape. The facility is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm from May to October.
Swim at Herring Cove Beach
The calm waters at Herring Cove Beach make it one of the best beaches to swim at on Cape Cod. The sandy beach stretches for a mile within the Bay of Fundy National Park. Compared to other beaches such as Race Point Beach, it is relatively uncrowded even during the peak summer months. The beach has bathing facilities and about 500 parking spots.
Study at Provincetown Public Library
If you want a quiet space to study or get some work done, the Provincetown Public Library has you covered. The building that hosts the library was first
erected as a church in 1860. It was then converted to a museum before being converted to a library years later. You can also visit the library just to learn about the history of the building. It will be a fun educational experience. It also helps that the experience is free.
Sample Art on Friday Nights
During the summer, every Friday evening is an opportunity to sample artistic creations by the best creatives on the Cape. On Fridays, many of the art galleries stay open till 10 pm for people to walk in and out to see what is on offer. With more than 60 art galleries in Provincetown, your stroll on Friday night is definitely going to be amazing.
Take the Walk to Race Point Light House
Race Point Light House is one of the oldest landmarks on the Cape. It was first lighted in 1816. The optic is now maintained by the Coast Guard while the grounds and structures are maintained by the Cape Cod Chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation. You can access the property by foot or by driving there in an SUV. A hike will probably be more rewarding given the beautiful landscapes that line the route. They do not charge a fee to climb the tower. However, you can donate to support the property. The property is always open from 10 am to 2 pm on the first and third Saturdays of the month from June to mid-October.
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