Provincetown, Massachusetts is truly one-of-a-kind destination that you have to experience for yourself – an amazing place to visit at any time of year. Affectionately known as “P-Town,” Provincetown is located at the very end of Cape Cod, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. Here you’ll find beautiful beaches, amazing food, unique art, and fascinating history. No matter what you value in a vacation spot, P-Town has it, and its history of inclusivity makes it an especially perfect Pride destination.
Getting There
There are many ways to get to Provincetown. You can drive – from Boston, it will take a little over 2 hours along I-93, Route 3, and Route 6. If you prefer a more scenic route, you can hop on Route 6A after the Sagamore Bridge and drive along the historic Old King’s Highway. The road is one of Massachusetts’ National Scenic Byways and cuts right through one of the largest contiguous historic districts in the country. You’ll pass historic homes, windmills, town centers, antique shops, and the beautiful Cape Cod National Seashore.
From Boston, you could also take a ferry. There are 2 ferry companies operating out of Boston’s Seaport district that run 7 days a week between May and October, and on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout the winter. The trip takes about 90 minutes. You can also take a 90-minute ferry from Plymouth.
Cape Air and Jet Blue also offer flights from Boston and New York to Provincetown seasonally. The airport is about a fifteen-minute drive from downtown Provincetown.
Where to Stay
If you’ve always wanted to stay at a classic New England bed & breakfast, P-Town is for you. There are over 80 B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses throughout town, full of both history and luxury – not to mention the world-class hotel and motel options in town. There’s even a campground on the sand dunes if you’ve always dreamt about sleeping on the beach.
Things to Do
Provincetown’s relationship with the arts is one of many things that makes it very special. The whole town has been designated cultural district by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a reflection of not only how much art there is in Provincetown, but also the important role the arts play in the town’s identity. As America’s oldest continually-operating art colony, you’ll find art around every corner. Many working artists call Provincetown home, and you can support their work in the area’s many museums and galleries around Bradford Street and Commercial Street. On Fridays between May and October, many galleries stay open late for evening strolls – well-attended community nights where you can mingle with the artists themselves.
Provincetown is also a great place for outdoor lovers. There are dozens of easy-to-challenging multi-use trails throughout P-Town, exploring the Cape Cod National Seashore, sand dunes, and the Province Lands Forest. These trails provide a great way to birdwatch and experience the beautiful, more natural side of the Cape.
In the summer, Provincetown celebrates its maritime history with its famous Tall Ships – historic schooners that sail most afternoons and evenings to teach visitors onboard all about fishing and sailing.
If you’re a beach person, you won’t have to look far. Provincetown’s beaches are regularly called some of the best in the country. In particular, don’t miss Herring Cove Beach and Race Point Beach – both part of the Cape Cod National Seashore.
Pride
P-Town is probably best-known as one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations in the country – a place with strong ties to LGBTQ+ culture where all are free to be themselves. The area thrives on self-expression.
Outside of Pride month, don’t miss Provincetown Carnival each August – a weeklong party all about creativity and free expression. Each October, Provincetown celebrates Trans Week and Women’s Week. And in December, don’t miss Holly Folly, an LGBTQ+ holiday celebration.
No matter your identity, you can find fun, safety, and acceptance in P-Town.
