21 Best Things To Do In Provincetown Right Now (Local Secrets Revealed)

As one of the most LGBTQ-friendliest town in the United States, Provincetown is an exciting town that’s filled with lots of fun things to do. It attracts members of the LGBTQ community, traveling from different parts of the country (and even world) to everything this lovely town has to offer. 

During different seasons of the year, the town hosts annual LGBTQ events and invites everyone to participate in such events.

It’s also worthwhile to note that many businesses cater to and are owned by LGBTQ-friendly folk.

Apart from that, P-town also gives you insight into the United States history, from the time the pilgrims landed on Cape Cod to the progressive LGBTQ movement. 

If you are visiting the town or perhaps recently purchased a home for sale in Provincetown, try out some of the things listed below:

1. Watch whales swimming in the ocean 

Don’t miss the chance to see whales in real-life!

Well, different types of whales are always spotted swimming close to Cape Cod. As a result, Provincetown is packed with lots of tour companies specializing in whale-watching expeditions. One of the most popular tour expedition companies is the Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch. 

It takes you on a tour that lasts for about three to four hours, so you might come across five to six whales. During this guided tour, you might see fin whales or humpback whales as they are feeding or diving.     

On top of that, the crew gives you more insight into marine life by explaining the behavior of whales and what they love. And once you come across a certain whale, the tour guide will tell you which type of whale it is.  

2. Shop at Commercial Street

The commercial street stretches for about 3 miles, and it’s packed with various shops and galleries that are quite intriguing. If you take a walk along this street, there are high chances that you might find something that captures your attention. 

Examples of such things include paintings, jewelry, and beautiful cutlery. The surrounding buildings are beautiful, with breathtaking architectural designs.

3. Embark on a sailing expedition 

If you want to explore the Atlantic Ocean and visit places with breathtaking views, you should embark on a sailing expedition. Well, the ocean can be quite calming and relaxing. 

Just imagine this for a moment: waves splashing into the ocean, the sound of winds blowing past your body, and clear blue skies. Well, this is an experience that can make you forget all your troubles.

Luckily, sailing charters have different vessels, so you’ll get the chance to choose the vessel that you want to sail in. 

For example, Moment Sailing Adventures takes you on a sailing expedition, using a vintage yacht. Besides that, the sailing charter offers a wide variety of sailing packages. Sails are categorized into different groups, depending on the time duration of the expedition. 

Alternatively, you can sail in a schooner if that is your most preferred sailing vessel. The Schooner Bay Lady II is an example of an agency that takes you on a sailing expedition, using a schooner.

4. Go fishing 

With a large coastline that stretches past multiple bays and harbors, Provincetown is quite popular for its fishing activities. 

Examples of areas with tons of fish include Long Point, Race Point, and Wood End.  

However, each area has different fish species, with the most common being tunas, pollocks, and bluefish. It’s also quite normal to come across a large tuna or bass that’s 40 pounds or 50 pounds. 

From deep sea fishing to shore fishing, Provincetown is the perfect destination for various fishing activities. For starters, fishing on the shoreline may be challenging, especially if you are not used to it. But, you can still have a lot of fun by trying out new techniques such as surfcasting. 

Moreover, this town is packed with multiple fishing charters that’ll guide you as you are fishing in the nearby waters. The Beth Ann Fishing Charters is a good example of a business that focuses on fishing and related activities. It offers various fishing packages, giving you a wide variety of fishing options. You can opt for bluefish fishing, tuna fishing, or blue-fin tuna fishing, based on your preference. 

Besides that, you’ll also choose the boat that you want to ride on. 

5. Spend the day at Herring Cove Beach

Popular due to its clear waters, Herring Cove Beach is one of the most aesthetic beaches in Provincetown. 

Once you get to the beach, you’ll be mesmerized by the beauty of lagoons and sand dunes. Such features always attract wildlife to the beach, bringing you closer to nature while you are having fun at the beach.

And as you swim in the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll spot different birds diving into the ocean. 

Unlike other beaches in the area, Herring Cove Beach is quite large, with enough space for setting up beach umbrellas. So if you want to enjoy beautiful views while sunbathing, add Herring Cove Beach to your list. 

During the Summer season, the management invites musicians and local bands to the beach, giving them a chance to showcase their skills. Most bands usually perform on Wednesdays, from 6 pm to 7 pm, to keep you entertained on the beach. And since the place is packed with different eateries, you can easily grab a snack before live performances.      

Besides that, this beach has a clothing-optional area, which is subdivided into different sections to accommodate everyone. While the area might not be officially recognized by the management, everyone on the beach treats it as an officially-recognized zone. 

6. Dining at the local restaurants

Provincetown is a foodie paradise! The local cuisine is quite fascinating as it focuses on seafood. Nevertheless, the town has various restaurants that specialize in different cuisines, offering you a wide variety of options to choose from.   

Visit the Lobster Pot to try out local seafood that’s prepared in a French manner. The menu features Portuguese fish, Sea Scallop Crudo, Lobster Avocado cocktail, and other delicacies. 

Italian dishes, on the other hand, are offered by restaurants such as the Front Street Restaurant, Sal’s Place, and Mistralino Ristorante all of these fantastic restaurants made our Best Restaurants In Provincetown list!

7. Visit the Provincetown Art Association and Museum

Dating back to 1914, the Provincetown Art Association and Museum has a wide variety of art pieces and artifacts that were passed down from local artists. 

By visiting this museum and art gallery, you’ll get a chance to view art collections that illustrate how beautiful Cape Cod is. It also becomes easier to understand the meaning behind different artwork pieces.

Some art pieces have a deep sense of history, giving you an insight into historical events that took place in Cape Cod. 

The Arrival 1620 is an example of an artwork that has a deep sense of history. It takes you back to the 17th century, when pilgrims arrived at Cape Cod’s Coast, painting a clear picture of historical events. 

And as an age-inclusive artwork museum, the Provincetown Art Association and Museum hosts events, which are suitable for kids and adults. 

For instance, the Little Artists Summer Program is a workshop program for teaching kids how to come up with artistic ideas. Adult workshops, on the other hand, will cover everything from portrait drawing to sculpting.

8. Riding a bike on Cape Cod Province Lands Bike Trail

Designed to cut through hilly places, the Province Lands Bike Trail is one of the most physically challenging trails in Provincetown. It passes through Herring Cove Beach, Beech Forest, and Race Point Beach. It’s also surrounded by an environment that’s rich in nature, bringing you closer to mother nature during your trip. You’ll also find unique things on each stretch. 

For instance, as you are cycling from Province Lands Visitor Center towards Race Point Beach, you’ll see some sand dunes, just a few miles from Race Point Beach. And while this stretch has some breathtaking scenes, it is quite steep. 

Nevertheless, the terrain gets better when you pass Race Point Beach. After that, your next stop will be Herring Cove Beach. But, before you get to Herring Cove Beach, you have to cycle through a certain loop that is surrounded by woodlands and sand dunes. Also, don’t be surprised when a deer, coyote, or fox jumps on the trail.                     

Since the Province Lands Bike Trail is paved with asphalt, you’ll have a smooth ride while you are cycling from one point to the next.

9. Visit the Shark Center

As the name hints, this conservation protects sharks and conducts a lot of scientific research. Since it’s open to the public, you can visit the conservation center if you want to learn more about sharks.  

The staff gives you insight into the most popular shark species in Cape Cod — the Great white shark. It’s worthwhile to note that the conservative center organizes exhibitions, from Monday to Friday. Videos are always used to complement other sources of information.

And if you want to have a memorable experience, don’t forget to visit the VR room. This is where the magic happens. Once you wear a VR headset, your attention will be captured by a virtual world that’s quite similar to ours. And after a few seconds, the VR recreates how the Bahamas looks like. 

You’ll feel as if you are swimming next to Hammerhead sharks. The VR headsets are programmed to show you how different shark species behave in their natural habitats.

This shark center also has a special room that’s designed for kids.

10. Birdwatching at Beech Forest

Grab your binoculars, camera, and hiking boots, and go on a birdwatching trip. 

For starters, the Beech Forest has a lot of trails that are suitable for hiking and birdwatching. 

During fall and spring, birds always flock to the Beech forest. Due to seasonal changes, they always migrate from multiple regions — the Mexican Gulf and South America — while searching for better climatic conditions. 

For example, in the first few months of spring, birds might migrate, but at a slower rate as compared to the following months. 

Between the months of April and May, you might get lucky and spot wood warblers. It’s one of the most beautiful birds due to its contrasting body colors. While the yellow and orange hues complement each other, the blue color forms a deep contrast.

Examples of other bird species that you’ll spot include tufted titmouse, hairy woodpecker, gray catbird, and cedar waxwing. 

11. Go to the Provincetown Public Library

While this library gives you access to books and educational media, it’s also a historical momentum that goes way back to the 19th century.  

It was designed to incorporate Cape Cod’s way of life. For example, an old vintage ship was rebuilt inside the library, just to give you a glimpse into the old way of life. On top of that, the old vintage ship complements the interior design and makes the place look more appealing. 

Besides that, the Provincetown Public Library preserves other art collections and artifacts. By visiting the library, you’ll get a chance to view some of the items that are featured in the 40,000-piece art collection.

From time to time, the library organizes book-themed events, with different programs, to keep you entertained during your visit. And one of the most popular themed events is inspired by Moby-Dick. During this event, multiple readers usually meet up to discuss the book in detail. 

The main building has a section, where young kids can have some fun. The kid’s section is located next to the old vintage ship. 

12. Watch a live performance at Provincetown Theatre

Whether you are planning to visit Provincetown during Spring, Winter, or Summer, you’ll always find an interesting play in the local theater.

Featuring multiple types of theatrical productions, the Provincetown Theater is suitable for anyone who loves classical and modern theater. 

It is packed with artists and performers who use their talent to convey deep messages through dramatization. 

And as you are watching theatrical performances, you’ll be full of emotions. Some performances will make you laugh while other acts will make you cry. 

For example, Terrence McNally’s Love Play evokes a wide range of strong emotions, from compassion to sadness. Carry some paper towels just in case.  

And if you love humorous performances, watch something like the Thoroughly Modern Millie play.

Thanks to the compact design of the theater, you can easily watch performances from different seats. Also, the lighting and sound system is amazing.

13. Enjoy the nightlife  

The nightlife in Provincetown is out of this world! 

Since Provincetown is an LGBTQ-friendly town, it has interesting gay bars and clubs, which are welcoming to everyone who wants to have fun.   

When it comes to partying, you have two options — you can either take it easy or get wild!

Whichever the case, Provincetown has suitable spots for every kind of activity, wild or not.

Nightlife starts at around 6.30 pm and extends to midnight and the early morning hours. During this time frame, the town is always filled with lots of fun activities and events.  

For instance, if you want to have a chilled and relaxed night, visit the Provincetown Brewing Co. and try the local beers. The place has a laid-back and funky vibe. 

For those who love dancing, the Crown & Anchor will be the perfect spot for blowing off steam with fancy dance moves. 

And even if you have two left feet, you can learn a thing or two while dancing.

The Crown & Anchor features multiple restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Think of it as a one-stop shop for entertainment-related activities. 

Finally, you can take the party to the ocean by visiting the Aqua Bar. It sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, giving you an amazing experience while you are partying.

14. Take a hike on the Dune Shacks Trail

The Dune Shacks Trail is found in one of the most aesthetically-pleasing geographical zones. Just as the name hints, the trail has breathtaking views of big sand dunes, since it cuts through different landscapes.

Such sightings are always complemented by views of the blue Ocean and clear skies. And thanks to these beautiful sightings, hiking on this trail can be quite calming, relaxing, and rejuvenating. 

As it turns out, a long stretch of the Dune Shacks Trail is covered with fine sand, so you can take off your shoes and walk barefoot on the white sand. Apparently, nothing comes close to this therapeutic feeling.    

Don’t forget to take a few pictures of the landscape and the surrounding scenery.

15. Try out kayaking and paddle boarding

Apart from the Atlantic Ocean, Provincetown is also in close proximity to other water bodies and waterways, which are suitable for watersports. So, kayaking and paddle boarding are the most popular water sports in Provincetown.

Moreover, there are multiple watersports companies that specialize in rentals, kayaking lessons, and paddle boarding lessons such as Coyote Kayaks.

For those who love kayaking and paddle boarding, the might be an ideal choice for you, especially if you are planning to rent a kayak or paddle board. It is a one-stop shop for everything that’s related to paddle boarding and kayaking.  

Once you rent a kayak or a paddleboard, a tour guide will show you the route you’ll follow during your expedition. In most scenarios, the guide takes you on a tour through the Herring Cove Tidal Lake.

After covering a certain distance in the Herring Cove tidal lake, various landmarks will become more visible. You’ll paddle past huge sand dunes and aesthetic landscapes. This expedition gets better as you go farther. 

If you are keen enough, you’ll notice some of the mud caves that are located close to other features. The main highlight of the expedition is the Wood Island Lighthouse. 

16. Watch the ocean from the Pilgrim Monument & Provincetown Museum

The pilgrim monument is about 253 feet tall — it overlooks the ocean and gives you a superb view of harbors, bays, and the horizon. However, you have to get to the highest floor for a clear view.  

The Provincetown Museum preserves information and data that goes way back to the 17th century, when pilgrims settled in the town. Various historical artifacts are exhibited in the museum to help you comprehend Cape Cod’s history. Such exhibitions will take you through different time periods, from the time the monument was built to the most recent developments.

Speaking of which, the museum also features multiple exhibitions that can give you more insight into the history of the LGBTQ community. These historical exhibitions explain how the LGBTQ community grew in Provincetown and the significance of the community in the town. 

17. Jet skiing in the ocean 

Challenge your friends or family members to race you to a predetermined point!

This watersport is all about speed and thrill. 

Still, jet skiing can be treated as an ocean exploration expedition. And as the adrenaline is pumping through your veins, you’ll feel psyched up to visit different parts of the Atlantic Ocean. The sun will also be shining on your face whilst the ocean breeze blows past you. 

Apart from that, Provincetown has different jet ski rentals that’ll offer you what you need for your expedition. 

You should check out Ptown Watersport if you want to get an adrenaline kick while riding a jet ski.  

18. Go for an evening stroll at the Macmillan Pier

Stretching a few miles into the ocean, the Macmillan Pier is a perfect spot for evening strolls. It’s a center point for different activities. For starters, multiple boats, yachts, and ferries are always docked quite close to the Macmillan Pier. So don’t be surprised when you see different types of boats and ferries. 

That’s not all, the Macmillan Pier also preserves the country’s history by sheltering artifacts and vessels that were used in previous centuries. A great example of a sea vessel that’s found along the Macmillan Pier is the Santa Maria. As one of the few ships that was used by Christopher Colombus, the Santa Maria goes way back to the 15th century.

To preserve the history of the country, the town reconstructed the ancient ship and placed it along the Macmillan Pier. As a result, Santa Maria complements the scenery, making it look more attractive. 

Besides that, you’ll also find a few benches, which face the Atlantic Ocean. And if you want to enjoy the views, just sit on a bench and relax. 

Speaking of spectacular views, there are high chances that you might catch a glance of whales diving into the ocean, once you take a seat and become observant enough. 

Since the pier is surrounded by beautiful scenery, multiple artists usually set up painting stations along the pier to capture the breathtaking views. Anyone who’d love to paint the horizon will be offered a few painting lessons by some of the artists. After that, you’ll have the freedom to paint whatever you want on a blank canvas. 

19. Watch sunsets and seals sunbathing at Race Point Beach 

Seals love sunbathing during the afternoon hours when the sun is not too hot. It’s also worthwhile to note that seals like playing with one another while they are in the water. And as they are sunbathing and playing, you’ll see them moving around on the beach.   

The depth of the ocean is about 150 ft — this depth is optimum for the survival of different fish species. Seals always visit such spots so they can feed. 

Featuring a coastline that stretches for miles, Race Point Beach has the most spectacular and amazing sunset views. However, sunsets may look different, depending on where you are viewing them from.

If you are planning to catch sunsets from the south, you’ll see reddish rays with hints of orange hues.   

20. Check out the place where the pilgrims touched down 

While Provincetown has multiple museums, it is also the home of various historical sites.

Found along the Provincetown Harbor, the ‘First Landing Park’ is the first place where the pilgrims visited after their arrival.    

From the sound of it, you can easily tell that it’s a simple historical park that’s designed to give you more insight into the pilgrim journey.

21. Attend The Family Week Event

If you want to have fun and meet like-minded individuals, you should attend the Family Week event. Considered to be the biggest LGBTQ event, the Family Week event hosts visitors from multiple parts of the country and the world. 

Every single day is packed with different fun activities to keep you entertained during your stay in Provincetown. And the good thing is that every activity has an age limit. Some activities are suitable for kids, while other activities are ideal for adults.

Featuring a wide variety of activities such as Yoga sessions, art shows, and organized sports, you can easily find the right activity to participate in.  

Organizers always publish a list of upcoming events, making it easier for you to plan for an upcoming event.  

What will you do here?

With so many interesting spots, Provincetown is one of the most exciting towns in Cape Cod. If you visit the town, please attend some of the annual events that are hosted in different spots. The nightlife is out of this world and you’ll have a great time in some of the nightclubs.

Take some time, review this list and discover everything that Provincetown Massachusetts has to offer those of you visiting or even living here!