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Best Things To Do in Provincetown
Our Provincetown guide highlights the energy, culture, beaches, and creative spirit that make this town stand out on Cape Cod. Guests often enjoy spending a full day here exploring galleries, shops, and scenic shoreline paths. Provincetown offers a mix of lively streets and quiet coastal views, giving you plenty of ways to shape your visit. We enjoy sharing the places we return to often, and this guide offers an easy starting point for planning your time in town.
Top 10 Things to do in Provincetown
Provincetown is where Cape Cod’s energy comes to life. Only an hour from The Platinum Pebble, this town at the Cape’s tip delivers a lively mix of art, culture, and great people. Known for its diverse community and authentic local flavor, Provincetown invites you to enjoy its festivals, shopping, dining, and unique vibe. When you’re ready for a Cape Cod adventure that feels truly special, make Provincetown your next stop.
1. Restaurants in Provincetown
Provincetown has earned its reputation as a foodie destination on Cape Cod. Many acclaimed chefs got their start here, including legends like Anthony Bourdain and Michele Ragussis. The town’s adventurous spirit is reflected in a vibrant culinary scene, offering a range of tempting treats and fine dining experiences. Stroll through Provincetown and you’ll find big views, unique shops, and the buzz of people enjoying local favorites.
Don’t miss a malasada from the Portuguese Bakery (get there early, they sell out!) or a signature lobster roll from The Canteen—both must-try bites that capture Cape Cod flavor. Exploring Provincetown’s restaurants is one of the best things to do on your visit. Check back soon for our top foodie picks and a few can’t-miss eateries.
2. Provincelands Bike Trail
The Provincelands Bike Trail is one of Cape Cod’s most exciting ways to explore the region’s dramatic landscape. Built before today’s strict building codes, this six-mile loop winds through sand dunes, offering riders a thrilling mix of steep hills, tunnels, shifting sand, and sharp turns. The trail takes you through at least three distinct ecosystems, making it a scenic adventure you won’t forget. Always wear your helmet and take turns slowly to safely enjoy every twist and turn.
Along the route, you’ll find several short spurs that lead out to beautiful beaches and tranquil ponds—perfect for a break or a swim. This trail reveals a side of Cape Cod that many visitors never see. Check out our guide for more details on the Provincelands Bike Trails.
3. Shopping on Commercial Street
When visiting Provincetown, don’t miss the experience of Commercial Street. This iconic, narrow stretch hugs the shoreline, drawing visitors from all over for its vibrant energy and nonstop activity. Commercial Street is lined with some of Cape Cod’s most interesting boutique shops, from quirky gift stores to galleries packed with works from local and international artists. Tattoo parlors and vintage shops add even more flavor, and there’s always something new to see around every corner.
Dining along Commercial Street is a treat, with options ranging from gourmet bakeries and sweet shops to celebrated seafood restaurants. It’s easy to spend hours sampling treats, shopping, and admiring the street performers and musicians who add even more character to the area. The real charm, though, comes from the people—locals and visitors alike, each adding their own splash of color to P’town’s creative spirit. Commercial Street is also rich in history, boasting landmarks and historic sites that offer a glimpse into the town’s unique past. A stroll down Commercial Street is the best way to soak up Provincetown’s charm and excitement. Every visit promises new discoveries and unforgettable moments.
4. Go Whale Watching
This is a bucket list item for many, and there is no better place to Whale Watch than right off Provincetown, on Cape Cod. Multiple whale species make this their home for part of the year, and almost every Whale Watch sees whales. They are there, and the captains know how to find them. Experience the joy of these majestic giants, seemingly within arm’s reach. If you are staying at the Platinum Pebble Boutique Inn, it’s as easy as letting us know you’re interested in a Whale Watch, and we’ll have tickets waiting for you. We’re here to help you tick off your bucket list one great experience at a time. Since 2015, ALL of our guests have seen whales during their excursion!
5. Art’s Dune Tours
Tour the dunes of the Provincelands in comfort with Art’s Dune Tours. Family owned and operated since the 1940s, this is a rare chance to drive through the dunes, through areas blocked off to the general public, that make this area so special. Add in a sunset dinner on the beach by campfire, and you are experiencing why we love Cape Cod so much! Affordable and worth the time, this is an experience that will stay with you. See some of the dune shacks that were built and inhabited by everyone from shipwrecked sailors to artists. Click here to read more about the amazing Dune Shacks of Provincetown.
6. See the Lighthouses in Provincetown
Provincetown’s landscape is defined by three iconic lighthouses: Long Point Light, Wood End Light, and Race Point Light. Each lighthouse holds a special place in Cape Cod’s maritime history, and visiting all three gives you a sense of the area’s natural beauty and unique heritage.
Wood End Light is the most accessible of the three and can be reached by walking across the famous Provincetown Breakwater. The hike is relatively short and gives you up-close views of tidal flats, shorebirds, and the sparkling bay. The lighthouse itself features classic lines and a tranquil setting, making it a favorite for photographers and nature lovers.
Long Point Light sits at the farthest edge of the Cape, just beyond Wood End Light. The walk to Long Point is a bit longer, but the path is flat and takes you through some of the most peaceful and undisturbed landscapes in Provincetown. The lighthouse echoes the design of Wood End, with subtle differences that reflect its unique spot on the coastline.
Race Point Light requires the longest hike, taking you through rolling sand dunes and a rugged shoreline. Its isolated position offers a sense of solitude and provides incredible panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The walk to Race Point is both invigorating and rewarding, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and take in the raw beauty of Cape Cod.
Each of these lighthouses offers something different, whether it’s a short and scenic hike, a journey to the outermost tip of the Cape, or a trek through wild dunes. For anyone interested in Cape Cod’s rich maritime legacy or just looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure, exploring these lighthouses is a perfect way to spend a day.
7. Pilgrim Monument
For one of the best views on Cape Cod, make the easy climb to the top of the Pilgrim Monument. The entire Cape seems to stretch out beneath you, offering a vastly different perspective from this fantastic spot. See if you can spot Commercial Street, the Whale Watch boats, Art’s Dune tours, the three lighthouses that surround P’town, your new favorite beach, and the bike trail that winds through the dunes.
8. Local Beaches in Provincetown
Enjoy relaxing on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches right here in Provincetown. The tip of Cape Cod offers an impressive variety of sandy stretches, perfect for anyone seeking both excitement and peace. Popular spots like Herring Cove Beach and Race Point Beach attract visitors for their easy access, scenic views, and amenities. Herring Cove is a favorite for its gentle surf, stunning sunsets, and occasional sightings of seals or whales in the distance. It’s a welcoming place to swim, sunbathe, or just watch the world go by.
Race Point Beach offers a different experience, with broad sands, rolling dunes, and powerful surf. The wide expanse here is ideal for long walks, beachcombing, and simply taking in the ocean breeze. Lifeguards are often on duty in summer, and the water is refreshing throughout the season. The nearby bike trail makes it easy to get here if you’re exploring on two wheels.
For those looking to escape the crowds, Provincetown has plenty of more secluded options. Venture past the parking areas at Race Point—either heading east toward the dunes or west along the coastline—and you’ll soon find yourself on quiet stretches where you can enjoy the natural world in solitude. These more private beaches offer unspoiled sand, rolling dunes, and incredible views. Bring a picnic, a good book, or just your sense of adventure for an authentic taste of Cape Cod tranquility.
No matter which beach you choose in Provincetown, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking beauty. From lively scenes with lots of activity to peaceful spots where you can listen to the waves, every visit feels like a special escape. Discover why the beaches of Provincetown are loved by locals and visitors alike.
9. Local Hiking at Dune Shacks Trail
The Dune Shacks Trail is an iconic Cape Cod experience, ideal for those seeking to explore the wild side of Provincetown and discover its rich artistic heritage. Access is easy: just turn off Route 6 at Old Snail Road, where you’ll find a path heading into a peaceful patch of forest. This shaded woodland section only lasts a few minutes before you break through to one of Cape Cod’s most striking natural wonders.
Suddenly, you’re standing at the base of immense sand dunes, their golden peaks undulating in the sunlight. The trail ahead is unmarked, making each visit a slightly different adventure as you choose your own route up and over the rolling sand dunes. In summer, the heat can be intense, and the sand deep—plan on sun protection, water, and some effort as you trek roughly one to two miles to the ocean.
All along the way, you’ll have panoramic views that seem to belong to another world. Look closely at the sand, and you might spot delicate wildflowers, windblown grasses, or even the footprints of wildlife. The feeling of solitude here’s profound; it’s easy to understand why artists, writers, and thinkers have long sought inspiration in these dunes.
Scattered among the sandy hills are the legendary dune shacks—simple, weathered cabins that have stood here for nearly a century. Built from shipwreck salvage, driftwood, and whatever materials were on hand, the shacks tell stories of Cape Cod’s maritime past and its bohemian present. Some have hosted famous artists and writers, while others provided emergency shelter to stranded sailors. Today, many remain as artist retreats, cared for by the National Park Service and nonprofit groups.
Eventually, the sand gives way to the wild Atlantic coastline, a reward for your journey and the perfect place to rest and take in the sea air. Exploring the Dune Shacks Trail connects you with a piece of authentic Cape Cod—untamed, creative, and unforgettable.
10. Festivals
Provincetown is celebrated for its year-round festivals, making it a cultural hotspot on Cape Cod. Each June, the Provincetown International Film Festival brings together global and independent filmmakers with moviegoers for an inspiring week of cinema, discussion, and celebration.
Summer is filled with excitement as Provincetown hosts Carnival, one of the most renowned LGBTQ+ festivals in the country. This August tradition transforms the town with vibrant costumes, themed events, and a massive parade. Commercial Street becomes a stage for performers, artists, and locals showing their pride.
The Portuguese Festival is another highlight, honoring the town’s deep Portuguese heritage with traditional food, music, dancing, and the Blessing of the Fleet—a centuries-old tradition for local fishermen. The festival welcomes everyone to experience Provincetown’s history and sense of community.
The festival calendar continues with Provincetown Pride in June, a celebration of diversity and acceptance, and Women’s Week in October, which gathers thousands for entertainment, workshops, and connection. Theater fans flock to the Tennessee Williams Theater Festival and music lovers enjoy the Provincetown Jazz Festival, both drawing performers and audiences from around the world.
Every festival in Provincetown is characterized by inclusivity, creativity, and a strong sense of community spirit. Whether you visit for film, music, food, or parade celebrations, you’ll find Provincetown’s festival season unforgettable and full of energy.
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I love staying here!
This B&B is the best I’ve ever been to and I’ve been to several! The owners are so hospitable and think of everything you could possibly need. The rooms are super clean, comfortable, and a nice decor and the bed and linens are top-notch. They have a very nice pool area and a beautiful backyard to relax in. And to top it off, they have delicious breakfasts and are very accommodating to special diets! Just finished my fourth year in a row visiting and I am a lifer for sure!
Thank you, Shawn & Sharon for making this the best place to stay!