10 Reasons to Visit Provincetown, MA

Provincetown is a town at the northern point of Cape Cod in Massachusetts. This town has a long and interesting history and is a fantastic place to visit as there are plenty of things to see and do during a stay. In fact, there is something to suit everyone, regardless of age or personal tastes. Here are just ten of the reasons why you should consider visiting Provincetown, Massachusetts.

1. The History

If you are interested in American history, then this is a fantastic place to stay. It is the site of the 1620 Mayflower landing, so the town has historical significance to the nation. You can learn more about the history of Provincetown at Provincetown Museum and Provincetown Heritage Museum. Another interesting museum to visit is the Whydah Pirate Museum. This is located at the end of the pier.

2. A Shopping Experience

For those who love a little retail therapy, Provincetown offers a shopping experience with a difference. Commercial Street is where you need to head for a shopping spree as the town has a range of specialty shops in this area.

3. The Art Scene

One of the things for which Provincetown is best-known is the art scene. It is a haven for artists and there are many creative people who live in this community. It is also amazing for people who admire artwork as there are several art galleries in the town, including Provincetown Art Association and Museum and the Julie Tremblay Gallery.

4. The Wildlife

One of the highlights of a trip to Provincetown is going on a whale and dolphin watching trip. It is an amazing opportunity to watch these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. However, these are not the only wildlife you will see during your stay. Walks along the coast will allow you to see a wide range of wildlife, including painted turtles, red foxes, river otters, coyotes, and raccoons.

5. Award-Winning Beaches

This coastal town has some outstanding beaches, some of which are award-winning. One of the best of these is Race Point Beach. This beach won a Traveler’s Choice Award in 2015 and is listed as one of the ten best beaches in the world. It is a great spot for walks, watching the sunset and observing the local wildlife, such as seals, and pelagic birds.

6. Spectacular Views

Those who enjoy spending time surrounded by beautiful scenery will admire Provincetown for its spectacular sea views. MacMillan Wharf is one of the best places to take in the views as this elevated spot gives you views right across the town and across the bay. It is also the perfect place to take some photographs to commemorate your trip to the area.

7. The Carnival

If you are considering visiting Provincetown but you are unsure of when is a good time to make the trip, then mid-August is one of the best times. This is when the annual week-long Provincetown Carnival takes place. This is the town’s biggest celebration each year and attracts thousands of locals and tourists. The carnival consists of parades, special performances, food stalls, parties, displays, competitions, and social events. It is well worth making the effort to visit at this time of the year.

8. The Architecture and Monuments

Provincetown is also a great place to visit if you are interested in architecture. As this town has such a long history, there are examples of architecture from the 17th century right up to the current day. There are also some landmarks you should try to see during your visit, including the Race Point Light and the Pilgrim Monument.

9. An Excellent Dining Experience

Eating out plays an important part of a vacation for many people. Fortunately, you will not be disappointed with the offerings in Provincetown as there is a good selection of restaurants, bistros, and cafes to choose between that serve food of an excellent standard. Head to the shopping area surrounding Commercial Street to find some of the restaurants that are the most popular amongst the locals.

10. Outdoor Activities

If you are a fan of getting out and about and enjoying outdoor activities, then Provincetown is a town that offers a wide range of such activities. Hiking and cycling are two of the most popular land-based sports and watersports are also popular due to the coastal location of this town. Another fun activity is to take a dune tour as the dunes stretch for miles off the coast of the town.

You can also read:

• 20 Places Similar to Cape Cod
• 10 Awesome Hidden Castles You’ll Find in Massachusetts
• The 10 Best State Parks in Massachusetts
• The 20 Most Affordable Places to Live in Massachusetts
• The 20 Best Restaurants in All of Massachusetts