Provincetown Family Fun Guide
Provincetown is a magical place on the Cape! Maybe it’s because it sits 60 miles out to sea, in a place that swirls together so many people and experiences. Visitors are drawn to this remote swatch of land for the beautiful beaches and the welcoming restaurants, the art galleries, charming and luxurious guesthouses and boutique inns and the charming shops. A favorite LGBTQ+ destination, Ptown celebrates individuality and freedom of expression. It also has a rich creative history as the oldest continuous art colony in the country. Each season offers visitors something new, something different. From Carnival in August to Women’s Week in October and First Light at year’s end, Provincetown is perfect place to visit no matter the season!
There is so much to do in Ptown!
Provincetown is a regional public transportation hub with fast ferry, bus and air service from Boston and frequent local shuttle, it is also first and foremost a walking town. Stroll Commercial Street and marvel at our beautiful gardens and houses. Some are guest houses, some host unique shops and restaurants.
Once one of the most productive whaling and fishing ports on the East Coast, today Provincetown Harbor is homeport to the whale watching fleet and closest to Stellwagen National Marine Sanctuary. MacMillan Pier is full of fishing charters, sailing, motor boats… Ferries from Boston and Plymouth bring thousands of visitors to Provincetown.
Provincetown is America’s pre-eminent destination for gay and lesbian visitors and residents, proud of its long heritage of a fully open and integrated way of life. Carnival week in August is one of Provincetown’s biggest events.
Provincetown is the Oldest Continuous Art Colony in America! Many artists come to Provincetown inspired by the sea, sand dunes, street scenes and of course the magnificent light and colors. Come and visit the many PROVINCETOWN galleries and studios and don’t miss visiting Provincetown museums! And don’t forget Theater, Film, Music and Dance, Cabaret and always exciting Nightlife in Ptown!
Provincetown’s unmistakable landscape has a wonderful way of transforming even the most reluctant city slicker into a veritable nature lover. Who can resist those crazy dunes, the classic lighthouses, and the mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets? While you can, most likely experience the beauty of the ocean out of virtually any window in town, it’s still nice to get beyond the village to enjoy Mother Nature at her best. Take a walk on the ocean side (or bayside, if you prefer)!
Favorite Provincetown Beaches
Almost three-quarters of Ptown is preserved in its wilderness state as part of the Cape Cod National Seashore Park. The Park provides visitors access to magnificent ocean beaches, nature bike and walking trails and exhibits… It is also great place for bird watching!
Cape Cod National Seashore Park encompasses much of Cape Cod and acts as a gateway to many Provincetown beaches, including Herring Cove and Race Point Beach. The park also gives access to the Province Lands Bike Trail and the Dune Shacks of Peak Hill Bars Historic District.
Herring Cove Beach is known for its sunsets—the sun sets directly over the Atlantic, making it a Provincetown beach painting that’s come to life. It was highlighted along with Race Point Beach as one of the “best beaches on the east coast” via Travel Channel. The cove is at the end of Route 6, at the tip of the Cape.
Race Point Beach separates itself from other Provincetown beaches by featuring dunes, lighthouses, and free whale watching on its beach or courtesy of the Province Lands Visitor Center’s 360-degree observation deck, which is about a mile away. The beach also has dune tours.
Where to Eat in Provincetown
The Lobster Pot – a Provincetown tradition! Their iconic neon lobster sign has guided generations of guests to their door and is one of the most Instagrammed restaurants on our page! People come from around the world to experience their fresh seafood and take in the amazing views of Provincetown Harbor.
The Canteen – a casual New England eatery that uses high-quality ingredients to create Cape Cod favorites from scratch. Their menu and style of service is rooted in the tradition of classic seafood shacks, but influenced by modern American cuisine. Must-try items include their hot and cold lobster rolls and their frosé.
Portugese Bakery – located in the heart of downtown Provincetown, the Bakery has been at this location since around 1900 baking up a taste of Portugal
Fanizzi’s Restaurant – open year around! Just outside the midtown bustle of Commercial Street lies Fanizzi’s By the Sea, on the East End of Ptown in a picturesque, sea-weathered house. Take a seat in the main dining room and stand witness to one of the most spectacular views of Cape Cod Bay in town – windows line the room, and the salt sprays only feet from your table. Or enjoy a drink and a comfort food classic in the cozy bar, where the lull of the tide sets the tone.
Liz’s Cafe, Anybody’s Bar – open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They have used historic maritime decor, lighting, and accent pieces to tap into the rich maritime history of Provincetown. The central focal point of the restaurant is the Dory Bar that appears to be at sea. A large ship’s wheel even sits prominently above the bar!
Spiritus Pizza – since 1971 his pizza joint has grown into one of the best pizza spots in Provincetown. You can even smell their pizza walking down the street
Aqua Bar The best place in P-town to have a drink, you are sitting on the ocean. Stop in before dinner (no food served here or grab something to eat from one of the many vendors within the Aquarium Marketplace! ) .No place better!
Where to Visit in Provincetown
Commercial Street the heart and soul of Ptown! The street has all different kinds of shopping, delicious restaurants, and amazing views.
Pilgrim Monument & Provincetown Museum standing at 252 feet tall, the Monument commemorates the history of the Mayflower Pilgrims and beyond. It’s the tallest all-granite structure in the United States.
MacMillan Wharf Coming by ferry you will see Bay State Cruises, Boston Harbor Cruises, and Caption John Boats Fast Ferry. Excursions of all types depart daily to explore the Harbor, the National Seashore, and Stellwagen National Marine Sanctuary. MacMillan Pier also is home to many art shacks and whale watches. Art Dune tours has their home base here
Cabot’s Candy – salt water taffy! huge candy show on Commerical street in Ptown!
Pedicab Tour Take a tour of Ptown Pedicab tours can be customized to your preferences and schedule. Whether you want a brief overview of the town or a more extensive exploration, the time can be adjusted to suit your needs. You can also request specific stops or focus on particular aspects of Provincetown that interest you the most.
Where to Stay in Provincetown
Find your Provincetown area hotel
