Provincetown is a bustling town at the tip of Cape Cod well known for it’s inclusivity of the LGBTQ community. It is a place where anyone and everyone can be 100% who they are without judgement.
While P-Town can be a bit of a party town, there are loads of family-friendly activities to enjoy. Here is a list of the best things to do in Provincetown.
1. Climb the Pilgrim Monument
Standing at 252 feet, the Pilgrim Monument is the tallest all-granite structure in the United States. It was built in 1907 to commemorate the first landing of the Mayflower Pilgrims on November 21, 1620. Kids love climbing the 116 steps to the top and the spectacular views over Provincetown.
2. Take the ferry to Long Point
This was one of our favorite Cape Cod activities! Taking the ferry to the remote tip of Cape Cod couldn’t be easier. The ferry leaves every half hour from MacMillan Pier. No reservations are required. The cost is $15 one way or $20 round trip. Note that it is cash only.
Just ten minutes later, you will dock directly onto the beach. Enjoy pristine beaches, make friends with seals and see the historic Long Point Lighthouse.
3. Go on Art’s Dune Tours
Art’s Dune Tours provides an off-road experience through the heart of the National Seashore.
In addition to the one-hour daily tours, they also offer a two hour evening tour which culminates with watching the sunset from Race Point Beach.
Due to Covid restrictions they are only able to take reservations by phone. Please call 508-487-1950 to book.
4. Get penny candy at Cabot’s
This was definitely a highlight for my kiddos. This nostalgic candy store sells everything from taffy and fudge to old classics such as Bazooka Joe.
5. Find respite in Art Alley
The Bob Gasoi Memorial Art Alley is a fun place to stumble across. Just beside 290 Commercial Street, this alley way is filled with bright and edgy art work. It feels like a secret escape from the busy main street.
6. Be entertained by the street performers
The street performers on Commercial Street are funny, talented and entertaining. My kids enjoyed getting balloon animals while a man sang to them. We have seen men painted head to toe and frozen so still that we were sure they were statues. If you want to take pictures, be sure to put cash in their tip jars. They work hard for your support.
7. Have a Beach Day
The two best beaches in Provincetown are Race Point Beach and Herring Cove Beach. Lifeguards are typically on duty from late June through Labor Day. During the summer months, all beaches have restrooms, outdoor showers, drinking fountains or bottle filling stations, changing rooms, and first aid kits.
Seasonal beach fees apply during the summer months. Fees are collected at beach entrances between late June and mid-September. The daily vehicle entrance fee is $25.00.
8. Visit the Race Point Lighthouse
The Race Point Lighthouse, Keeper’s House, Whistle House and Oil House are maintained by the Cape Cod Chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation, a non-profit organization of volunteer members whose mission is the restoration and preservation of these properties. In 1995, the Keeper’s house and Whistle House were renovated and the opened for overnight stays to guests. Click here for more information.
9. Ride bikes on the Cape Cod Province Lands Trail
The Province Lands Bicycle Trail was the first bike trail constructed in a national park. A five mile loop leaves from the Province Lands Visitor Center where you can take advantage of free parking. There are options to extend your ride by branching out to Race Point Beach, Herring Cove Beach, and the Beech Forest.
The Cape Cod Province Lands Trail is considered the seashore’s most challenging bike trail, as it goes up and over dunes. Click here for a trail map.
10. Take a walk at the Beech Forest
11. Shop till you drop on Commercial Street
Commercial Street is where most of the shops and restaurants are located. The Black Dog is always a favorite. They have the best long sleeve tee shirts and hoodies, especially for kids. The kids loved Puzzle Me This, which is chock full of games and puzzles. The teens loved Board Stiff, which is a surf shop.
12. Get ice cream at Ben & Jerry’s
There are three Ben and Jerry locations on the Cape and we have sniffed them all out. The others are in North Eastham as well as Hyannis.
There is so much to do in Provincetown, MA for all ages. It is such a fun place that is full of pride and acceptance. What is your favorite activity? My personal favorite was our trip to Long Point Beach.
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