Pilgrim Monument Provincetown, Massachusetts

Provincetown, the furthest town on Cape Cod, is located on the very tip about 2 hours from Boston. This coastal town, also known as “P-town” by locals, is home to a year-round population of only 3000. Over the summer months, the population soars to over 60,000. This area is rich in history and natural beauty, making it a great place for a day trip if you happen to be staying in Boston. Two of the town’s beaches – Race Point and Herring Cove are often regarded as the most scenic beaches in the country, thus making the area a popular tourist destination in the summer months.

The area is best known for its’ scenic beaches, art galleries, diverse LGBT community, and Pilgrim Monument. Many people do not know that Provincetown, not Plymouth, was actually the first landing area of the Pilgrims. The Pilgrims explored this coastal community for a month before deciding to settle in Plymouth. You will learn this and more during your time here. I recommend exploring the monument, enjoying one of the area’s gorgeous trails, visiting the history museum, and of course, taking a walk down famous Commercial street.

Below are 5 things to do if you plan on making the trek over to Provincetown

1. Check out the Pilgrim Monument

This 252 foot tall monument was built between 1907-1910 to commemorate the first landing of the Pilgrims. For a $21 fee, you can climb up to the top of the monument and gain access into the small history museum. Tremendous views of the harbor and Provincetown await you after your climb. Note: The parking lot ($10 fee) near the monument offers 1 free admission if you park there.

Pilgrim Monument Provincetown, Massachusetts

Address: 1 High Pole Hill Rd  Provincetown, MA 02657

2. Bike the Beech Forest Trail

The Beech Forest Trail is a short & scenic trail (about 1.5 miles) which offers great views of the ocean and surrounding landscapes. It is a very hilly ride which is not ideal for beginners. However, if you can handle the steep hills, you will be rewarded with some amazing views in return!

The path connects to another trail called Heritage Cove Trail. You could also access the trail leading to Race Point Beach, which is about 0.6 miles from the start.

Note: Watch out for the flooded areas of the trail, where water can soar several inches high: there is no way to go around them so you will have to just slow down. Tip: Park for free in the Visitor’s Center (Race Point Rd. Provincetown, MA)

Provincetown Bike Trail
Views of the Provincetown Bike Path - Massachusetts
Views from the Provincetown Bike Path in Massachusetts

Address: Race Point Rd Provincetown, MA 02657

3. Shop & dine on Commercial Street

This popular street in the center of town features dozens of unique restaurants and shops. A narrated trolley tour is available for those interested in learning more about the history of Provincetown. Beautiful historical buildings and art galleries can also be found. We ate lunch at a small restaurant called Purple Feather – it was okay but the prices were a bit high for the quality. On the bright side, they serve great coffee and desserts and the vibe is very colorful.

Shops directory
Dining directory

Commercial Street - Provincetown, Massachusetts
Commercial Street Provincetown, Massachusetts
Commercial Street Provincetown, Massachusetts

Address: Downtown Center (Commercial Street), Provincetown, MA 02657

4. Enjoy the views from Provincetown Harbor/Relax at the beaches

Just a short walk from Commercial Street, the harbor is a great area for taking scenic pictures, both of the ocean and the Pilgrim Monument. There is a mat leading down to the ocean, so you don’t have to worry about walking in the sand – this was nice! In addition, Provincetown is home to 2 of the most well regarded beaches in the country: Herring Cove and Race Point. Herring Cove is one of the best places in the area for watching a sunset, while Race Point offers amazing views of a lighthouse.

Provincetown Harbor, Massachusetts
Provincetown Harbor, Massachusetts

Address: Commercial Street. Provincetown, MA 02657

5. Take a scenic drive

Sometimes driving around is the best way to fully experience the beauty of an area. There are plenty of spots to pull over and take beautiful photos. The serenity and wonder of driving around looking at gorgeous sand dunes and the beautiful Atlantic coast can’t be topped!

Scenic views in Provincetown, Massachsuetts

More fun in P-town…

*Treat yourself to some great seafood. Check out Lobster Pot or Jimmy’s Hideaway.

*Watch a sunset at gorgeous Race Point Beach.

*Explore the Provincetown Museum.

*Take a dolphin or whale watching cruise. Massachusetts is one of the top places in the US for whale sightings, so be sure to take advantage of this fun opportunity on your trip! You can almost always find a Groupon deal, so be on the lookout!

*Enjoy hiking trails at Beech Forest.

*Take a kayaking tour.

*Take photos of the 3 lighthouses: Race Point, Wood End, & Long Point.

Tips for a great visit

*Use parking meters for short visits. Parking in the area will run between $10-15 If you only plan on staying for an hour or 2, it makes more sense to use a more cost efficient meter. There is limited side street parking available. If you plan on riding a bike, bike from the Visitor’s Center to save yourself the costly parking fees (you will see many others doing so).

*Consider bringing with a bike – It is the best way to get around the area. You could easily bike from the shops and restaurants on Commercial Street to the beaches. Bike rentals are pricey, so bring your own if possible.

*Bring with a camera – You will want to take pictures of both the historical landmarks and the ocean views.

*Visit the beaches around sunset – Race Point is voted amongst the best beaches in the nation, and is especially known as a great beach for watching sunsets. In fact, it is one of the only places on the East Coast where you can watch the sun rise and set on the water.

*Browse through restaurant reviews before your trip – The random restaurant we chose on Commercial Street was not spectacular.  I wish we would have browsed through some reviews beforehand!

*Visit earlier in the day for less crowds –Summer months tend to be pretty crowded, especially at mid-day.

Have you ever visited Provincetown? What are your favorite restaurants and attractions in town?