One Day in Provincetown Massachusetts
Did you know over 5 million people visit Cape Cod each year? Provincetown MA is a popular day trip location; over 20k people visit daily and 12k spend the night. Ptown celebrates individuality and freedom of expression and is a favorite LGBTQ+ destination. It has also been called America’s favorite beach town and is America’s oldest continuous art colony.
We are drawn to Provincetown Massachusetts for its sandy beaches, amazing seafood, and party atmosphere. This Provincetown day trip itinerary is jam-packed with must-see sites and top attractions, including, the Cape Cod Sand Dunes tour, Pilgrim Monument, cabaret, and more. Follow this itinerary to see Provincetown’s must-see sites in one day. Or, use my itinerary as a template and make it your own. Continue reading for additional things to do in Provincetown and how to plan your Provincetown MA day trip. Enjoy your time out of the office!
READ Two Week New England Road Trip Itinerary: Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut
Provincetown Day Trip Itinerary Highlights
Dune Shack Tour | Race Point Lighthouse | Race Point Beach | Pilgrim Monument | Commercial Street | Whaler’s Wharf | Cabaret at Crown and Anchor
Day Trip to Provincetown Massachusetts Itinerary
8:30 am Ferry from Boston to Provincetown Massachusetts
Book the 9 am high-speed ferry from Boston’s Long Wharf to Provincetown arriving at 10:30. Photograph the Boston skyline while the ferry departs and the Long Point Light Station as approaching MacMillan Pier.
11 am Cape Cod Sand Dunes and Dune Shacks
Exit the ferry on MacMillan Pier and walk straight to Art’s Dune Tours for the 11:00 tour of the Cape Cod National Seashore and dune shacks. Return from the tour and stop for lunch on the waterfront at Lobster Pot.
1 pm Provincetown Beaches and Lighthouse
Head to the covered shuttle stop in the parking lot behind the Visitor Center. Take the shuttle to Race Point Lighthouse and hike out to the light then relax on Race Point Beach or splash around in the water. Or, take the shuttle to Pilgrim’s First Landing Park. Check out the monument and take a walk on the West End Breakwater to the Wood End Lighthouse.
TIP: Race Point Beach is run by the National Park Service, bring your America the Beautiful pass to avoid the fee.
4 pm Souvenirs and Cocktails on Commercial Street
Take the return shuttle to MacMillan Pier. Climb the Pilgrim Monument for harbor views, browse the art studios and galleries on Commercial Street, shop for souvenirs at Whaler’s Wharf, or relax with a cocktail and cabaret at Crown and Anchor. Stop at the Portuguese Bakery for pasteis de nata, malasadas, or trutas before boarding the 6:30 pm ferry back to Boston.
Able to spend the night? Ptown is full of amazing bars to hop around and check out. Be sure to stop for an after hours slice of pizza at Spiritus. Looking for more options? Continue on for additional things to do in Provincetown to supplement this day trip itinerary.
Top Things to Do in Provincetown: More Options
Looking for the best things to do, see, and eat while visiting Provincetown MA? Browse this list of must-see attractions, off-the-beaten-path experiences, outdoor activities, and museums to personalize your trip to Provincetown. As you can see, you will have no problem filling your day in Provincetown with amazing experiences.
- Walk to Wood End Light at the end of the West End Breakwater, 3 miles out and back
- Photograph the monument at Pilgrim’s First Landing Park
- Learn about the Pilgrims’ arrival at the Provincetown Museum
- Buy souvenir saltwater taffy at Cabot’s Candy
- Check out the murals in Destination Alley, next to Shop Therapy
- Check out the pirate treasures at the interactive Whydah Pirate Museum
- Go whale and dolphin watching, From April to October
- Kayak around Cape Cod Bay
- Bike or walk along the Cape Cod Province Lands Trail past cranberry bogs, a 5.5-mile loop trail
- Check out the sculpture garden at 4 Center Street
- Stop in the Provincetown Public Library and see the 66+ foot Rose Dorothea schooner
- Eat fresh Wellfleet Oysters at the Old Colony Tap
- Go fishing on a saltwater kettle pond
- Relax on the beach at Herring Cove
- Watch the sunset from Race Point Beach
- Go for a hike at Beech Forest, a 1-mile loop trail
- Climb the North Truro Highland Light
- Try a Crandaddy Sour beer at Provincetown Brewing Co
- Spend a Friday night gallery hopping in the East End
- Go wine tasting at Truro Vineyards
- Watch the drag show at Art House
There is always something happening in Ptown! Check the Provincetown Tourism Board website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Provincetown Day Trip FAQs
Is Provincetown Worth Visiting?
Yes, I loved and have recommended Provincetown many times!
How Many Days in Provincetown?
Provincetown is a great weekend getaway. Although, it is possible to visit Provincetown in one day if you are short on time, consider spending the night. Provincetown has an amazing nightlife and you will be missing out if you do not stay over.
When is the Best Time to Visit Provincetown?
Summer is the best time to visit Provincetown to take advantage of all it has to offer. The high season is July and August, expect great beach weather with crowds and higher prices. September is shoulder season; the weather is mild, crowds have thinned and the town is still alive. Most of Provincetown closes down in the winter and begins to open up on Memorial Day.
How to Get to Provincetown?
Provincetown MA sits at the northernmost tip of Cape Cod on the U.S. National Seashore. The best way to get to Provincetown from Boston is by ferry. Bay State Cruise Company offers fast ferry service from Boston Long Wharf to Provincetown MacMillan Wharf. The ride is 90 minutes and costs around $120 round trip. Provincetown is a little over a two-hour drive from Boston; plan 3+ hours to account for summer traffic. Note, that there is very little parking in Provincetown. The Peter Pan Bus runs from Boston South Station to Provincetown. The ride is from 3.5 – 6 hours depending on departure time, requires a transfer at Hyannis Transportation Center, and costs around $40 round trip. There is a small airport in Provincetown. A 30 min flight from Boston to Provincetown is around $400 round trip.
Day Trips from Provincetown
Can you squeeze another day into your exploration of the Cape Cod National Seashore? Consider a visit to Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard. Nantucket is the perfect Cape Cod Island to rejuvenate and have a little fun. You will find crushed shell walkways, cobblestoned streets, bicycles with wicker baskets, shaker homes covered in roses, tall seagrass beaches, a wharf full of yachts, shopping, shopping, and more shopping.
READ: Day Trip to Nantucket Massachusetts
Martha’s Vineyard is an island in Massachusetts off Cape Cod best known as the filming location for the movie Jaws. You will find beaches, gingerbread cottages, Alpacas, lobster ice cream, lighthouses, old Captain’s homes, and amazing lobster rolls.
READ: Day Trip to Martha’s Vineyard
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Provincetown Massachusetts Travel Guide
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Provincetown Massachusetts Attractions and Day Tours
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