About Provincetown
Known affectionately by locals as “P’Town”, Provincetown is a not to be missed destination while visiting Cape Cod. This unique town boasts a combination of lively local cultures and stunning natural beauty- along with one of the best places to see the natural habitat of whales!
The Pilgrims signed the Mayflower Compact 1620 onboard the Mayflower, shortly after she came to anchor off Provincetown Harbor. This land would remain Cape Cod Indian territory until the beginning of the 18th century. After being colonized, this area was primarily a fishing and whaling village, being populated by Portuguese fishermen from Azores. During the early 20th century Provincetown had become a refuge of artists returning from war-town Europe and Provincetown became known as the biggest art colony in the world. This transition from a fishing village to a prominent art community was helped along by a storm known as the Portland Gale, which caused severe damage to the fishing industry, allowing the town’s budding art community to take root in the many abandoned buildings.
Today the quaint village is a melting pot of their original Portuguese heritage, a large art community and recently formed in the 70’s- a LGBT community that organizes large tourism events including the town’s signature carnival – “Mardi Gras by the Sea”. 
It seems appropriate to write this blog today, as the 40th annual carnival is winding down. It’s quite a crazy celebration and several of our guests came back this past week sharing all their excitement about the drama and crazy atmosphere that they enjoyed during their visit to P’Town.
Your Cape Cod Travel Guide for the Best Things to do in Provincetown
We adore Provincetown and plan 1-2 day trips each year to explore new areas. Provincetown has two stunning and very different beaches, Race Point and Herring Cove along with beautiful rolling dunes. Race Point is a thrilling beach with vast views of the Atlantic and chilling waters, that sometimes can be harsh due to the currents. We love to go in the spring when you can often see whales frolicking in the waters close to the beach.
Donna and Harrison watching for whalesHerring Cove is a relaxing and tranquil beach for swimming. It’s known for it’s pristine waters that drop off steeply from the shore. Once in town, Commercial Street is the hub of this village where you will find art galleries, antiques, unique shops along with an active night scene with many bars and restaurants. We never tire going back year after year to this unique town on Cape Cod. Shown below are some of our favorite things to do when you visit.
Top 13 Things to do in P’Town
1. Climb the Pilgrim Monument
We recommend that our guests park at the Pilgrim Monument. It gives you close access to commercial street and one always knows where your car is parked by just looking up:) The views on a clear day are breathtaking.
2. Enjoy some fried dough at the Portuguese Bakery
Oh my goodness- the fried dough at this bakery is to die for and not to be missed!
3. Have a Lobster Picnic at the Lobster Pot.
The views from the second floor include picturesque views of the harbor and the lobster some of the freshest you’ll find on Cape Cod.
Whale watching out of P’Town4. Experience a whale watching adventure
We love to recommend the folks at the Dolphin Fleet. Check out a previous blog for more details about this bucket list experience.
5. Plan a trip to enjoy the Portuguese Festival in June
6. Experience the dunes with Art’s Dune Tours.
7. Stroll Commercial Street and visit the many shops and wonderful restaurants.
8. Rent bikes and take a ride to Race Point Beach
The bike path in P’Town is a bit more challenging then the Cape Cod Rail Trail as it’s hilly. But it’s well worth the ride as you traverse across beautiful rolling dunes.
9. Enjoy a harbor sail with the Bay Lady II–
10. Hike out to Long Point Lighthouse
By walking over the breakwater rocks you can reach this magical lighthouse. It takes about 2 hours but is worth the time. Check out a previous blog about all of our Cape Cod lighthouses.
11. Walk the Beach Forest Trail
This sandy 1 mile trail circles a freshwater pond before steep stairs cut through a forest of beech trees. It’s a magical walk that’s filled with nature.
12. Visit the Provincetown Town Hall-
Constructed in 1886, this building not only has clean bathrooms:) but also includes an interesting art collection
13. Watch a sunset at Race Point Beach!
We love our sunsets on Cape Cod and taking a dinner picnic on Race Point Beach is a wonderful way to end your day.
Come Stay with us at the Captain Freeman Inn
What we love about our location in Brewster is that we are on the quiet side of the Cape and yet so central to see all of the wonderful beaches and attractions on Cape Cod. Many of our guests visit P’Town during their stay, including whale watching, dining and experiencing Commercial Street. Come stay with us and experience our newly renovated boutique inn. We love what we do and sharing this magnificent building and location with our guests.
All of our rooms include new central air, artisan amenities and luxurious sheets and towels.
Croissant Egg SandwichOur breakfasts are homemade and many ingredients coming from the inn’s gardens. Come experience our seaside charm and southern hospitality at the very best inn on Cape Cod, the Captain Freeman Inn.
