Best things to do in Provincetown

Commemorating the first landfall of the Pilgrims in 1620, Pilgrim Monument & Provincetown Museum was built in 1907. The monument is the tallest all-granite structure in the United States at 76.8 m (252 ft ). You can climb to the top via a series of stairs and take in views of the area. The monument also features a small museum at its base that has a unique collection of exhibits about local history, art, the fishing community, and the tourist culture.

Find crystal clear waters, sweeping sand dunes, and pure white sand off the beaten track at Race Point Beach. The beach gets northern sun all day long, so it's popular with sunbathers. The shoreline drops off quickly so it may not be ideal for casual swimmers, but upside of this is that you may see sailboats or whales close to shore. The beach is prone to big surf, making it a favorite for surfers. Be aware, this area is known for strong riptides and undertow--only strong swimmers should attempt time in the water here.

Dig your feet into the sand; wade in the calm, clear water; and look for whales and seals offshore at Herring Cove Beach. Purchase food, or bring your own snacks to eat at the picnic tables. The beach has convenient parking nearby, bathrooms and changing rooms, and easy access to nearby bike trails. Lifeguards are on duty, and some beachgoers bring their dogs along.

Long Point is a peninsula located in Provincetown, Massachusetts, at the extreme tip of Cape Cod, as it curls back in on itself to create Provincetown Harbor. The Long Point Light was built on this point in 1827. The lighthouse once shared this peninsula with a settlement of fishermen that came to be known as Long Point, Massachusetts. This Provincetown village grew and thrived from 1818 until the late 1850s. When the settlers decided to leave Long Point, they took most of their houses with them – about 30 structures in all – by floating them across the harbor.
During the American Civil War, the military established a defensive coastal artillery post and garrison at this location. The Long Point Battery came to be known as "Fort Useless" and "Fort Ridiculous" among the local residents.
Today, nothing remains of the village of Long Point, except for the lighthouse and an earthen mound, the last remnant from the earlier military post.

Enjoy the pristine landscape and tranquil beaches of Cape Cod National Seashore, where you can observe the ocean from the lighthouse or the sandy dunes. Many visitors to the area come for the chance to see whales in their natural habitat, while groups of seals frolick just off shore most of the time. Ride along the well-kept bike paths, take a walk on many hiking trails along the seashore, or swim in the clear, calm water. The park complex contains an info booth with knowledgeable and friendly staff, a gift store, and an observation deck overlooking the sea. You can also pop into the old harbor museum for information on local history.

Visit one of the world's natural deep water harbors at MacMillan Wharf. Stroll along the pier and view boats of all sizes and makes, including cruise ships. The wharf also serves as a transportation hub for visitors to Boston, the National Seashore, and the national marine sanctuary. Several onsite artisan shops offer unique artwork and souvenir handicrafts.

If you want to be in Provincetown's hot spot, head to Commercial Street. Like the entire town, the street is famous for its vibrant and relaxed atmosphere. It's also known as one of the most LGBT-friendly spots in the whole country. Walking down the street, you can meet people from all over the world. A range of restaurants and bars allows you to grab a quick snack or try some of the local and international specialties. Visit the numerous, diverse boutique shops and art galleries. The street can be quite crowded; while you can easily walk or bike, you might find it difficult to drive or find a parking spot.

The Provincetown Art Association and Museum (PAAM) is located at 460 Commercial Street in Provincetown, Massachusetts. It is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and is the most attended art museum on Cape Cod. The museum's permanent collection includes over 2,500 objects, a number which continues to grow through donations and new acquisitions. PAAM mounts approximately forty exhibitions each year.

Enjoy a sweeping view of the Cape Cod Bay at Marconi Beach, gently sloping into the Atlantic Ocean. This is a popular spot for surfing, boogie boarding, and skimboarding. Animal lovers should keep their eyes peeled for seals, often spotted just off shore. Near the beach is the area's top attraction--Marconi Station, from which Italian inventor Marconi made the first successful transatlantic wireless communication from the United States.