How To Spend a Day in PTown
A Cape Cod Classic
Local travel is on the rise as the world begins to slowly re-open. And while I’m torn between diving back into the new normal so quickly and supporting my industry, I decided to compromise with a day trip to Provincetown last week—the tip of Cape Cod proved the perfect balance of salty, fresh air and outdoor dining to respectfully social distance from other travelers while still supporting the seasonal, seaside town.
Up until a few weeks ago, I was utterly unaware that I could mosey down to Boston’s Long Wharf, hop on a fast ferry and arrive in Cape Cod in 90-minutes—more specifically, the very tip of the Massachusetts hook. Order up a Bloody Mary, snag a seat on the middle deck and trade the downtown skyline for the unassuming islands of Cape Cod Bay. Before you know it, you’re trotting along MacMillan Pier to P-town’s main promenade—Commercial Street—a buzz with boutiques, galleries, patios, ice cream shops and oyster houses.
Though Provincetown was in the midst of reopening post-COVID, there was still an unwavering air of vivacity in the local’s welcome. I’d highly recommend staying for a weekend and exploring every nook and cranny of Commercial Street—seriously you could spend a whole day darting in and out of every business—but a day trip is completely doable too.
If you’re not sure whether a weekend trip or a day trip is right for you, check out some of the must-hit spots below then decide—my bet is you’ll want to stay as long as you can!
RESTAURANTS
Bubala's By The Bay for a lobster roll and frose
Pepe’s Wharf for a fish sandwich right on the beach (or depending on tides, the ocean might be right up to the deck)
Mac’s Fish House for $1 oysters after 4 p.m.
Patio American Grill for chic cocktails right on Commercial Street (hello, people watching!)
The Mews for cocktails and elegant seafood specials
CAFES
Spindler’s for an iced turmeric latte (their restaurant upstairs is also apparently great for charcuterie and cocktails which we didn’t have time to indulge in)
Portugese Bakery for malasadas and pastries
361 Coffee & Espresso Bar for a brew with a kick
Angel Foods (more of a gourmet deli/speciality bodega) but head to the back for a greasy breakfast sandwich and nitro (no ice!)
Lewis Brothers Ice Cream for homemade scoops
SHOPS
As I briefly mentioned, a cherished part of wandering around P-town (aside from the beach) is popping in and out of stores so I would say allot at least two hours for this—bop into any spot that catches your eye—but if you’re strapped on time, here are a few musts:
Whalers’ Wharf for a variety of arts, antiques, boutiques and homemade goods under one roof
Global Gifts for a unique collection of international, artisanal handicrafts
Yesterday’s Treasures for sorting through antique treats
GALLERIES
Room68 for browsing and shopping from a curated collection of art + accessories
On Center Gallery for contemporary and transitional art
Packard Gallery for a family and heritage experience
DO
Everyone says to rent a bike but I enjoyed strolling along the main street and the beach when we were able to. If you’re interested in a bike rental, check out: Provincetown Bike Rentals or Bike Shack. You can also bring your own bike with you on the ferry, but you'll have to purchase a separate ticket for it.
Make sure you snag a lobster roll (I am a huge fan of the warm buttered variety) but you can’t go wrong with the classic Maine roll (chilled with mayonnaise).
Take advantage of an oyster happy hour.
Venture off Commercial Street to the side streets and admire the charming Georgian homes accented with vibrant flower boxes.
Go with a fun group of friends — the more the merrier.
Xo,
J