Provincetown is one of the best beach locations in the United States, and Race Point may be one reason why. Here the Cape Cod Bay waters meet wild Atlantic Ocean waves to create a roiling surge called "The Race." The beach contains the Race Point Lifesaving Museum. It is well guarded in season, has a bath house, and is an overall good location for sunning and swimming. It can also be quite windy here, adding to the feeling that you are facing the elemental ocean at the end of the world.
Few people know that the pilgrims first struck land in Provincetown, on November 21, 1620, before continuing on to Plymouth. While anchored in Provincetown Harbor, the Pilgrims signed the Mayflower Compact, dedicating themselves to a community governed by democratic rule. This tower was built in 1910 to commemorate that landing, was modeled after the clock tower of the Palazzo Pubblico (specifically the Torre del Mangia) in Siena, Italy. A climb to the top affords one of the best views on the entire Cape, and the tower also incorporates the Provincetown Museum.
There are few better ways to get an overview of what Provincetown has to offer than to take a picturesque trolley ride. The trolleys leave every half-hour from Town Hall on Commercial Street, and tour the National Seashore and other interesting sites for about 40 minutes.
Provincetown, one of the most scenic towns on Cape Cod, is a treasure trove of culture, art, and history. The Pilgrims made their first New World landing here, and the historic Mayflower Compact was written and signed just off the coast. Later, an artists' colony began to flourish, attracting the intellectual elite and resulting in the establishment of many artistic and literary institutions. Today, Provincetown thrives as a cultural center and vacation destination and offers much in the way of leisure and exploration. Be it museums, historic landmarks, or the sun-dappled beaches that elevate its touristic appeal, plenty of memorable experiences await visitors. Also popular with the LGBTQ+ community, and with something new brewing each season, Provincetown makes for an exhilarating visit.
First designated as a protected site by the United States government in 1961, the sprawling 43,607-acre (17,647 hectare) Cape Cod National Seashore offers stunning vistas and a glimpse into the natural and cultural history of the area. The park boasts a number of swimming beaches, as well as nature trails, picnic areas, freshwater ponds, historic lighthouses and Cape Cod-style residences. Avid hikers and explorers will relish the opportunity for adventure offered by the scenic paths slicing across the landscape. The seashore makes a great day trip, but for those who would like to stay longer there are several resorts, hotels and motels nearby.
This brick tower is not remarkable for its architecture; it does, however, have a great view. Located on top of the 160-foot (50-meter) Scargo Hill in Dennis (the highest point on the Cape), a clear day allows views of the Provincetown Monument and mainland Massachusetts. In almost any weather condition you can see Scargo Lake, which was named after a Native American princess. You may find it a romantic spot too, especially for sunsets and star gazing.
Provincetown is one of the best beach locations in the United States, and Race Point may be one reason why. Here the Cape Cod Bay waters meet wild Atlantic Ocean waves to create a roiling surge called "The Race." The beach contains the Race Point Lifesaving Museum. It is well guarded in season, has a bath house, and is an overall good location for sunning and swimming. It can also be quite windy here, adding to the feeling that you are facing the elemental ocean at the end of the world.
This Cape house with a large bow-style roof was built in 1741 and once belonged to Nathaniel Swift, a pioneer in the meat-packing industry. The wide floorboards, a narrow ship's-cabin staircase and large fireplaces in every downstairs room are typical of 18th-century homes in the area. The house is fully furnished with period antiques and clothing. Behind the house is a Tool Museum featuring numerous antiques, including early cranberry sorters and implements used in saltworking. Admission: Free. Open from Monday to Saturday from 10am.
Few people know that the pilgrims first struck land in Provincetown, on November 21, 1620, before continuing on to Plymouth. While anchored in Provincetown Harbor, the Pilgrims signed the Mayflower Compact, dedicating themselves to a community governed by democratic rule. This tower was built in 1910 to commemorate that landing, was modeled after the clock tower of the Palazzo Pubblico (specifically the Torre del Mangia) in Siena, Italy. A climb to the top affords one of the best views on the entire Cape, and the tower also incorporates the Provincetown Museum.
The Eastham Windmill was built by Thomas Paine in Plymouth in 1680. Later it was moved to Truro and then to Eastham where it is located today. It is a venue for the Eastham Windmill Weekend festival that is held here on the first weekend after Labor Day. Due to it's historic importance the windmill has found a place in the National Register of Historic Places.
First designated as a protected site by the United States government in 1961, the sprawling 43,607-acre (17,647 hectare) Cape Cod National Seashore offers stunning vistas and a glimpse into the natural and cultural history of the area. The park boasts a number of swimming beaches, as well as nature trails, picnic areas, freshwater ponds, historic lighthouses and Cape Cod-style residences. Avid hikers and explorers will relish the opportunity for adventure offered by the scenic paths slicing across the landscape. The seashore makes a great day trip, but for those who would like to stay longer there are several resorts, hotels and motels nearby.
This living museum recreates Plymouth as it was in 1627, and does a great job at separating fact from the enduring (and completely inaccurate) legend of the First Thanksgiving. Historians and curators have paid great attention to detail, from the street plans to furniture, tools, and cooking equipment. Specially bred 17th-century livestock occupies the barns and pastures, and trained reenactors and artisans demonstrate how life was lived among the Pilgrims. In addition to information on the European colonists, visitors can find information on the Native American population at Hobbamock's Homesite. Hobbamock, a Wampanoag Indian, lived with his family in Plymouth from 1621-1641, as part of a peace treaty agreement. The plantation is open seasonally.