Extending out into the Atlantic Ocean, the curved peninsula of Cape Cod is a treasure trove for maritime, animal and beach enthusiasts. It’s only a ninety-minute ferry ride from Boston, which means that if you were pushed for time, it would be possible to visit Provincetown, the Cape’s largest town, just for a day. We spent two days in Provincetown; whilst there we stayed at Gifford House Inn, which is in a great location but I wouldn’t recommend it to light sleepers due to the noise which invariably escapes from the club beneath it. Here’s a short selection of things to explore, see and munch when in Provincetown . . .
Discover the Cape Cod National Seashore
Most people rent a bike in town and cycle across to the outer side of the cape to its Atlantic coastline. We, on the other hand, did not. Having underestimated the distance a bit, it took us around an hour to walk there (if my memory serves me correctly) from the centre of Provincetown. We were rewarded for our efforts when we finally reached the stunning, endless expanse of golden sand, framed by sand dunes. When we visited in early June, it was devoid of crowds which made for a more relaxing experience. The water was freezing though!
Go Whale Watching
For me, this was the highlight of the trip. After all, who wouldn’t want to see this beautiful, graceful creatures in their natural habitat? We booked with Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch and it was a fantastic experience; the trip lasted around three hours in all and we saw plenty of whales (though unfortunately they weren’t staying at the surface for long) and some seals! The journey was a little rough; I’d advise taking motion sickness tablets prior to departure if you think it might be an issue, that way you’ll be able to enjoy the trip.
See “They Also Faced the Sea”
This is an art installation, which you’ll have a clear, unobstructed view of from Macmillan Pier, where the ferries to and from Boston dock. The installation depicts former female Portuguese residents of Provincetown and underlines Provincetown’s heritage and values.
Eat . . .
Provincetown has a vibrant restaurant scene, which mainly caters to those interested in sampling the local seafood. The Squealing Pig does fantastic burgers (with several options to choose from); it’s relatively small and fills up quickly, so either make a reservation or be prepared to wait. For incredible gelato (try the dark chocolate one) visit I Dream of Gelato, located in a small indoor shopping court. The hot chocolates and brownies at Joe Coffee & Cafe are well worth sampling; it has a nice outdoor seating area, or you can escape the breeze and sit indoors.