Enjoy a Long Weekend in Provincetown.
The list of things to do in Provincetown is as long as the nearby dunes that stretch to the horizon, from memorable meals at world-class restaurants and boutique shopping along Commercial St to exploring the Cape Cod National Seashore’s pristine beauty and captivating evenings spent enjoying local art, film, and music. It’s all right at the doorstep of our Provincetown hotel, a dreamy four-day weekend escape to the Cape waiting to be yours.
– Day One –
If you are not having breakfast at the hotel, start your morning at the Post Office Cafe, a Provincetown dining and cultural touchstone for over five decades. Choose from their six delicious versions of Eggs Benedict, including the Yard Man, which substitutes jerk chicken for ham, build a delicious omelet from locally sourced ingredients, or satisfy your sweet tooth with Brioche french toast and fresh berries. You’ll see photos of iconic drag performers on the walls, like Elvira and Divine, who have taken the stage in their cabaret space. On Fri, Sat, and Sun, sprinkle some extra pizzazz on your meal by attending their Drag Brunch at 11 am or 12:30 pm, embodying Provincetown’s open-minded and glamorously freewheeling spirit.
Feeling satiated, enjoy a walk through the downtown district while browsing in the many shops along Commercial St. Check out the beautiful abalone shells, shell necklaces, and beachy wind chimes at the appropriately-named Shell Shop, an ideal place to pick up a souvenir or early Christmas stocking stuffer. Browse hip boutiques like the proudly female-owned Captain’s Daughters, whose selection of “seaside sundries” includes custom Cape-themed tees, handmade straw hats, fine art, and a wide selection of specialty tea blends (with names like “P-Town Pride,” a green tea variety). You’ll find new hardbacks and paperbacks alongside an extensive LGBTQ+ section at East End Books, and if you bring your dog to Provincetown, be sure to stop in at Paws and Whiskers for some deluxe beef, lamb, or turkey snacks for your furry friend. Stop in for lunch at the Lobster Pot, a P-Town seafood stalwart since 1979. From littleneck clams, lobster rolls drenched in melted butter, grilled halibut, and stuffed cod to their Cape Cod Chowder Fest grand prize-winning clam chowder, the wide-ranging menu hits all the right notes.
Return to your room at Gabriel’s for some relaxation time (made even more charming during the winter by your in-room fireplace) before heading out for dinner at Napi’s, where you can kick off happy hour from 5-6 pm with oysters on the half-shell – a true Provincetown staple. The aged wood interior, elaborate stained glass windows, and mood lighting add a unique ambiance, while plates like fried lobster cake, linguini with mussels in a white wine sauce, and Portuguese pork excellently complement a bottle of Napa cabernet. Cap off the evening by catching the sunset at Race Point Beach, one of Cape Cod’s most picturesque dune landscapes framed by the historic Race Point lighthouse and breathtaking Atlantic Ocean views, and you may even spot a breaching humpback whale between May and October.
– Day Two –
After a restful sleep, take a pleasant stroll a few blocks down Commercial St to Kohi Coffee Company and get caffeinated on their espresso drinks, tea, chai, or single-origin pour-overs, highlighting the superb quality of their coffee bean sourcing. Pair your drink with housemade oatmeal or a scone and kick back on their cozy back patio, where you’ll find views looking out over the serene harbor waters. If it’s a clear day, take advantage of the sunshine by exploring the trails within the Cape Cod National Seashore, whose sprawling footprint is directly adjacent to Provincetown. Do some bird-watching along Hatches Harbor Trail, hike the 1-mile loop through Beech Forest (beautiful during every season, but especially when the peak of Cape Cod fall foliage from mid-October through early November), or hop on bikes to pedal the gorgeous and easy-riding 5-mile route that comprises the Province Lands Bike Trail.
Head back into town for lunch at Crown & Anchor, whose multiple bars and packed entertainment schedule make for a lively atmosphere, especially during popular theme weekends like Carnival. Sip a cocktail poolside at their Beach Club while enjoying upscale dishes like a smoked salmon Reuben, sesame wedge salad with pickled onions, or a crawfish roll topped with remoulade, prepared in a kitchen run by James Beard-winning chef Kelly Fields. Then, indulge your artistic side by visiting the Provincetown Art Association and Museum, with an impressive permanent collection representing over 900 artists showcasing the depth, history, and impact of our storied art scene, tracing back to the early 20th century. Take advantage of free admission every Friday after 5 pm, and check their calendar for special events like guided gallery walk-throughs with artists and exhibition opening parties.
Plan for dinner on the far west end, where “classic meets contemporary” at the Red Inn, housed in a quaint and impossible-to-miss bright red building over two centuries old. Start with raw Wellfleet oysters (harvested right offshore and the freshest you’ll find anywhere) or shrimp ceviche, followed by entrees such as pepper-crusted filet mignon with truffle mashed potatoes, Creole-seasoned smoked duck, and pan-roasted cod. During the warmer months, ask for outdoor seating on their waterfront deck – seaside scenery at its most spectacular. Wind down the evening by catching a film at Water’s Edge Cinema, a two-screen theater that retains its arthouse vibe of yesteryear in contrast to modern-day movie megaplexes. Choose from popular new releases or screenings of films with local roots, often accompanied by lectures from the filmmakers. It’s also the home base for the annual Provincetown Film Festival, held every June and attracting 10,000 attendees over five days, a bucket-list event for film lovers.
– Day Three –
Keep the culinary magic going at brunch hotspot Cafe Heaven, where the “New American” menu includes delectable dishes like poached eggs on lobster hash, a salmon omelet with cream cheese and capers, and raspberry pecan pancakes. Their windowed perch on Commercial St can’t be beaten for people-watching, especially during the height of summer, made even more pleasant when paired with an Aperol spritz, watermelon margarita, or classic Bloody Mary.
Make the afternoon adventurous by heading out for a 1-hour drive through the seashore with Art’s Dune Tours, a family-run operation for over 70 years. Hop aboard one of their six-person Jeeps and take in the majestic vistas as your knowledgeable tour guide leads you along the dunes while explaining the area’s preserved wildlife, ecosystem, and cultural roots, including the historic dune shacks which famous artists and writers have used as creative retreats for decades. Art’s offers tours from April through mid-November, but if you visit during the off-season, head out to the nearby dunes to explore on foot and discover their rare solitude during the winter months.
Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2024, the Mews has a notable pedigree and perennially ranks among the best restaurants in Provincetown, ideal for your last evening in town. Everything on the menu brings serious flavor, from the baked miso cod and lobster risotto to grilled lamb chop and four top-notch wagyu beef burgers. The massive windows in their two-level dining room offer unmatched panoramas of the bay, providing a romantic date-night ambiance. Finish the evening with some jazz in the lounge at Tin Pan Alley, a classy spot for a nightcap and live tunes.
– Day Four –
Make your last brunch an elegant one at the Patio, embodying their “sip and savor” motto with a selection of 20+ cocktails and mojitos, raw oyster bar, seasonal salads, paninis, and steamed lobster (well worth the splurge). Soak up some rays on their outdoor patio as crowds parade down always-bustling Commercial Street.
Wrap up your Provincetown getaway by climbing to the top of the Pilgrim Monument, where you’ll find some of the most magnificent views on Cape Cod. Snap some photos from the overlook, which towers 252 feet above, surrounded by water on all sides, a postcard-worthy vantage point.
Reserve your room now and plan your weekend to remember on Cape Cod – where the things to do in Provincetown are endlessly exciting and entertaining!