The Ultimate Gay Guide to Provincetown

As the weather warms up, it's time to start planning your pilgrimage to one of America's most iconic queer destinations.

Tucked at the very tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown (affectionately known as P-town) has been a haven for LGBTQ+ travelers for generations.

While summer brings the biggest crowds, Provincetown offers a magical experience throughout the spring and early summer months with fewer tourists but plenty of queer energy before the peak season rush begins—late June to August.

P-town boasts one of the highest concentrations of LGBTQ+ residents per capita in the US, giving the charming seaside town its distinctly queer identity year-round.

Despite having just 3,000 year-round residents, it packs in 10 gay bars, two gay beaches, and more than a dozen LGBTQ events each year.

The town also features a thriving arts scene, over 200 independent shops, an impressive array of restaurants, and more than 40 queer-owned B&Bs and inns.

Commercial Street serves as the main thoroughfare and de facto gayborhood, lined with rainbow flags, queer-owned businesses, and legendary venues like the Crown & Anchor entertainment complex and the iconic Provincetown Town Hall, where the annual Carnival parade kicks off each August.

Things to See & Do

• Commercial Street - The bustling heart of P-town, perfect for people-watching, shopping at queer-owned boutiques, and checking out galleries featuring local LGBTQ+ artists

• Herring Cove Beach - The unofficial gay beach that’s a little outside town but totally worth it. There’s also a clothing-optional section further down the shore (follow the gays, you'll find it)

• Tea Dance at The Boatslip - The iconic daily 4-7pm outdoor dance party that's been a P-town institution since the 1970s ($15 cover, but worth every penny). It’s the place to see and be seen

• Dick Dock (NSFW) - Underneath The Boatslip is Provincetown’s iconic cruising spot that is the town’s worst kept secret

• Race Point Beach - Stunning sunset views and more dramatic dunes for a quintessential Cape Cod experience

• Art's Dune Tours - Explore the breathtaking dune landscape that inspired numerous artists who made P-town their creative sanctuary

• Pilgrim Monument - Climb to the top for panoramic views of the entire Cape (worth the $18 admission fee and 116 steps)

• Provincetown Art Association and Museum - Discover why this town has attracted artists for over a century with rotating exhibitions featuring LGBTQ+ creators

• Drag Shows - Catch performances from local legends and RuPaul's Drag Race stars at venues like The Crown & Anchor and Post Office Cabaret (tickets range $25-45)

Where to Eat & Drink

Fuel up for your adventures at Liz's Café with their killer breakfast sandwiches, or grab coffee and pastries at Relish.

For lunch, don't miss the lobster rolls at The Canteen (pricey at $34 but genuinely worth it) with waterfront seating.

For dinner, splurge at The Mews Restaurant & Café for upscale seafood with harbor views, or enjoy more casual fare at Patio American Grill where you can dine al fresco and watch the Commercial Street parade of characters.

For nightlife, start with drinks at The Atlantic House (A-House), America's oldest continuously operating gay bar, before dancing at the dark and cruisy The Vault or catching a cabaret show at Post Office.

Where to Stay

The Crowne Pointe Historic Inn offers luxurious accommodations in a restored sea captain's home with an on-site spa (rooms from $189-389 depending on season).

Budget travelers should check out The Pilgrim House, offering smaller but comfortable rooms right in the center of town (from $129 midweek in spring).

Pro tip: Book accommodations 3-4 months in advance for peak summer season, especially if you're planning to visit during special events like Carnival Week in August or Women's Week in October.

Consider visiting in May or early June for better rates and fewer crowds while still experiencing P-town's queer magic.

Getting There

Reaching Provincetown requires a bit of planning, but the journey is part of the adventure.

The easiest option during peak season (May-October) is flying directly into Provincetown Municipal Airport (PVC) via Cape Air, which offers 25-minute flights from Boston Logan International Airport.

For budget travelers, take a bus to Boston then catch the seasonal ferry—a gorgeous 90-minute cruise across Cape Cod Bay with stunning views and a full bar onboard (Boston Harbor Cruises: $65 one-way, Bay State Cruise Company: $62 one-way).

If driving, be prepared for potential traffic on Route 6, especially during summer weekends, with the journey from Boston taking about 2-3 hours.

Once in town, ditch your car—parking is scarce and expensive ($25-35/day in public lots), and P-town is entirely walkable.

Many visitors rent bikes from shops like Ptown Bikes ($25/day) or use the seasonal shuttle bus ($2 per ride) to explore beaches and attractions beyond Commercial Street.

Pro tip: If visiting for a weekend in summer, book ferry tickets at least a month in advance, as they sell out quickly for Friday departures and Sunday returns.