There are over 30 miles of beach in Provincetown, all part of the Cape Cod National Seashore. Bask in the scenic beauty of sand and sky!

Check the map of Provincetown here:  Provincetown map

Provincetown Harbor
This is the closest beach to the guesthouse; its at the end of the street!  Not as “pretty” as the other beaches in town, but great if you’re looking for a short walk. Also, the water is much warmer than the ocean beaches. Just make sure you visit at mid to high tide!

Herring Cove
A 15 minute bike ride from the Carpe Diem and is the only "nude" beach in Provincetown. Some women go topless in the lesbian section just southeast and left of the beach parking lot. Full nudity is usually only found about ¾ mile further down the beach at the end of the gay men's section.  Although illegal, a tenuous truce with the National Park Service generally ignores nudity there during the day.

Race point
Primarily straight, it is one of the most spectacular beaches in the States. There is an expanse of rolling dunes, and surfing is allowed. It's also a nice spot for swimmers, but water depths drop off sharply. Sunsets here are beautiful. If you keep your eye on the water, you may catch sight of a whale!
Don’t miss the observation deck at the Visitor Center with an amazing 360-degree view of the Province Lands and Provincetown!

Long Point
Located at the very tip of the Cape, the grounds are open to the public but the lighthouse is not. Long Point is accessible in summer from Provincetown's West End via a boat shuttle. The lighthouse can also be reached after a long strenuous hike across a breakwater to Wood End, then across sand to Long Point. This is a favorite hike amongst the locals but should only be attempted at low tide.

Woods End
A walk along the West End breakwater leads you to the beach. Wood End Lighthouse is directly across the spit of sand near the breakwater.

Sightseeing Tour
A great way to see the town and get to know its history and culture is to take the Provincetown Trolley Tour. The tour lasts about 45 minutes and you get to see and hear a lot about the town and its people as well as the National Seashore. Tours leave from outside the Town Hall on Commercial Street.

Dune Tours
This is a great way to see the National Seashore, the Province Lands and the sand dunes, which aren’t normally open to the public. You also get to see the famous dune shacks where Eugene O’Neill was inspired. The 4 wheel drive tours with Arts Dune Tours are great fun and the drivers are very knowledgeable and entertaining. The sunset tour is particularly memorable. Don’t forget your camera!

Biking
The Province Lands Bike Trail loop can be accessed from the Visitor Center. The loop is 5¼ miles around, and if you ride the trail spurs to Herring Cove Beach, Race Point Beach and Bennet Pond you can add another two miles to your ride. Riding the bike trail is a great way to see the vast dune system in the Province Lands as well as the Beech Forest, one of the few places in the Province Lands with extensive tree cover but it is also ideal to go to the beach. We suggest Ptown Bikes in town where you can also book your bike online.

Cinemas
The town cinema is open from early May through late October. The cinema at Whaler’s Warf is open all year through. Programs change frequently so check the local paper for listings. The nearest multi-screen theatre is located in Wellfleet on Route 6. They also have a drive-in open during the summer.

Museums & Galleries
Provincetown wouldn’t be what it is today if it wasn’t for the artists who discovered the natural beauty and light of the area. There are a number of fine galleries in town, mainly on Commercial Street, but also on Bradford Street. To get a feel for all that is offered you really should simply stroll the length of the town which is approximately 3 miles long.

The Provincetown Art Association and Museum
The PAAM is located on Commercial St. in the East End of town between Bangs and Cook Streets, this museum hosts exhibitions, concerts, lectures and events. It also displays some of the finest historic and contemporary paintings by Provincetown artists to be found anywhere. Always changing, the museum is a must see for all.

The Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum
Dedicated in 1910 to commemorate the landing of the Pilgrims in Provincetown on November 21, 1620, the Pilgrim Monument is the tallest all-granite structure in the United States (252 feet). The panoramic views from the top of the monument are truly spectacular, and the ramped walkway eliminates all excuses for not making the climb. You should also check out the bass relief located at the base of the monument hill on Bradford St.  This famous bronze relief depicts the signing of the Mayflower Compact, the document that formed the basis of the U.S. Constitution.
The Provincetown Museum features exhibits on the Pilgrims, maritime history, and the early days of modern American theatre in Provincetown with Eugene O’Neill.

Whale Watching
A whale watch excursion is a uniquely fun and educational experience that links learning with adventure in a very special protected national marine environment just off the coast of Provincetown’s Cape Cod Bay.

Dolphin Fleet Whalewatching
MacMillan Wharf, Provincetown Harbor
Toll Free 1-800-826-9300
http://www.whalewatch.com

Portuguese Princess
70 Shank Painter Road
Toll Free 1-800-442-3188
http://www.princesswhalewatch.com

Boating
If watercraft is your thing Flyer’s offers a wide selection of sailboats, powerboats, speedboats, kayaks, rowboats, and surf bikes. They also offer sailing lessons and provide a water shuttle out to Long Point. Flyer’s Boat Rentals is quite popular so make your reservations early!

Fishing
The waters off Provincetown are teeming with fish. If fishing is your idea of fun there are several boats that go out daily for hours of deep-sea fishing.
Cee Jay specializes in bluefish and fluke (Tel.: 508-487-4330).

Mussel Beach Health Club
35 Bradford Street
Tel.: 508-487-0001
http://www.musselbeach.net/

Provincetown Gym 81 Shank Painter Road
Tel.: 508-487-2776
http://www.provincetowngym.com




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After a delicious breakfast at the Carpe Diem, thoughts will eventually turn to lunch or dinner. The restaurants in the area cater to every palate. Dining on Cape Cod has a delightfully relaxed atmosphere.  Although we have many elegant establishments there is no need to “dress up” to enjoy a fine dining experience.

Here are some Carpe Diem favorites:

DEVON'S - The force behind Devon's is a multitalented restaurateur with a great attitude. You can tell which one is Devon. He's seating people, acting as line cook, busing tables, taking reservations, and chatting with customers. The restaurant itself, a former boat shack, is tiny with fewer than 10 tables inside -- all next to the open kitchen. In good weather, the choice seats are on the patio out front. Service is professional here. The food is elegantly prepared and presented with special touches. The menu changes often but features wonderful fish, steak, chicken, and vegetarian preparations. One night we were there patrons were raving over the sole that was prepared with a wonderfully simple beurre blanc sauce. This is a romantic option, but you definitely need a reservation. It's also a good choice for breakfast for those staying in the far East End of town.

THE MEWS – As one of Provincetown's most creative chefs, Laurence DeFreitas excels in the East End gallery district. A beachfront setting of bleached floors and light, stylish furnishings contributes to the restaurant's Southern California ambience. Knowledgeable service from seasoned professionals. Continental cuisine coupled with Asian, Caribbean influences. Dinner only. Upstairs but sharing the same kitchen, the more casual CAFÉ MEWS, for harbor views and lighter entrees ranging from excellent hamburgers to selections from the downstairs menu. Lunch and dinner.

FRONT STREET – Chef/owners Donna Aliperti & Kathy Cotter consistently delight in the wine cellar atmosphere of this cozy, brick-walled restaurant. The ever-changing menu reflects annual pilgrimages to Italy & France. The bar offers an extensive selection of liquors and the professional presentation to complement. Wine Spectator "Award of Excellence." Our only complaint: too many visitors have discovered this hideaway and now we have to wait until the off-season to get a table. Continental (changes weekly), Italian menu. Dinner only.

CENTRAL HOUSE – For lunch, the Central House features both old favorites - sandwiches, salads, wraps, and more - along with some new no-carb offerings such as no-bun burgers and a Mixed Grill platter. For dinner, a blend of seafood and traditional grill specialties are offered up nightly. Chef Erik Hansen serves up Angus burgers, shrimp & lobster plates, and steaks with deliberate flair.

CAFÉ EDWIGE AT NIGHT – Edwige offers an innovative dinner menu fusing Mediterranean, Latin American & Asian cuisines. Breakfast and dinner. 333 Commercial St Provincetown. Tel.: 508-487-2008.

THE LOBSTER POT – A Provincetown institution - owned/operated by the McNulty family for +25 years. Walk through kitchen to beach views downstairs or harbor views upstairs. Seafood & Portuguese specialties include award-winning chowder, shore dinners. Lunch and dinner.

ROSS’ GRILL – Owner Ken Ross has hit the mark with this lively bistro on the second-floor of Whaler's Wharf. A stylish industrial décor frames a terrific view of Provincetown harbor. The restaurant opened for the 2001 summer season after Provincetown's worst fire destroyed the previous site and it has been drawing crowds both at its bar area and table seating ever since. Ross' is the perfect place for a dozen oysters, steak frites and a Bass Ale (or two). Lunch and dinner. 237 Commercial Street (Whaler's Wharf). Tel.: 508-487-8878.

THE BISTRO AT CROWNE POINT – The Bistro is an intimate dining setting with just over 15 tables. The menu is stylishly subtle, offering such pairings as herbed duck breast with sweet potato gravy, sautéed bok Choy, and celeriac mashed potatoes. Local fish is lightly glazed with sake soy and the rich weight of lobster ravioli is buoyed by a tomato vodka sauce that has the slightest traces of Gorgonzola.

FANIZZI’S BY THE SEA – On the east side of town this restaurant caters to tourists and locals alike all year long. With one of the best views in Provincetown, Fanizzi's offers a warm and homey atmosphere along with a menu to suit any taste. Try the ultimate nachos, made with homemade chili, or how about Sunday brunch - one of the best values in town at all you can eat for $12.95. Fanizzi's is one of the few restaurants in Provincetown open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.

LORRAINE'S – A legion of ardent fans enthusiastically applaud Chef Lorraine Najar at her West End location. They are simply addicted to her nouvelle Mexican cuisine: a unique fusion of family recipes, traditional Southwestern dishes and New England ingredients, like clams mujeres and carnitas enchiladas. 

NAPI’S RESTAURANT – An excellent Mediterranean-style restaurant. The food and the interior share a penchant for unusual, striking juxtapositions -- a classical sculpture in front of an abstract canvas, for instance. On the gustatory front, look for sharp combinations such as shrimp flambé in Ouzo and Metaxa, served with a tomato, garlic, and onion sauce. A worthy vegetarian item is the rice heaped with spicy vegetables.

BUBALA'S BY THE BAY – Not known for its fine dining as much as for its funky, laid-back sidewalk café. Great people-watching. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

SQUEALING PIG – Serving full menu, delicious pub food and bar from 11am until 9pm (10pm in high season). 335 Commercial Street. Tel.: 508-487-5804.

PATIO AMERICAN GRILL & BLUE BAR – This is a wonderful place to enjoy great people-watching paired with great drinks, delicious food and friendly service. New England specialties, Lobster, Salads, Steaks, Sandwiches, Seafood, Cocktails, Frozen Drinks, Blue Bar, Late Night Coffee, Desserts, Outside Patio. 328 Commercial Street. Tel: 508-487-4003

Atlantic House, a.k.a. “A” House – It is the most popular predominately male bar in town. The main club has a dance floor, bars, and an outdoor patio. The “little bar” upstairs is much more intimate and caters to a leather and Levis crowd. Open until 1.00am throughout the year, it is located on Masonic Place about 5 minutes walk from the guesthouse. Watch the press and posters for their themed nights.

Boatslip – Home of P-Town’s Tea Dance, a daily summer ritual. Tea is held each day during the summer from 4:30pm to 6:30 pm on the Boatslip’s wonderful outdoor deck, providing spectacular views of P-Town harbor. The Boatslip also has an outdoor pool that is open to the public for a small fee.

Crown and Anchor – Recently remodeled, the Crown complex features a variety of entertainment options. The Central House is a restaurant that features live performers and a large outdoor deck that is perfect for people watching. The Vault is a men’s leather bar. WAVE is P-Town’s first video bar. Paramount is the newest dance club in town featuring a variety of themed nights. Located on Commercial St. in the center of town, you can’t miss the big yellow structure!

Gifford House – Home to two P-Town nightspots. The Porchside Bar is a relaxed hangout featuring an extensive covered deck outside and pool table inside. Club Purgatory is a men’s leather and Levis club located downstairs. This nightspot is located at the top of the hill at Bradford and Carver streets.

The Pied – Primarily a women’s club but becoming popular with men as well, especially for the post-Tea dances. It features pool tables and an outdoor deck and is located on Commercial Street near Bubala’s.

Vixen – A women’s club featuring dances as well as a continually changing roster of entertainers. Located just a short walk down Commercial Street in the Pilgrim House complex.