Vacation Tips for Visiting Provincetown, MA
Planning a trip to Provincetown and the Outer Cape? Before you pack your bags, here’s what to know about getting here and where to stay — so you can spend less time planning and more time on the water.
Getting There: Book Your Ferry Early
The easiest way to reach Provincetown is the high-speed passenger ferry from Boston. It’s a 90-minute ride, runs several times a day in summer, and means you won’t need a rental car at all. The catch: seats and departure times are limited in peak season, so book before you arrive.
Two companies make the run from Boston, both docking at MacMillan Pier:
- Boston Harbor Cruises — the larger of the two, with an on-board concierge who can help plan your visit.
- Bay State Cruise Company — a smaller, more intimate boat carrying roughly a fifth as many passengers.
Pricing is comparable between them, so pick whichever schedule or experience suits you.
Where to Stay
Provincetown fills up fast during big events, but finding a place to stay is rarely a problem if you plan ahead. Commercial Street — the town’s main drag — has hotels right in the middle of the action, while the surrounding side streets offer boutique bed-and-breakfasts (many converted from the town’s classic cottages and homes) in a quieter setting just a short walk from everything.
While You’re in Town
Once you’ve got your ferry and your room sorted, save an evening for the water. The Schooner Hindu and Cutter Bloodhound sail daily from MacMillan Pier — book a sunset sail or day sail here and see the dunes, lighthouses, and Provincetown skyline the way they’re meant to be seen.
For more on where to eat and what else to do while you’re here, check out our Partners & Attractions guide.
View Our Partners And Attractions Page Here
Ready for some adventure? Take to the high seas with the captain and crew of the Legendary Bloodhound and Hindu Sailing Charters. This is a must-do experience that’s inclusive of all visitors. You’ll see the beauty of the coastline from the water and might even spot some whales and other wildlife. These Provincetown sails are all BYOB and nibbles, so pack your favorite hors d’oeuvres and drinks to enjoy as the sun sets. You can also check out the options made just for their trips by their partner Perfect Picnic Ptown! Don’t forget, they provide assorted seltzer waters, and they consider themselves a classy outfit that provides a refined yet somewhat boisterous adventure. Check out their available event and unique themed sails for something different.