The Pilgrims, a group of separatists and other individuals who were the founders of Plymouth Colony, landed at the location of present-day Provincetown in 1620 and stayed there for about a month. Permanent settlement did not take place until 1700. In the beginning, fishing was the town's main source of income, but whaling, salt making, rum-running and smuggling were also practiced. In the 20th century, Provincetown became popular with artists and later became a popular gay vacation spot. Nowadays, tourism and fishing are the principal industries.
There are several interesting sights in Provincetown, including the Cape Cod National Seashore's visitor center, the Provincetown Playhouse and the Pilgrim Monument and Museum, which dates from 1910. The Expedition Whydah is a museum where you can see the preserved remains of a pirate ship.
Accommodation and restaurants are available in town. Provincetown is on the northern tip of Cape Cod, 80 km southeast of Boston and 660 km northeast of Washington D.C. Provincetown has a harbor on Cape Cod Bay.
Travel Guides for Provincetown
Find a flight to Provincetown