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Provincetown, Massachusetts: Vacation History in the Making
20th February 2007
Author: Jennifer Weiss
On the tip of Cape Cod rests a town where creative expression flourishes and serenity and solitude are always the order of the day. Provincetown, Massachusetts, nestled along a private peninsula, offers natural inspiration and budding adventures to all of its guests—just as long as you follow its lead away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
It is impossible to overstate the picturesque natural beauty of Cape Cod’s extreme tip with its miles of stunning seashore and dramatic, sweeping dunes. While the choice between bay side and ocean side beaches is always a matter a preference, the ocean banks, which are protected by the Cape Cod National Seashore, are notoriously stunning and considered the more inviting of the two. However, if the bay side is more to your liking, three miles of sandy expanse along the Provincetown Harbor are at your disposal and activities such as swimming and sailing, particularly at West End Beach, are always on the menu.
The National Seashore beaches, Herring Cove and Race Point Beach, attract the masses when warm weather shines on the Cape. Offering miles of soft sand where the Atlantic Ocean meet Massachusetts Bay, narrow Herring Cove is one of the most famous gay beaches in the world. Visitors can mingle, sunbathe, and swim to their heart’s content, but be sure to stay for the sunset since it is the only location in the East where the sun sets over the ocean. While Race Point Beach features dramatic, sweeping dunes that are a stunning backdrop for all of your water-bound excursions, the rough waters are typically better suited for whale watching than swimming.
When you simply want to escape the hordes that descend upon these popular beaches, make the journey beyond the breakwater by catching the water shuttle set for Long Point. Nicknamed “the end of the earth” by locals, this last bit of land is the resting point for the 1827 Long Point Lighthouse and offers a sandy shore for even more beach front excitement. If you prefer a little more adventure, you can cross Provincetown Harbor on the massive rocks that protect the marshlands from the ocean and soak in the spectacular views all around.
From spring through fall, seaworthy adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts absolutely must hop aboard a whale watching cruise to catch a glimpse of these breathtaking beasts. Virtually guaranteed a sighting (many companies will offer a rain check if they fail to surface), visitors are apt to come across Humpback, Finback, and Minke whales in the Stellwagen Bank feeding area. In addition, the waters in and around Provincetown and Cape Cod Bay are teeming with pilot whales, white-sided dolphins, and the harbor porpoise, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the sighting of a lifetime.
Land lovers or those who simply cannot handle the rough waters of the open sea will find plenty of attractions for their amusement. The Provincetown Art Association and Museum contains four art galleries that feature the work of various American artists, from renowned masters to inexperienced upstarts. The museum also hosts concerts, readings, and lectures throughout the year for those with a natural affinity towards the arts. At the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum, visitors can climb up the monument that commemorates the first landing of the Mayflower Pilgrims in Provincetown for a breathtaking view of the coast and Boston.
Provincetown caters to a diverse selection of interests that are centered around its majestic beauty and its inspirational natural qualities. Gorgeous beaches, stunning art pieces, and recreational pursuits are just the tip of iceberg during your relaxing and entertaining stay in a cozy and convenient Provincetown rental. No matter what your interests, or what exactly appeals to you about this little piece of paradise, Provincetown vacation rentals are a welcoming home away from home whenever you aren’t hiking along the seashore or biking the spectacular Province Lands Trail. To experience a Cape Cod getaway that literally extends miles beyond the ordinary, book your picture-perfect vacation rental today.
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