In 1620 the ‘Mayflower’ dropped anchor here in ‘Cape Harbor’ and the first party of Pilgrims came ashore for a five week stay before moving on to you-know-where. Later Provincetown’s whaling fleet grew to become one of the leaders in the world.

Because Provincetown is ALL sand – top to bottom, side to side, end to end – farming was never an occupation. (In fact, any dirt you see even today, has been trucked in.) Salt works, though, thrived here. As did, and does, a substantial artists and writers colony.

Today Provincetown is still very much a fishing village. Many prominent residents are fishermen who work on the trawlers, draggers, seiners, and trap boats that decorate the harbor.

The National Seashore constitutes a large part of Provincetown’s geography protecting it in perpetuity.

Provincetown is pretty, and laden with character. Narrow lanes and lush gardens reveal quaint weathered cottages and handsome eighteenth century Captain’s homes. Broad scenic dunes and beaches contrast with the seasonal bustle on Commercial Street. Museums, historic sites, shops and galleries exhibit the creativity of Provincetown artisans.

Here at the eastern tip of America where walking is more popular than riding, a cosmopolitan population mix enjoys the variety, vagaries and vistas available nowhere else in the world. Be sure to take a look at Vacation Cape Cod’s Provincetown Vacation Rental Listings.