Provincetown is a historic seaside town, famous as the location the pilgrims first landed. The town's major attractions revolve around its character as a fishing and trading sea port. In 1911, to protect the town harbor from the constantly shifting dunes, the breakwater was built. The causeway stretches approximately one mile across the harbor and those with sure feet and an adventurous streak can enjoy the unique chance to walk over water on the rocks. Wood End lighthouse can be reached by foot via the causeway. Once you cross the harbor, enjoy unimpeded vies of the water and the town laid out in front of you like a picture. Explore the rocks for shells, mussels and knick-knacks left behind by the sea. The beach at the other end is a nice place for a spot of sunbathing or a quiet picnic.
This lighthouse first started operations in the year 1872. Initially lit using a kerosene lamp, the light house was automated in 1961. Guiding ships even today, this historic structure functions on solar energy in the present day. It has a light house near it and sits on an open land with no other buildings in the area. Listed in the National Register of Historic places, visitors need to go through a short hike to reach this scenic spot.
Few people know that the pilgrims first struck land in Provincetown, on November 21, 1620, before continuing on to Plymouth. While anchored in Provincetown Harbor, the Pilgrims signed the Mayflower Compact, dedicating themselves to a community governed by democratic rule. This tower was built in 1910 to commemorate that landing, was modeled after the clock tower of the Palazzo Pubblico (specifically the Torre del Mangia) in Siena, Italy. A climb to the top affords one of the best views on the entire Cape, and the tower also incorporates the Provincetown Museum.
Edward Gorey House is a memoir and a preservation of the works of, as the name suggests, the artist and writer Edward Gorey. The house belongs to the man himself and this is where he lived as well. On display at the house are sketches, unpublished works, paintings, ink drawings and much more; all of them works of Gorey. There are also original scripts of his famous works. A lot of the items are part of private collections and a number of them are singular pieces not available anywhere else. The house does focus on Gorey, but also showcases the works of Hillaire Belloc, Edward Lear, T.S. Eliot and others. The house is also involved with a number of animal activation events because of Gorey’s interest and love for animals. They are listed on the website, so do have a look. There is also a gift shop hat has the artists characters come to life as figurines, apparel, posters, jewelery and other goodies.
Province Lands Visitor Center is a center with superb simulations of the natural environment which displays the heart-wrenching struggle of plants facing extinction due to the shifting sand dunes. A walk up to the observation deck provides scenic vistas of the parabolic dunes in Provincetown. If you're lucky, you can also spot whales from this deck. The center also features an indoor theater that regularly showcases educational films about the region. A small bookstore offers a variety of books, toys, souvenirs, and other memorabilia.
Within the storied confines of what once served as a rail station, visitors will find fascinating displays, exhibits, models, and other memorabilia pertaining to Chatham's railroad industry. A favorite with rail buffs and toy train collectors, the Chatham Railroad Depot presents a striking façade that bears allusions to a Gothic architectural design and features an equally impressive interior. Dating from the 1880s, the depot, which today also draws visitors owing to the museum set within it, is a prominent landmark in the town and contributes greatly to Chatham's historical and cultural landscape.