How To Spend A Perfect Weekend In Provincetown
Picture this: a place where rainbow flags hang from every other porch, dogs have their own dedicated menu items, and you can walk down the main street without spotting a chain restaurant.
Welcome to Provincetown, Massachusetts (or P-Town to locals) where supporting small businesses isn’t just encouraged, it’s basically the only option!
This charming town in Cape Cod has lots of character. Portuguese immigrants have shaped much of its culture (you’ll notice it in the food and architecture), and the sandy soil creates some of the most vibrant hydrangeas you’ll ever see. P-Town has an inclusive community spirit and is known to be a favorite LGBTQ+ location, with queer-owned businesses on every corner.
Whether you’re here for the drag shows, whale tours or some really good coffee, here are some spots we think make Provincetown special.
Where The Locals Start Their Day
Liz’s Cafe Anybody’s Bar
Don’t let the name confuse you. Liz’s Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a menu that features classic comfort foods like Eggs Benedict, French Toast and Lobster Benedict, as well as Italian-inspired entrees and seafood options for dinner.
We visited and ordered the Number 8 (two eggs, choice of bacon, sausage, or ham, two pieces of french toast or pancakes, served with home fries), which was delicious! Parking is limited to street spots or a $20 cash-only lot next door. Be prepared to wait - go early if you can - which tells you everything you need to know about how good the food is.
Pop + Dutch has earned a loyal local following for its creative sandwiches and upbeat vibe. This cozy spot serves up everything from breakfast sandwiches to salads, snacks, and freshly baked pastries.
We tried the turkey sandwich, which was made fresh, but the real showstopper was their house-made biscuit with jam - absolutely incredible. Everything here tastes like it was just pulled from the oven! It's the perfect grab-and-go spot whether you're heading to the beach or exploring.
Relish Bakery & Sandwich Shop
Fair warning - breakfast cuts off at 11am sharp, so set that alarm! We went with the sausage, egg, and cheese on an everything bagel, and it hit the spot perfectly.
Relish has built its reputation on its baked goods and sandwiches, from fresh muffins and cakes to hearty deli options. Our insider tip: grab your order and take the two-minute stroll to the public beach next to Captain Jack's Wharf. Who doesn't want breakfast with an ocean view?
Where to Grab A Drink
Kōhi
We went to this coffee spot every day of our trip. How could we not? The seating is limited, but if you can get a spot it’s the perfect place to unwind with a coffee while watching the waves. It’s trendy, dog-friendly and is community-oriented that reflects P-Town’s creative energy.
We ordered the chai and lavender latte along with breakfast cookies that are packed with granola, raisins and a bunch of other great ingredients!
Nor East is a must-visit if you’re in Provincetown. It has a beautiful beer garden with mini greenhouses throughout, making it feel like a secret garden. We opted for a wine and an old fashioned, but friends ordered food and couldn’t stop raving about the risotto and heirloom tomato dish. This is the kind of spot that works for both casual drinks and a delicious meal.
Shop Like a Local
The Old Baby
This became our absolute favorite find for unique apparel - everything from locally-designed Provincetown tees to carefully curated fragrances. We loved chatting with the owner, who personally designs or handpicks every single item in The Old Baby. The owner was incredibly helpful and refreshingly honest about what looked good on us - which is rare to find in retail!
What struck us most? Everything here is crafted to spark nostalgic feelings while actually being built to last.
Tim’s Used Books
Tucked away off Commercial Street, this charming bookstore houses a massive collection of used books. Floor-to-ceiling shelves pack every corner with an eclectic mix that'll transport any book lover straight back to your childhood library days.
Just a heads up, no food or drinks are allowed inside to protect the books!
Womencrafts is a landmark feminist bookstore and craft shop in P-Town. They offer a collection of queer and women-themed products, books, ceramics and more. It’s also one of Provincetown’s oldest continuously operating businesses and one of the only surviving feminist bookstores in the US!
Heavy Petal
Heavy Petal is a flower shop that goes beyond flowers - they have a variety of gifts and knick-knacks to browse too! They specialize in custom arrangements for events and special occasions too. This is the kind of place where you go in for one thing and leave with three.
The Captain’s Daughter is a boutique, tea bar and gallery. It sells wellness-focused gifts (like locally made soaps and natural skincare) and Provincetown themed apparel, which is perfect if you’re looking for a keepsake to remember your weekend away.
At the heart of the experience is their tea bar, which features more than thirty varieties from ceremonial matcha to carefully curated loose-leaf blends. But here's the best part - everything you taste, you can take home!
High-end nautical vibes meet carefully curated clothes, home goods, and art. Everything at Clove & Creek reflects Provincetown's creative spirit while celebrating regional makers from the Hudson Valley, Catskills, and New England through handmade products.
We picked up some ring holders from here - they were too good to leave behind!
Must-see Spots
Suzanne’s Garden
This public community garden is worth the stop to see the variety of colors and flowers overflowing everywhere. Suzanne’s Garden is often described by visitors as a “small piece of paradise” and a “sanctuary.” The garden is especially magical in spring, when the wisteria blooms, attracting bees and butterflies.
Commercial Street
Make sure to walk the entirety of commercial street when you visit! It captures P-Town’s artistic spirit, diversity and coastal charm. It’s a destination within itself - with beautifully restored New England homes, quirky shop fronts and plenty of people watching to be done.
Thanassi Gallery
The Thanassi Gallery is stunning, even from the outside. If you do venture in, you'll find artwork and artifacts that appeal to serious collectors and casual browsers.
Why P-Town Should Be Next On Your List
Provincetown has everything we love in a destination. Dogs are welcome everywhere, the queer community is celebrated throughout the culture, and the Portuguese influence adds unexpected cultural depth. The best part is how naturally P-Town supports local businesses. At Pao, we believe local businesses are at the heart of what makes places special and we see Provincetown as the perfect example of this philosophy in action.
Ready to explore Provincetown for yourself? These spots are just the beginning - the real magic happens when you're wandering around, talking to small business owners, and sitting with a good coffee.
Download the Pao App to discover more local gems wherever your travels take you!
