The best hikes from bus stations around Provincetown

Flip flops not good, don't hold infants in your arms

The Provincetown Breakwater (causeway or dike) is an iconic, unique feature that is a must do if in the area. Best crossed during low tide (check a local tide chart and plan ahead! People have been stranded across the breakwater during peak high tides!) this 1.2 mile long, thin dike takes you from the end of commercial district of P-Town across bay to the furtherest point in Massachusetts: an uncrowded, beautiful beach with several historic lighthouses, and sweeping views of the entire lower Cape. While the Breakwater is generally flat, it is not necessarily an easy walk; the granite boulders have gaps between them, they can be slippery, and they are uneven, so use caution and wear good shoes!

Commercial Street in Provincetown is located at the very tip of Cape Cod. This iconic street is a vibrant thoroughfare known for its shopping, dining, stunning views, and rich cultural atmosphere. There are numerous art galleries showcasing works by local artists, eclectic boutique clothing stores offering everything from beachwear to streetwear, souvenir shops filled with Cape Cod memorabilia, and specialty stores selling handmade crafts and jewelry. There are also great places to stop for a bite to eat ranging from casual cafes to upscale restaurants, as well as numerous candy shops to grab a sweet snack. The town has long been a haven for artists, writers, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, giving it a diverse and inclusive atmosphere. There are many theaters and other venues presenting live performances ranging from plays and musicals to drag shows and stand up, which are a must if spending an evening in the town.

The mural ‘Time and the Town’ by Esteban del Valle (2021) can be seen on the outside wall of the ‘Marine Specialties’ store on ‘Commercial Street’. The mural shows humanized foxes at a dinner party in a hut in the dunes. It was created as one of the first three commissions of the ‘Provincetown Public Art Foundation’. The foundation was founded in 2020 with the goal of telling the story of Provincetown - past, present and future - through public art. https://provincetownindependent.org/tag/esteban-del-valle/ https://provincetownpublicart.org/

The AIDS Memorial was erected in Provincetown in 2018. "This memorial commemorates the lives lost to AIDS and the humanitarian efforts of those who responded to the crisis." https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=142335

The 'First Landing Park' is located in a traffic circle at the western end of 'Commercial Street' in Provincetown. The park is intended to mark the place where the passengers of the Mayflower first set foot on land after their 66-day journey from England on November 11, 1620. https://eu.capecodtimes.com/in-depth/news/2020/11/08/pilgrim-400-arrival-provincetown-mashpee-wampanoag-nation-quadricentennial/6163442002/

The walk on the ‘Long Point Dike’ is known locally as the ‘Breakwater Walk’. The approximately 2-kilometer-long dike was completed in 1914. The dike cuts through Provincetown Harbor and connects the mainland with the ‘Long Point’ peninsula. The granite rock structure is intended to protect the land from flooding. https://npplan.com/parks-by-state/massachusetts-national-parks/cape-cod-national-seashore-park-at-a-glance/cape-cod-national-seashore-hiking-trails/cape-cod-national-seashore-long-point-dike-to-two-lighthouses-hike/

The shoreline is expansive and there are plenty of gorgeous trails, beaches, and rolling dunes to explore. The national park service charges $25 for entry. Since the area is so huge, you can always find a secluded spot off the beaten path to enjoy the water and white sands.