This Is The Friendliest Small Town In The United States
Overlooking the Atlantic, at the northern point of Cape Cod, Provincetown, Massachusetts, shines as the friendliest small town in the United States. This New England community has long been a popular tourist destination, but its appeal has truly blossomed in a post-pandemic Â鶹AV. With travelers craving authenticity and connection more than ever, Provincetown’s legacy of tolerance distinguishes it from other US towns, helping all feel welcome here. While its setting on a hook-shaped peninsula makes it popular with beachgoers and summer vacationers, what sets the coastal town apart is its history of hospitality. No matter how long or brief your visit, Provincetown locals will have you feeling right at home.
Provincetown: A Legacy of Freedom, Artistic Spirit, and Pride
Provincetown’s history of freedom stretches back centuries, one of its most prominent moments marked in 1620. That year, Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower in search of religious freedom reached the shores of North America where modern-day Provincetown stands. While their stay here was brief, this iconic event laid the foundation for the town's welcoming spirit and enduring tolerance.
Skipping ahead to the 1900s, Provincetown quickly developed into a flamboyant art community. After artist Charles W. Hawthorne founded the Cape Cod School of Art in 1899, other painters followed suit, lured by the town’s enchanting coastal landscapes. Soon after, Provincetown’s reputation as an “Artists’ Haven” attracted poets and playwrights like Eugene O’Neill. Over several decades, the community also rose to fame as a summer resort for the wealthy, but its artistic spirit persisted as the spotlight charm. This reputation inspired more artists and creatives to come to Provincetown in search of other like-minded souls and a sense of belonging.
By the 1960s, Provincetown became a popular destination for gay and lesbian travelers searching for this same sense of belonging and acceptance. The town’s artistic atmosphere thrived alongside this new tourist scene, bonding these bohemians and nonconformists through mutual support, acceptance, and creative exchange. To this day, Provincetown is one of the best places in the country to experience art, pride, and a sense of community, and people of all backgrounds are welcome here.
Popular Events and Attractions In Provincetown
Provincetown Carnival
In 1978, the Provincetown Business Guild established Carnival, an event designed to embrace and celebrate the LGBTQ community in Cape Cod. This celebration of pride persists each year, and the event has since broadened to include people of all sexualities and backgrounds. Each summer, the weeklong festival welcomes thousands of visitors from around the Â鶹AV, fostering a sense of community, creative expression, and acceptance. The event features costume contests, pool parties, live performances, and the famous Carnival Parade on Commercial Street. In 2025, festivities kick off on August 16th and finish on the 23rd, with the parade booked for August 21st.
Commercial Street
Commercial Street is the vibrant heart of Provincetown, even outside of festival season. This 3-mile strip serves as a gateway to tons of family-friendly waterfront attractions such as MacMillan Pier, Provincetown Marina, Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch, and the Provincetown Causeway. However, to experience the town’s signature creative energy, you will want to explore Commercial Street’s land-based attractions.
Honoring its artistic roots, the stretch is lined with some of Provincetown’s best galleries, including the Provincetown Art Association and Museum, Cortile Gallery, and Studio Lacombe. Commercial Street is also where you will find the cutest cafes and restaurants in town, from cozy locales like Connie's Bakery & Cafe to more upscale spots like Jimmy's HideAway. As day turns to night, Provincetown’s nightlife is a great way to mingle with friendly locals and other out-of-towners. Whether visiting gastropubs like The Squealing Pig, cocktail lounges like Harbor Lounge, or LGBTQ-friendly nightclubs like A-House, there is something for every vibe on Commercial Street.
Beaches, Beaches, Beaches!
No visit to Provincetown is complete without enjoying sand and sunshine at one of its award-winning shores. Among its 40 miles of breathtaking coastline, Cape Cod National Seashore Park boasts many of the town's best beaches. This includes shores like Herring Cove Beach which stands out for its embracing atmosphere, welcoming adult travelers and families alike. Its tidal pools and calm Atlantic waters are popular with kids, while adults prefer this shore for its famous watercolor sunsets. Herring Cove also promotes inclusivity through its accessible parking, beach wheelchairs, and accessible showers.
Race Point Beach is another crowd-favorite, beloved for its scenic dunes and views of the Race Point Lighthouse. Nearby, the Province Lands Visitor Center (open May through October) boasts a 360-degree observation deck for whale watching. Elsewhere in town, just off Commercial Street, Provincetown even offers a beach just for your four-legged friends. Many of Provincetown's shores are already dog-friendly, including Herring Cove. But places like Dog Beach provide a special experience for your furry companions, giving them a taste of the freedom Provincetown is famous for.
Provincetown Pride
While Provincetown is a year-round retreat for people in the LGBTQ community, the annual Provincetown Pride weekend is a beautiful reminder of the town’s legacy. In 2025, the 8th annual Pride celebration will take place June 6th to June 8th, featuring a range of parties, events, and festivities welcoming all. While specifics are still being explored, previous Provincetown Prides featured comedy shows, rallies at Town Hall, queer-led artisan markets, and countless other pride-themed festivities.
Final Thoughts
Since its first days as an art colony, Provincetown has welcomed people looking to explore their creativity and authentic selves, forever establishing it as a sanctuary for misfits and nonconformists. Today, this legacy of acceptance extends to all who pass through. Whether visiting for a family beach vacation or booking a getaway around one of Provincetown’s festivals, your time here will be met with unparalleled warmth, kindness, and hospitality.
