New England's Easternmost Beach Retreat Is A Coastal Haven With Whale Watching, Artsy Charm, And Lighthouses

New England is one of the most popular destinations for living and travel in the United States. With unforgettably unique summer vacation activities and cozy getaways in the fall and winter, New England is the perfect place to escape your troubles year-round. In the northeast corner of the United States, rich history and coastal havens make New England the place to be, and the six states that make up the region each have their own unique appeal. The same goes for its cities and towns, including Massachusetts' Provincetown.

Massachusetts is the most populated New England state with roughly 7 million residents in total, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. With more than 50 million tourists flocking to the place nicknamed the Bay State, per the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, it is clear that Massachusetts has plenty to offer. In addition to the metropolitan city of Boston — home to some of the world's coolest neighborhoods – Massachusetts is full of small and mid-sized towns with picturesque coastal views and cultural appreciation. One of Massachusetts' most famed locations is Cape Cod, a beachy peninsula on the southeastern part of the state with several charming shoreside towns. Among Cape Cod's hidden gems is Provincetown, a coastal retreat with its own coveted New England attractions like lighthouses and whale watching, all amid a vibrant arts and culture scene. For some of the peninsula's best beaches, a creative atmosphere in every medium, and classic New England charm, add Provincetown to your New England itinerary. 

Whale watching is an integral thread in the fabric of Provincetown. Off its coast, humpback, right, and fin whales swim through the Atlantic Ocean and shoot air from their blowholes as they surface. Visitors can see these magnificent creatures for themselves during whale watching season, which runs from April to October. Several whale watching companies, including Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch and Captain John Boats offer 2- to 3-hour excursions for all ages to get out on the water and see New England whales in the flesh (or the blubber.) 

To light the path after your whale watching excursion and experience Provincetown's coastal history, visit one of its three quintessential New England lighthouses. Race Point Lighthouse is typically accessed via a 2-mile walk from Race Point Beach, though a shorter trek is possible from Hatches Harbor. From June through September, the Race Point Lighthouse is open for tours on the first and third Sunday of each month. To get an even more intimate look into lighthouse life, book a stay in the restored Keeper's House or Whistle House for a unique accommodation experience you won't find in a hotel.

After whale watching and lighthouse touring, soak up the sun on one of Provincetown's acclaimed beaches. Some are part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, a protected shoreline famously celebrated by writer and environmentalist Henry David Thoreau. Herring Cove Beach and Race Point Beach, both within the National Seashore, are frequently ranked among the most beloved beaches on Cape Cod and the East Coast. With lighthouse views, sand dunes, and world-class sunsets, Provincetown beaches cannot be beat.

Of all the history and praises in Provincetown's repertoire, its arts scene is one of the town's strongest pulls. Provincetown has been a retreat for artists and art lovers for decades, and it even boasts its significance as America's oldest continuous art colony. When it's too cold to looking for whales or lay on the beach, Provincetown's creative community offers something year-round. 

During the winter and spring, local musicians perform at The Mews Coffeehouse. Once a week, the show opens with an open mic for anyone who signs up in advance. For the thespian route, the Provincetown Theater hosts an annual 24-Hour Play Festival, where a production is created from inception to final curtain all in one day, culminating in a final performance that same night. The town is also home to 60 art galleries. Every Friday evening from May through October, you can join locals for the Provincetown Art Gallery Association Stroll. Galleries along a 1.5-mile stretch open their doors to the public, while nonprofits host open houses, pop-up shows, and new exhibitions for an even deeper look into Provincetown's culture and community.

If you plan to visit Provincetown via air travel, there are a few options. The Provincetown Municipal Airport offers flights to and from the Boston Logan International Airport. But if one flight is enough, the drive from Logan to Provincetown takes roughly 2.5 hours. Before you leave the city, consider a stop in one of Boston's best neighborhoods, a walkable Massachusetts gem with green spaces and global cuisine. And don't forget to grab a beer at the Samuel Adams Boston Brewery before you go.