A Gay Guide To Provincetown

Provincetown is one of the best destinations in the USA for gay travelers. It’s a small town in a remote setting at the tip of Cape Cod. Provincetown has long been a haven for artists and writers. Historically, it’s famed as the sight of the Mayflower Compact.

The Puritans who came to America weren’t to know that their landing place would later be overcome by gay men. Bless.

Provincetown is very popular for gay staycations. It’s packed with gay bars and gay hotels. Provincetown is great as a party destination. It also works as a romantic destination. The landscapes of Massachusetts form the perfect romantic backdrop. There are also some excellent boutique hotels to choose from. Every gay travelers in the USA should visit Provincetown at least once.

 

How gay is Provincetown?

 

The permanent population of Provincetown is merely 3,000. During peak season the number swells to 60,000 - many of whom will be LGBT+. Central Provincetown becomes a big gay party. You’ll see rainbow flags, drag queens and gay men - many shirtless - wherever you look. It’s like going to gay church.

John Waters, the iconic filmmaker, spends much of the year in Provincetown. It’s as much a magnet for bohemians as it is for gay people.

 

Gay bars and clubs in Provincetown

 

The Crown & Anchor Entertainment Complex is the main hub of Provincetown’s nightlife scene. It’s comprised of several venues. The Crown & Anchor Inn is a gay hotel on Commerical Street. Head downstairs and you’ll find the Wave Video Bar. The restaurant takes the form of a piano bar at the weekend. People head to The Crown & Anchor to party even if they aren’t staying there. Supposing you’re looking for some action as the night progresses, head to The Vault, a cruise club with a small play area.

Paramount Nightclub is the place to go if you want to dance the night away. The testosterone will be oozing on the dance floor. Paramount attracts major DJs in peak season.

Atlantic House is the other gay club in Provincetown. Two major gay clubs in one tiny town! This one has different themed rooms, including The Little Bar (the cruisey one), The Macho Bar and the Big Room (main dance floor).

 

Culture and Events

 

The Art House is a theatre and cabaret that knows its audience well. Some of the hottest theatrical talent in the USA can be seen at The Art House. Drag Race alumni and top Broadway performers are often on the bill. It’s the kind of place where you might see Bianco Del Rio debuting a new show.

The Cabaret Room @ Crown & Anchor offers more of the same. Expect high camp entertainment, drag, comedy, music and more.

Provincetown is small. You can walk around it very easily. There are some great walks you can take. The Cape Cod Provincelands Trail - it begins at Province Lands Visitor Center on Race Point Road.

Cape Cod is famed for lighthouses. Long Point Lighthouse is one to visit. It dates back to 1875 and it’s located on the Cape National Seashore.

Read More: Things To Do In Provincetown.

 

Gay Beaches in Provincetown

 

Herring Cove Beach is within Provincetown itself. The sands are soft and there are plenty of bars and amenities dotted along the beach. Half of Herring Cove Beach is family-oriented, the other half is the gay beach. You’ll spot which side is the gay side very quickly! The dunes are where people go to cruise. Herring Cove is the best beach in Provincetown. A great spot for people-watching. Head a bit further south (or left from the pavilion) and you'll find Boys Beach Provincetown.