Family of four, including 2 children ages 12 and 8, planning to take the high-speed boat from Boston to Provincetown for a one-day trip. I've never been to the area and obviously don't yet know if this area is "walkable" or if we should plan to rent some bikes. Also looking for beach locations recommendations (i.e. do you prefer one or several areas over the other?).

Thank you!

David

If the high-speed boats from Boston let you out where youu catch the whale-watching boats, you are in an excellent place for walking through the comercial part of the town. If going to the beach, you might want to rent some bicycles, because as I remember, the public beach area is quite a distance from the commercial area. One warning, Provincetown is very gay, so If that bothers you, you might want to reconsider your trip there. If not, Provincetown is a great place to visit.

The ferry drops you right at McMillan wharf in the center of town. Commercial street is a one-way, one lane, street right on the beach that runs the length of the town about 3 miles. Cars are allowed but it is definitely a walking street. The street is lined on both sides with restaurants, shops, galleries and places to see.

There are beaches right off Commercial street but to get to Race Point or Herring Cove beaches (both great beaches) you would need to rent a bike, or take the trolley bus which loops from the center of town to both beaches and back.

Walking around in P'town is a great way to spend an afternoon. So much good shopping and good food! Just be sure to prepare your kids for seeing lots of same-sex couples holding hands.

Provincetown is readily walkable. you can swim in the bay or in the ocean. Bay water is warmer and there is little or no wave action. The ocean is quite cold into late July and there is usually wave action. You could walk to the bay area but it is a hike to the ocean beaches - bikes would make life easier whether you decide on the bay or the beach.

The town is full of butch women with very short mannish haircuts holding hands and other activities. Watch out!

I will be visiting Boston in late June and this seems like a nice day trip. Can anyone tell where do you catch the "high-speed boat" to Provincetown and how much will it cost? Also, how much for bike rentals for the day and will they be easily avialable from the dock. Thanks.

There are some very nice bike trails that go through the Provincelands out to Race Point; there is one that does a loop through the Provincelands dunes, and then you can ride back into town on another trail that goes by Herring Cove. It's beautiful ride. If you rent bikes they can give you a map of the trails.

Something else that your kids might enjoy is climbing to the top of the Pilgrim Monument for a spectacular view of the area - on a clear day you can see Boston. But you'd better be in good shape - the tower is almost 253 feet high, and has 116 stairs and 60 ramps leading to the top. It's the tallest all-granite structure in the U.S., and is copied from the tower of the Torre Del Mangia in Siena, Italy.

Cooter, www.bostonharborcruises.com has the prices, schedule, and other info for the ferry.

Go to www.ptownbikes.com for some info on bike rentals. There are several places in town within walking distance of the wharf to rent bikes.