Gay Pride rolled into London this weekend, and some of the HostelBloggers staff were lucky enough to go! In honour of such a great party, and for all those of you who didn’t make it here for the parade, we have a guest post from Pink Choice – a great online resource for gay and lesbian travelers. Here’s their guide to another weekend away, in vibrant Provincetown, Cape Cod. Stay in a hostel in Massachussetts and take a day trip to the coolest spot the Cape…

Mention New England, and places like Boston, Salem and Newport come to mind, but more adventurous travelers add Provincetown to the list.

About a 2 hour drive from Boston, Provincetown sits at the very tip of Cape Cod. It is where the Pilgrims first landed back in 1620; where the whaling industry thrived in the 1800’s; where Tennessee Williams, Eugene O’Neill and Norman Mailer wrote; where Charles Hawthorne, Edward Hopper and Jackson Pollock painted; and where Marlon Brando, Eartha Kitt and Billie Holiday performed.

With the demise of the whaling industry Provincetown became a vibrant arts community, a tourist destination and home to gays, lesbians and drag queens. It is a favorite destination for gay and lesbian travelers from all over the world, a place embracing diversity, tolerance and acceptance of all life styles.

Getting There

A day trip to Provincetown from Boston is easy. In season, high speed ferries make the journey in just 90 minutes ($86 return) and Cape Air flies year round from Logan airport ($100-$180 depending on the season). Once in Provincetown you can start your day with breakfast in one of the street side restaurants and cafes that dot Commercial Street. Just three miles long, it bustles with cafes, restaurants, shops, clubs, bars, boutiques and art galleries.

Getting around Town

The easiest way to get around town is on foot or by bike. Ptown Bikes and Gale Force Bikes rent by the hour or day. Out of town, there are 15 miles of cycle trails winding through the dunes and pine forest of the National Sea Shore, offering great views and a good workout!

History and a View

Back in town, the Pilgrim Monument and Museum chronicles the history of Provincetown. The top of the Monument has panoramic views of the town and the Outer Cape. And  it looks like the Italian Sienna Tower.

Lunchtime!

Provincetown is the place to try a bowl of clam chowder or fried clams. The Lobster Pot is ‘a Provincetown tradition’ and serves perhaps the best clam chowder on the Cape. Another favorite is Ross’ Grill, located on the second floor of the Whalers Wharf just west of the town center.

Feeling Arty?

In the afternoon stroll through the gallery district in the East End of town. There are many galleries to browse and the famous Provincetown Art Museum to visit too. Most galleries are open late morning through to late evening in the summer months.

Up Close and Personal

Alternatively, head to MacMillian Pier and join one of the whale watching trips that go out several times a day from April to October. You will be able to see humpbacks, finbacks, minkes and pilot whales up close and personal as well as dolphins and porpoise.

Winding Down?

Night time takes on a life of its own. Drag queens hawk their shows from the side walk, and buskers of all shades of talent perform outside Town Hall. Some people head to Herring Cove beach to see a spectacular Provincetown sunset. Others head for one of the many quality restaurants offering plenty of choice to match individual tastes and budgets. Favorites from East to West are the Mews, Café Edwiges, Front Street, Jimmy’s Hideaway, Victor’s and The Red Inn.

Afterwards, take in a show at the Post Office Cabaret or the Crown and Anchor or dance the night away in one of the clubs in town like the famous “A” House or Vixen’s.

Some people do this all in 48 hours, others take a week. Whatever time you have, Provincetown is one destination like no other and one that will hook you for return visits, again and again.

Article courtesy of Pink Choice – Essential Reviews for Gay Travelers.

Images - Thanks to our friends on Flickr Chris Devers, MS Stephens, Jodo and Donnay.