Fifteen years ago, I worked with the tourism board of Provincetown. My work was simple: secure press coverage for the town based on their already-identified tourism verticals – LGBT, outdoor adventure & natural beauty, family-friendly, food & drink, art & culture, and pet-friendly. Having a client with such a diverse offering as Ptown is a dream PR job; it was an easy sell to everyone I pitched. During this time, our media coverage of Ptown as a pet-friendly destination landed the town the title of ‘Dogtown USA’ by Dog Fancy magazine, a prestigious honor bestowed upon the most dog-friendly town in America. Oh, you’re not impressed by Dog Fancy? How about this dog-friendly Provincetown mention in The New Yorker? Like I said, a dream job.
Despite leaving that job, I still visit Ptown every summer — and bring my dog, Reggie, along. Here are some of our favorite places to visit.
Where to Eat
Canteen: Stopping by the Canteen for a lunch of lobster rolls, fried Brussels sprouts and whatever frozen concoction they have on the menu is a non-negotiable every summer. You order at the counter, then head back to the patio that leads onto the beach. This is where we take Reggie’s annual summer portrait, every year since 2017. Above is a selection of his best shots, but you can see all the shots 2017 through 2024 here.
Tin Pan Alley: Eat out on the deck overlooking the water.
Where to Drink
Provincetown Brewing Co.: Despite visiting countless times, I’ve yet to meet the dog mascot whose doghouse out front proudly proclaims that he/she bites racists. Dogs are allowed inside and outside and food is served in addition to the locally made beer.
Aqua Bar: Come for the mudslides out on the huge deck overlooking the bay.
Where to Beach
Dog Beach: Located towards the west end of Commercial Street, this tiny sliver of a downtown beach is perfect for a mid-day cool off in between shopping and lunch.
Herring Cove Beach: Part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, a day pass to this beach will run you $25 but it’s money well spent to let the pup run off leash. Just make sure you’re far from the parking lot/crowds and no one will give you a hard time
Other Things to Do
Whale Watch: Head out to Stellwagen Bay on a 3-4 hour cruise with your leashed dog to see humpback and minke whales.
Rent bikes and tool around town! Ptown and the entire Cape is a great spot to bike around. There are a few bike rental shops in town that will also rent you a pet trailer. Check out the Cape Rail Trail, a 25-mile paved bike path from Yarmouth to Wellfleet.
Shop: Almost all the shops and galleries along Commercial Street welcome dogs inside.
Where to Sleep
Technically we’ve never spent the night with Reggie in Ptown, but there are plenty of dog-friendly options, including the Brass Key Guesthouse, Surfside Inn, and a ton of Airbnb/VRBO options listed on Bring Fido.
Farther Afield
If you’re leaving Ptown with your pup and exploring more of the Cape, check out my dog-friendly guide to Cape Cod!
