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Historic street · Provincetown, Massachusetts
Commercial Street
A narrow street of about 5 km along Provincetown harbor, with wooden houses, art galleries, shops, restaurants and the pier where whale-watching boats depart.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Commercial Street
Commercial Street runs along the shore of Provincetown Bay for about 5 km. Until the 19th century the village was reached mainly by sea, and houses were built facing the beach; the street came later, threading among them, and remains narrow, one-way for cars, with many people on foot and bicycles.
The central section, near town hall and MacMillan Pier, concentrates shops, restaurants, bars and theaters. To the east, in the East End, the street is calmer and hosts art galleries, a legacy of the artist colony formed in 1899 when painter Charles Hawthorne opened an open-air painting school.
Whale-watching boats that go to the Stellwagen Bank, as well as fishing and pleasure boats, leave from MacMillan Pier. At the west end, the street ends near the stone breakwater that leads to the Long Point dunes.
The town has one of the best-known LGBTQ+ communities in the United States, and the street hosts parties and parades in summer.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to three hours to walk and visit galleries.
Best time
Late afternoon and evening in summer, when the street gets livelier. For East End galleries, weekend openings during the season often have vernissages.
How to get there
It’s in downtown Provincetown, within walking distance of MacMillan Pier and the bus terminal. Cars have restrictions; prefer to arrive on foot or by bicycle.
Tip
Walk to the East End for the galleries and return through the center at dusk. At low tide, the West End breakwater can be walked to the dunes, but be careful on the rocks.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Commercial Street
What to do on Commercial Street?
Walk among shops, restaurants and art galleries, see the harbor from MacMillan Pier and take a boat trip for whale watching.
Where do whale-watching boats depart in Provincetown?
From MacMillan Pier, in the center of Commercial Street, generally from April to October.
Can you drive on Commercial Street?
The street is narrow and one-way, with many pedestrians. It’s better explored on foot or by bicycle.