Commercial Street
Commercial Street
4.5
About
Stroll along Provincetown’s main street and browse the countless shops amid Cape Cod's historic architecture. Take your time to visit the art galleries, discover the quaint cafes and hunt for souvenirs. The 3-mile-long street is predominantly residential toward its eastern end, so head to the westernmost edge around the town’s marina to people watch, hang out with your friends, and shop. At night, you can keep the fun going at one of the area’s many bars and clubs. The area attracts many LGBTQIA+ travelers year-round. – Tripadvisor
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94 within 3 miles
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89 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- EFW2014Woolwich, Maine1,514 contributionsVery busyNot sure why anyone would drive in the downtown section of commercial street. It’s narrow and people are everywhere. Lots of shops and restaurants along the street. Don’t forget the side streets and alleys. Watch out for cars!Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 20, 2024
- Donnie D1 contributionGreat Vibe…Very Cool!!! Relaxed Vibe. Plenty of Good Food 😎,it had been 35 years since my last visit. Lotz of Great Art Galleries!! Going back for more this season. If u like a Relaxed/ Friendly place to visit,THIS IS IT!!👍☮️🧿😎ohhh and 🐕 Dog Friendly 🐾🐾🐾Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten May 22, 2024
- JPRaleigh, North Carolina307 contributionsMagicalThis place is magical! Everyone is so happy and friendly! There is no shortage of places to eat, drink, shop, etc. All of the people we ran into working on commercial street are so nice! There is a big lot with paid parking as free spots are scarce. The florals, buildings, etc are perfect for photo ops and everything is right on the water! Don’t miss out!Visited June 2024Traveled with friendsWritten June 13, 2024
- RICART75Peru, Indiana2,360 contributionsConcentrated creativity....Coming into town along the water, we happenstanced upon the beginning of the one-way Commercial Street, and traveled its entire length. Being early May, there was very little vehicle traffic; meaning we could travel very slowly and not impede others. Coupled with the narrowness of the road, the endless parked autos, and the heavy pedestrian foot traffic; we often moved no faster than idle speed, with numerous stops along the way. Having mobility issues, this was in fact a wonderful way to explore and orient oneself to what the street has to offer. We were able to leisurely view the numerous shops, galleries, studios, eateries, etc.; and consider where we might like to return and browse in greater detail, at a later time. For those fascinated by people-watching; this venue offers a magnificent slice of life. Having last visited here 2 to 3+ decades ago; we were amazed at how much the area had intensified. In some sections, it seemed every other structure housed someone's studio or gallery; what an amazing amount of concentrated creativity. Traversing Commercial Street is an excellent way to begin one's immersion into Provincetown.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 18, 2024
- edge8400Valrico, Florida534 contributionsFantastic ExperienceThoroughly enjoyed several hours walking around town and out several piers. Located the ferry service locations for Boston - awesome! We really enjoyed the variety and uniqueness of the shops and eateries.Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 18, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,340 reviews
Excellent
1,506
Very good
635
Average
142
Poor
31
Terrible
26
Jay H
38 contributions
Aug 2020
Worth the walk. Nice quaint town feel. Just be prepared to get gouged if you are hungry, thirsty, or want to purchase just about anything. At night, it can get a little tricky with your children (depending on their age and curiosity) asking question you may not be prepared to answer.
Written November 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helen711
Atlanta, GA1,731 contributions
Aug 2021
Every kind of shop/ store available. This was an artist's colony in the '20s, and it continues in that tradition with Bohemian owners and customers. Lots of restaurants and gift shops to enjoy yourself. Predominantly a gay community.
Written August 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jaqi007
Barnstable, MA331 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
Everyone from everywhere is walking this street and such a friendly place to be yourself. Masks are required on commercial street....maybe because there were almost 0 covid cases and they are trying to keep their community healthy. Traffic control passing out masks if you dont have on. If you dont believe in the covid virus Please dont harrass the merchants, they are doing their best, and dont need belligerent folks yelling about their rights to shop without a mask in their tiny stores.
Written July 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott M
Cambridge, MA494 contributions
Jul 2020
We love P'town both in and out of season; this year, we wondered if COVID-19 would turn it into a ghost town. No worries, though; it's true that on a warm Saturday, it was not nearly as crowded as most of our other summer visits. That being said, it is less crowded and generally quieter; not so many people, all in summer clothes and masks. Most of the shops are open, but since many are quite small, the number of people allowed in is restricted.
My take is: go visit, enjoy the lighter crowds, support the P'town community and merchants.
My take is: go visit, enjoy the lighter crowds, support the P'town community and merchants.
Written July 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John M
Pittsfield, MA89 contributions
Apr 2021
Store owners were very friendly & helpful, bought Prayer Flags at one & browsed a lot of them, fun time just looking for things. Got one cute T-Shirt as well. A lot of folks but fun, all wear masks in this part of town.
Written April 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sunrise Seeker
26 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
Of course, during a global pandemic with so many restrictions, my first visit to the famous Commercial Street was not as exciting as I would’ve hoped. It is a mandatory mask zone and 99% of visitors complied. Still plenty to do and see.
Written August 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James G
21 contributions
Jun 2022
safe, clean and fun ! People just being free and being themselves with respect for others. A lot of shops of different styles and merchandise. Must stop in and see the BEST art gallery Albert Merola, where the owners are friendly and showcase up and coming as well as established artists. Many restaurants to choose from as well. thankfully no chain fast food.
Written July 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RICART75
Peru, IN2,360 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Coming into town along the water, we happenstanced upon the beginning of the one-way Commercial Street, and traveled its entire length.
Being early May, there was very little vehicle traffic; meaning we could travel very slowly and not impede others. Coupled with the narrowness of the road, the endless parked autos, and the heavy pedestrian foot traffic; we often moved no faster than idle speed, with numerous stops along the way.
Having mobility issues, this was in fact a wonderful way to explore and orient oneself to what the street has to offer.
We were able to leisurely view the numerous shops, galleries, studios, eateries, etc.; and consider where we might like to return and browse in greater detail, at a later time.
For those fascinated by people-watching; this venue offers a magnificent slice of life.
Having last visited here 2 to 3+ decades ago; we were amazed at how much the area had intensified. In some sections, it seemed every other structure housed someone's studio or gallery; what an amazing amount of concentrated creativity.
Traversing Commercial Street is an excellent way to begin one's immersion into Provincetown.
Being early May, there was very little vehicle traffic; meaning we could travel very slowly and not impede others. Coupled with the narrowness of the road, the endless parked autos, and the heavy pedestrian foot traffic; we often moved no faster than idle speed, with numerous stops along the way.
Having mobility issues, this was in fact a wonderful way to explore and orient oneself to what the street has to offer.
We were able to leisurely view the numerous shops, galleries, studios, eateries, etc.; and consider where we might like to return and browse in greater detail, at a later time.
For those fascinated by people-watching; this venue offers a magnificent slice of life.
Having last visited here 2 to 3+ decades ago; we were amazed at how much the area had intensified. In some sections, it seemed every other structure housed someone's studio or gallery; what an amazing amount of concentrated creativity.
Traversing Commercial Street is an excellent way to begin one's immersion into Provincetown.
Written June 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maria J
2 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
I’m a gay Asian male who has traveled extensively around the world. I’m not going to lie, this place had less than 5 Asian people I could spot on the street during my 6-day stay in hot June days. This is based on my experiences. I physically counted: I was not able to spot more than 5 Asian-looking people on the street.
Summer was here and it was a fun city with a vibrant culture and very open-minded local people welcoming visitors. Based on my actual experiences during our 6-day visit, however, it was with predominantly Caucasian population, and I found that unusual, given the proximity to Boston where Asian population is historically quite large.
Restaurants and gay scenes seemed plentiful. People were nice. Downtown was pretty with many boutique shops and restaurants. Food was good in general. Based on my experiences there, it was just simply predominantly Caucasian based on my actual experiences there. I cannot distort my actual experiences to say otherwise. I would welcome any picture or evidence that this street at one point in time did not have predominantly Caucasian population. And then I will take down this review.
Without such evidence, it is reasonable to the public to vicariously "feel" what other individuals experienced. That's the whole point of reviews by definition. Individual's actual experiences only enforce the validity of the review. Otherwise, I would need to distort my experiences, which is by any means not the soul of reviews defined by the law.
t’s a nice place overall but I don’t think I will visit again for vacation based on the empirical fact.
Summer was here and it was a fun city with a vibrant culture and very open-minded local people welcoming visitors. Based on my actual experiences during our 6-day visit, however, it was with predominantly Caucasian population, and I found that unusual, given the proximity to Boston where Asian population is historically quite large.
Restaurants and gay scenes seemed plentiful. People were nice. Downtown was pretty with many boutique shops and restaurants. Food was good in general. Based on my experiences there, it was just simply predominantly Caucasian based on my actual experiences there. I cannot distort my actual experiences to say otherwise. I would welcome any picture or evidence that this street at one point in time did not have predominantly Caucasian population. And then I will take down this review.
Without such evidence, it is reasonable to the public to vicariously "feel" what other individuals experienced. That's the whole point of reviews by definition. Individual's actual experiences only enforce the validity of the review. Otherwise, I would need to distort my experiences, which is by any means not the soul of reviews defined by the law.
t’s a nice place overall but I don’t think I will visit again for vacation based on the empirical fact.
Written August 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
united90
Potomac, MD164 contributions
Jul 2023
What a tourist trap. It is totally overrated. It takes forever to get there and then cars, trucks & bikes bump on each other the whole time.
The biggest pier (MacMillan Pier) is situated in such a good place at the beach but its a huge parking lot (US 30,-).
Food is overpriced and service is ok around the street, because there´s just sooo many people everywhere .... To me, it was a completely waste of time.
The biggest pier (MacMillan Pier) is situated in such a good place at the beach but its a huge parking lot (US 30,-).
Food is overpriced and service is ok around the street, because there´s just sooo many people everywhere .... To me, it was a completely waste of time.
Written July 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are things open in late October in Provincetown?
Written July 16, 2019
Yes, the hours may change a bit but most places remain open.
Written September 4, 2019
Hi,
Could you please share any info on the parking lot in and around Commercial St?
Thanks,
Arjun
Written July 6, 2018
We ended up parking on the street. Try parking at the residential end and walk down. Large lot at end of Commercial near waterfront
Written July 8, 2018
Does anyone know how I can access a shuttle to P-town to avoid the crazy parking fees?
Written June 14, 2018
Will you be staying at a nearby( Truro or P’town) hotel because if you are, many have free shuttles( when making your reservation just ask). There is a bus that runs the length of the Cape so depending on where you are staying, check with hotel/motel’s front desk to find out times and where you can catch bus. Actually, there are a few places in P’town where the parking charge is inexpensive! Headed onto Comercial Street ( headed east) from Truro on Rt 6A, you will come across a hardware store on left hand side, a little before “Lobster Pot Restaurant”, that allows you to park for the day for $10.00( a little “strip type mall w/ few stores” and hardware store is towards back( you can’t miss it!)! The other place we park is the parking lot to left, when you hit Ctr of town. You head towards pier but do not use first pkg lot for outrageously expensive but instead take a “rt” onto road running alongside pier! Go “past” restrooms on tge right to the end and then take a “left” onto the nx pier! It is owned separately and $15.00 for the day or as long as you are there. It looks Sm but deceiving for it stretches way out onto actual pier, with the lot opening up towards the middle! Great place to park. I also park at “THE PILGRIM MONUMENT “ just up the hill( short walk but steep going back up hill) but great walk. It cost $10.00 and you didn’t have to visit the monument ( we have gone several times and love visiting monument & kids love running up the stairs of the monument)to park there. It is a short walk to Ctr of town and inexpensive parking! My last suggestion is to travel on Rt 6( one way) coming out of Ctr of P’town this Street runs directly parallel to Commercial St but just one street over! There are many parking options on that street, as well that are so inexpensive and a skip & a jump from Commercial St. They have a “Red Trolly” once you are in town( in season) that runs all the time, taking you to the attractions in town, w/ great talks on various sights in town, once you get there! I heavily recommend it because it is so interesting and you getsi much information on P’town! I thought I would add that too! Have a great time! P’town is “SO” much fun!
Written June 15, 2018
What is the area like in October. We will be there October 18. Are most of the stores still open
Written September 2, 2017
hi i am coming in august of course during the parade august 17. if i'm driving, what time should i get there in morning to get a parking spot in a garage. ferry is like 48 per person.
Written July 22, 2017
I am not sure. When I drive from DC I always have private parking with the place I stay at.
Written August 15, 2017
We are heading to Provincetown for our anniversary which is coming up June 5th. Can anyone suggest a nice restaurant on the water for an anniversary dinner? It doesn't have to be super fancy. It looks like the area is pretty casual. Mainly looking for great food and views.
Written May 23, 2017
Hi we just returned from Provincetown and thoroughly enjoyed it. We would recommend The Red Inn, can be a little pricey but very good food. We also loved Fanizzi's by the sea & the Lobster Pot. If you go to the Lobster Pot ask for a table in the top room adjacent to the bar - fab views! A little out of town you have Moby Dick's which has excellent fish dishes - the mussels were the best ever! If you go to Moby Dicks you take your own alcohol which the staff are more than happy to provide ice bucket & glasses for for free!! Hope this helps - enjoy!
Written May 31, 2017
Hi. I'm travelling from the uk staying in Provincetown late March. Can anyone tell me what restaurants will be open? Thanks
Written February 26, 2017
I believe most will be open. A lot of people live there all year round.
Written February 27, 2017
I am thinking of going to p-town between Christmas and new years, wondering if the shops and restaurants are open then?
Written November 5, 2016
Very limited this time of year. You can do ok. It is very pretty in the winter. Remember this is out in the Atlantic Ocean. It is cold so dress real warm and definitely go to the national seashore near p town : breathtaking.
Written December 5, 2016
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