Everything you need to know about visiting the charming towns of the Outer Cape – Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro, and Provincetown.
I have been visiting outer Cape Cod, which includes Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro, and Provincetown, for twenty-plus years. After spending so much time on the Outer Cape, it was time to put together a travel guide and share all of my favorite, local spots!
Since I first wrote this post in the fall of 2017, it’s high time for an update! So keep reading this post for all of my latest travel recommendations on where to eat, drink, stay and play in Outer Cape Cod.
But before I get into the details, I need to share with you why I love this part of Cape Cod so much.
Why I Love Outer Cape Cod
I first visited the Outer Cape when a close friend from college invited me to stay with her family. They have a wood-shingled house in Truro, perched atop a mountain of sand dunes, looking out on Cape Cod Bay.
Right away, I felt a pull and magnetism to Outer Cape Cod and its rugged beauty. Even the light has a special quality to it, no doubt part of what has drawn so many artists (including Edward Hopper) to the area, and why Provincetown, located at the very tip of the Cape, is considered an artists’ haven.
That weekend visit so many years ago has now turned into an annual summer tradition. It’s one that I look forward to every year and hold close to my heart.
Each summer when I arrive, step on the sand and walk along that familiar curve of beach, I know I’m in my happy place. That is the beauty of a destination that we return to again and again. It becomes a part of you, embedded in the fabric of your soul and the rhythm of your life.
For those of you who are planning to visit Outer Cape Cod, this travel guide is full of recommendations and tips about the best places to eat, shop, and play in Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro, and Provincetown.
I also wrote a post about visiting Provincetown during COVID-19. Thankfully that is not something we need to worry about as much right now, but boy was that an interesting time to travel. It’s amazing what we went through with that pandemic.
Where To Eat:
If you’re looking for something casual but delicious, you can’t go wrong with PJ’s. Right off of Route 6 in Wellfleet, the menu tempts you with everything from fried clams to steamed lobster. The ice cream here is also a must! Just down the road is The Wicked Oyster, a cozy and charming restaurant serving local fare. And for more refined dining, I highly recommend Winslow Tavern. Located right in the center of Wellfleet, it’s a great spot for people watching!
If you want something more upscale, head to Provincetown, where you can dine seaside at The Mews, or enjoy Italian food at Front Street. A true favorite among locals and visitors alike is Sal’s Place, serving authentic Italian food. If you’re traveling with a large group, Mac’s Fish House is a crowd pleaser. Don’t sleep on the local oysters there and they also have great sushi! (There’s also a Mac’s in Wellfleet and in Eastham.) And finally, a bit off the beaten path but worth the trek, is Victor’s, also in Provincetown. They have fantastic cocktails and a seafood forward menu.
In Eastham, you can’t get more quintessentially Cape Cod than Arnold’s Lobster and Clam Bar. They are known for their fried clams and of course, lobster. Plus, they have an 18-hole mini golf course! If you love pizza, look no further than Red Barn Pizza. And for dinner, Brickhouse Restaurant is a local stand-out.
When it comes to great delis, markets, and places to get breakfast and lunch on the go, there are two great options in Truro. Salty Market and Deli in North Truro has a variety of offerings, including organic produce, fine cheeses and meats, and a well curated wine selection. The shop also sells baked goods, sandwiches and salads. Another local favorite is Truro General Store (also known as Jam’s) a seasonal market that sells kitchen essentials as well as high-quality prepared foods.
Hopefully, you’ll also save room for dessert while visiting Outer Cape Cod! Located in the heart of Provincetown is Lewis Brothers Homemade Ice Cream, arguably the best ice-cream on the Cape. If you ask me, the Blackberry flavor is a must. Also not to be missed is The Penney Patch. Indulge your sweet tooth here with over 20 flavors of fudge, saltwater taffy and old-school candy that will give you flashbacks to when you were a kid. And as I mentioned above, the ice cream at PJ’s is also my favorite, especially on the way back from the ocean beaches.
Things To Do in Outer Cape Cod:
There is so much to do in Outer Cape Cod!
For culture, Provincetown is an artists’ haven, so you can’t walk ten feet without passing an art gallery. The best way to start is with a stroll along Commercial Street where you’ll see many of the town’s galleries, as well as the colorful drag queens, hawking tickets for their nightly shows. Between the street performers and the abundant art, you’ll be fully entertained! And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the many galleries that are in Wellfleet as well.
If you’re looking for something more sporty to do, bike riding is one option. There are a few bike rental shops in Provincetown, Eastham and Wellfleet. There are plenty of biking trails to choose from, including the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail which starts in Wellfleet, and the 5-mile Province Lands Bike Trail in Provincetown, with spectacular views of the National Seashore.
If you want to spend time out on the water, I suggest renting a kayak or enjoying a sunset cruise on a sailboat. I also highly recommend one of the Provincetown’s many whale watching tours. If you’re more of a landlubber, head to the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum in Provincetown for the best 360 degree views in town.
For those of you who want a unique experience, reach out to Art’s Dune Tours for a drive through the majestic dunes of the Cape Cod National Seashore protected lands. After the tour, finish off your afternoon with a wine tasting (Yes, believe it or not, there’s a vineyard on the Cape!) at Truro Vineyards. If wine isn’t your thing, head next door to the South Hollow Spirits and Distillery.
Where To Stay in Outer Cape Cod:
I have never actually stayed in a hotel or B&B in Outer Cape Cod, so I can’t personally vouch for any of the places on this list. However, these are the hotels and inns that have caught my eye and come highly recommended by locals, so I thought they were worth adding to this outer Cape Cod Travel Guide.
You will find that the majority of hotels in Outer Cape Coe are in Provincetown. A stand out is the Salt House Inn. It’s very popular, especially among those who appreciate design. Another Cape Cod-chic option is the Clarendon House, a historic guesthouse in the heart of town. For more of a full-on hotel experience with lots of amenities including a swimming pool and a beachside fire pit, check out The Harbor Hotel. And at the edge of town is the relative newcomer, AWOL. The seclusion of this property plus the beach-chic decor makes for the ultimate getaway.
In Truro and Wellfleet, there are also a few options. The Copper Swan in Wellfleet is a traditional bed and breakfast. The Endless Coast, also in Wellfleet, is a basic hotel with cute decor. You can’t beat the location of The Top Mast Resort, right on Cape Cod Bay in Truro. The rooms are dated but the resort offers a lot of amenities including tennis and an indoor pool. It’s a great hotel for families.
My advice if you’re traveling with a bigger group, is to find a house on Airbnb. But make sure to book early because the summer season is short and properties get booked very quickly.
Where To Shop in Outer Cape Cod:
My husband can’t visit P-town without adding to his sneaker collection and wardrobe. He always finds great options at Henry & Company. And for good old-fashioned Cape Cod sweatshirts and tees, Cuffy’s is the place to go. The other shop where I love to get sweatshirts and baseball caps in Provincetown is Herringcove.
There are also some great home decor and garden shops in Provincetown. I always stop in Botanica, where you can find tasteful souvenirs. Also on my list is Shor Home Furnishings, where I always leave inspired to redecorate my house!
For gifts, handmade products, and stationary, I love The Customs House in Wellfleet and Clove & Creek in Provincetown. My absolute favorite shop for kitchen and home essentials is Utilities Home in Provincetown.
And what’s truly amazing is all of the cannabis dispensaries that have popped up on the Outer Cape. These are a new development that did not exist (because they weren’t legal!) when I first wrote this post. If this is your kind of thing, the ones that I really like include Hennep in Provincetown and Piping Clover Cannabis Dispensary in Wellfleet.
Are You Ready to Visit Outer Cape Cod?
I hope this outer Cape Cod travel guide helps you plan your next trip to the Cape! If there’s anything I left out, please share it in the comments below.
If you’re looking for other weekend or summer getaways, check out my travel guides for Saint Michaels, Maryland, the North Fork of Long Island, and the Catskills. They are all destinations that I love!
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