Visit August 2025

Question

Hi. We are 2 adults and a 14 year old coming from the UK. We are looking to come to cape cod for a week from 21st August. We will travel from Boston then on to New York. We are thinking Provincetown and have seen the Cape Colony Inn as we want a pool. We want to do a whale watching tour, hire bikes and eat some seafood. Maybe some paddle boarding or bodyboarding. Can we do all that without a car? If we wanted to hire a car for a few days can you do that in Provincetown?

Best way to get to NY without a car?

Thanks

Answer

It sounds like you’ve got a fantastic trip planned for Cape Cod! Here’s a breakdown to help answer your questions:

Can you do all that in Provincetown without a car?

Yes, Provincetown is quite a walkable town, and many of the activities you mentioned can be done without a car. Here's how:

Whale Watching: There are several whale watching tour operators in Provincetown, and most of them are within walking distance of accommodations like the Cape Colony Inn. You can book a tour directly from Provincetown Harbor.
Biking: Provincetown is bike-friendly, and you can easily rent bikes from local shops. Some bike rentals also offer maps of bike trails that you can explore on your own.
Seafood: Provincetown has many excellent seafood restaurants, all within walking distance of the town center. The most famous spot is the Provincetown Seafood Shack, but there are plenty of options in town.
Paddleboarding or Bodyboarding: You can find rentals for paddleboards and bodyboards at various rental places along the waterfront. Many of these rental shops also offer lessons or guided tours if you're new to the sport.

Can you hire a car for a few days in Provincetown?

Yes, you can rent a car in Provincetown, although it may be a bit more limited compared to larger cities. There are a couple of rental agencies in Provincetown, such as Enterprise or Cape Cod Car Rentals, that allow for short-term rentals. You can book a car for a few days if you decide you need one for a trip around the Cape or for easier access to places that are harder to reach without a vehicle.

Best way to get from Provincetown to New York without a car?

If you don’t want to drive, there are several options to get from Provincetown to New York City:

Bus: You can take a bus from Provincetown to Boston (approximately 2-3 hours). Once in Boston, you can transfer to a direct bus or train to New York. The Peter Pan Bus Line offers services between Provincetown and Boston, and then Greyhound or Megabus operates from Boston to New York.
Ferry and Train: You could also take a ferry from Provincetown to Boston (seasonal service), then take the Amtrak train from Boston’s South Station to New York City. This option can be quite scenic and relaxing, but it may take a bit longer depending on ferry schedules.
Flight: If you’re short on time, you can also take a flight from Provincetown Municipal Airport to New York. There are small regional airlines like Cape Air that offer flights to NYC, but this might be more expensive compared to bus/train options.

Other tips:

Weather in August: Be prepared for warm summer weather. August in Cape Cod can be busy, especially around Provincetown, so it’s good to book tours and rentals in advance.
Where to Stay: The Cape Colony Inn is a great choice for a pool and is located just outside the busy town center. It offers easy access to the beach and local bike rentals. There are also many bed-and-breakfast options and guesthouses if you prefer something more intimate.

Overall, you can have an amazing time in Provincetown without a car. It's very walkable, and there’s plenty to do in town. If you decide to rent a car, it will give you more flexibility to explore the surrounding areas of Cape Cod, but it’s definitely not necessary. Enjoy your trip!