Day Tripping - Provincetown vs Salem
Take the Fast Ferry for Super Fabulous Day Trips from Boston to P-Town and Salem.... 90 Minute to P-Town, and 53 Minutes to Salem! Here is the skinny...
Provincetown
About The Fast Ferry
Full-service Concierge on board
Full bar with extensive selection of snacks available for purchase
Cash, and most major credit cards, accepted on board
Bike tickets available; please add to shopping cart when making your reservation
Complimentary luggage storage on board (Limit one suitcase and one carry-on bag.)
Pet-friendly (Did you hear that LuLu)
SPECIAL SAVINGS $$ for day trippers - select Monday through Thursday with same day returns.
See schedule here: Departs 1 Long Wharf, Boston, MA
Bay State Cruise CompanyWhat a great summer day trip.
What to do when you get there...some fun suggestions and must sees for P-Town and Salem....
Provincetown is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant art scene, and colorful LGBT community. Here are some highlights of a day trip to Provincetown:
Beaches
Enjoy the pristine beaches of Provincetown, such as Race Point Beach or Herring Cove Beach, known for their natural beauty and picturesque views.
Art Galleries
Explore the numerous art galleries and studios in Provincetown, showcasing the work of local and international artists. We like the Rice-Polak and the Julie Tremblay Gallery.
Shopping & Dining
Stroll down Commercial Street, lined with shops, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes offering a variety of local and international cuisine. Some dinning fave’s are the Lobster Pot (where Anthony Boudian was once a dishwasher) and we have had some of our best seafood here!
Cape Cod Blog
Ciro & Sal’s
P-Town’s best known and most popular restaurant. Tucked in a little courtyard, this Northern Italian eatery is a local institution. It offers a cozy and low-ceilinged dining room that’s rich with the alluring scent of garlic and butter. The old school menu offerings are classics for a reason. Start with cured beef carpaccio topped with grated Pecorino Romano before the fresh salads, pastas (even linguine sautéed with just extra-virgin olive oil and garlic is a play of pristine flavor), and crowd-pleasing entrees. Must-tries include the chicken parmigiana and the traditional tiramisu. Then stroll back down Commercial Street with all its funky and eclectic shops and burn off some of those calories. And when you get back home you can tell everyone you went to Ciro & Sal’s!
Pepe’s Wharf
This iconic seaside restaurant is known for its stunning waterfront views of P-Town harbor, coupled with a chic and trendy vibe! Two decks one amazing view!
Cultural Attractions
Visit the Provincetown Art Association and Museum, which features a collection of local artworks and exhibits on the town’s history and culture.
Lighthouse Tours
Take a tour of the historic Race Point Lighthouse or the Highland Light, offering panoramic views of the coastline. Highly recommended
The Best Sunset on the Cape
For one of the BEST Beaches on Cape Cod with the BEST Sunsets, Herring Cove Beach (right outside the center of town) is a popular spot known for its beautiful views, sandy shores, and amenities like showers and concessions that offer beer and wine. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the beach while also having access to facilities and refreshments. We must say, it’s also Devon’s favorite spot in the area. Its also on the Cape Cod Bay side making the water a bit warmer and the waves gentler. Surf’s up!
Bayside ResortSalem
Known for its witch trials in the late 17th century, Salem has a rich history and offers a variety of attractions for visitors. Here are some highlights of a day trip to Salem:
Witch Trials Sites
Visit the Salem Witch Museum or the Witch House to learn about the history of the witch trials and the events that took place in Salem. It’s a must see in the Witch City! During the school year, go early in the day or late afternoon to avoid the crowds.
Maritime History
Explore the maritime history of Salem at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, which includes historic ships and exhibits on the town’s seafaring past.
Historic Houses
Tour the historic homes and buildings in Salem, such as the House of the Seven Gables, which inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel.
Museums and Galleries
Visit the Peabody Essex Museum, which features a collection of art and artifacts from around the world, or explore the local art galleries and studios. Our resident writer, Renee highly recommends the PEM museum. “It’s my favorite!!!”
The Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) is a leading museum of art and culture with a special focus on global connections and maritime history. It boasts an extraordinary collection of Asian art, particularly from China and Japan, along with early American art, Native American works, and maritime artifacts. One of the highlights is the Yin Yu Tang House, a 200-year-old Chinese house transported from Anhui Province, offering a rare glimpse into Chinese domestic architecture. The PEM blends history and contemporary art in a way that reflects New England’s rich cultural past while embracing global influences. We appreciate their quirky and unique exhibits like when they featured Wedding Gowns and Tea Pot Collections, and of course one on the Late Iris Apel!
Destination Salem
The Yin Yu Tang House: Part of the Peabody Essex Museum
During the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911), a prosperous merchant named Huang built a stately 16-bedroom house in China’s southeastern Huizhou region, calling his home Yin Yu Tang, meaning “Hall of Plentiful Shelter.” The house was home to the Huang family for more than 200 years until the last descendants moved from the village in 1982. In the 1990s, as part of a mutually beneficial cultural exchange, the home and its contents were carefully dismantled and transported to Massachusetts for eventual installation on PEM’s campus. Over the course of seven years, a team of museum curators and educators working in concert with preservation architects and traditional Chinese and American craftspeople re-erected the home. In 2003, Yin Yu Tang opened to visitors, telling the complex story of its past and recent history, and transforming it from a multigenerational family residence to a historic house in a museum setting at PEM. THE PEM also has events for children throughout the year: Held on Fridays from 3–4:30 pm, Saturdays and Sundays from 1–3 pm and Mondays from 2–3 pm, their drop-in art making sessions in the Create Space Studios encourage participants of all ages to get creative through various projects inspired by nature. No reservation is required. They also have continuing Nature Exhibits and variety of hands-on activities, discovery drawers, games, and computer stations. Whatever you choose to do while you’re there — listen to a story during PEM Pals, make a drawing or check out The Pod — we know your visit will be relaxing and enjoyable. We might add, the PEM Museum has the BEST Gift shop!!
Shopping and Dining
Wander through the streets of Salem and explore the shops, boutiques, and restaurants offering a variety of shopping and dining options. We’ve tried many and give them all a thumbs up!
Sea Level Oyster Bar
This two-story restaurant boats fantastic views of Salem harbor. They also have oysters, lobster rolls, specialty cocktails & more in a casual setting with fabulous water views.
We also recommend Ledger: this upscale restaurant & bar serves New England cuisine in a 19th-century historic space, the former Salem Savings Bank building (circa 1818). This historically unique location houses a progressive New England concept, where traditional 19th-century dishes, cocktails, and techniques are elevated with 21st-century resources. Chef Daniel Gursha was nominated for his culinary work at Ledger in 2022 for “Best Chef Northeast” by the James Beard Foundation. And, one of our favorite spots is Jolie Tea Company. The chic tea café and boutique is stunning and we felt like royalty. Try their lavender macaroons, and unique teas from around the world in a truly pretty setting! We like the Crème Brule Ice Tea. This lovely spot is modeled after the teahouses in Paris. And for a perfect overnight stay, you can sleep in the same room as George Washington once did, just book the presidential suite at the Merchant Hotel.
“The Roof”
Or for a superior rooftop experience, go up to “The Roof.” The best views of this historic city and lots of fun with friends any night of the week. And Dev insists, no trip to Salem is complete without a visit to the Wynott’s WandShop! Stepping inside, Dev was immediately enchanted by its magical aura... It’s a treasure trove for witches, wizards, and fairies alike, offering everything one could desire. Fans of Harry Potter and Hocus Pocus will be in awe at this charming wand shop. Wynott’s boasts a wide selection of wands suitable for hands of all ages. Spells, potions, and magic galore fill this little store!
SALEM WILLOWS ARCADE
Established in the early 1900s, Salem Willows has a long history as a seaside amusement park. Named after the European white willow trees planted in the area in the mid-19th century, it became a popular spot for picnics and recreation.
Salem Willows Arcade is a cherished part of Salem’s cultural and recreational landscape, offering a mix of history, entertainment, and seaside fun. They have a wide range of games, from classic pinball machines and skee-ball to modern video games. It offers a nostalgic experience for visitors of all ages. The food is great too. Make sure you try their world-famous popcorn! It’s our absolute favorite!
The Pirates’ Museum
You might want to add the Pirates’ Museum to your list. It is an interactive museum that explores the history of piracy, particularly focusing on the “Golden Age of Piracy” in the 17th and 18th centuries. The museum features exhibits with artifacts, information about famous pirates, and interactive displays that allow visitors to learn about the lives and exploits of pirates. It offers a unique and engaging experience for those interested in maritime history and the lore of pirates.
Pirates and Witches Oh My! Salem has it all...
Destination Salem