Embrace the spirit of Provincetown at this busy pier, which is home to many restaurants and craft shops, as well as a pirate-themed museum.
MacMillan Pier connects other parts of the country to Provincetown and is the starting point of many excursions to the surrounding area too. With boats bobbing in the surrounding seas and local craftspeople selling unique souvenirs, it is a great spot for shopping and people-watching. Join the crowds on the bustling pier to witness an authentic slice of Provincetown life.
The sea has long played an important role in Provincetown’s society. Once a sleepy New England fishing village, it is now a popular seaside resort, with the pier remaining a focal point of the town. If you are on a daytrip to Provincetown, you’re likely to disembark at MacMillan Pier. It gets busy here with tens of thousands of visitors using the docking spot every year. Step off your boat to join the happy crowd.
Take time to properly explore the area and to get immersed in the artsy ambiance. Walk the length and breadth of the pier and look for artists painting the scenic views. You may also notice artists’ studios, which help foster a creative environment by the sea. Stop at the Whydah Pirate Museum for an enlightening look at artifacts from a 1717 wreck on Cape Cod. Among the objects displayed here are real pirate weaponry and loot.
Enjoy a day at sea on one of the boat trips that operate out of MacMillan Pier. Yacht tours will give you great views of Cape Cod’s most well-known landmarks, including its lighthouses and scenic coastline. Fish for tuna offshore or go on a whale-watching excursion to try to spot the humpbacks that frequent these seas. If you prefer to just watch all the action from dry land, select from many restaurants on the pier where you can idle away several hours sampling the local seafood and watching the activities.
Boats to and from Boston arrive and depart from MacMillan Pier regularly. Parking is available for a fee. Check ahead with the various attractions and restaurants on and around the pier for opening times and prices.
