Situated on the tail end of Cape Cod, Provincetown, Massachusetts is quirky, quaint, artsy, and very LGBT-friendly. Renting an Airbnb here isn’t cheap—average nightly rates for a whole-home rental are $261, or $125 for a private room—but it’s worth it to experience the best of summer in New England. We’re talking fresh lobster rolls, clambakes, clear blue water, whale-watching, and nights that are just chilly enough to warrant a sweater. Here are 10 of our favorite rentals in P-Town.
1. Terry’s one-bedroom apartment 2. charming Sea Urchin cottage 3. John’s one-bedroom apartment 4. Vincent’s two-bedroom condo 5. North Truro cottage 6. centrally located studio 7. Carol’s recently renovated cottage 8. rustic Orion cabin 9. Chandra’s three-bedroom house 10. Treetops
Paste’s Airbnb columnist Erica Jackson Curran is a former alt-weekly editor turned moonlight freelancer based in Richmond, Virginia.
1 of 10
Terry's one-bedroom apartment is a short walk away from Provincetown's Gallery District, where you'll find plenty of restaurants, shops, and, yep, art galleries. The kitchen and bathroom are recently renovated and stocked with all the necessities. Guests have access to a deck with Adirondack chairs and water views along with a private beach across the street.
2 of 10
Want to be as close to the water as possible? The ridiculously charming Sea Urchin cottage is right on the beach and a five-minute walk from the center of town. There are two small bedrooms, one with its own fireplace and work area. There's also a full kitchen, a living room with a gas fireplace, and a bank of windows opening up onto a large deck with a table and rocking chairs.
3 of 10
To see a different side of Provincetown, check out John's one-bedroom apartment , which is adjacent to the West End's wild conservation land and all of its trails. The bedroom has a balcony looking right onto the peaceful dune forest. The living area has cathedral ceilings and plenty of windows to keep things breezy. Herring Cove Beach and the West End commercial district are a 15-minute walk away, and everything in town is easily reachable by bike.
4 of 10
Perched over an art gallery, Vincent's two-bedroom condo has a nautical vibe and views of the sea. The main living area has an open floor plan with a kitchenette, a table for four, two couches, a wood-burning fireplace, and a TV equipped with an Amazon Fire stick and a voice remote. Beach umbrellas, chairs, and two bikes are also provided for guests.
5 of 10
Seven miles from Provincetown, this North Truro cottage is nestled in a serene garden beside a freshwater marsh just a quick walk from the beach. The character-filled space has antique wood floors and beams, cathedral ceilings, and comfy furniture. The living room has a sleeper sofa and "puzzle table," and the kitchen is fully equipped. The bedroom has a "napping couch" overlooking a raspberry patch, and there's also a loft, washer-dryer, and outdoor shower.
6 of 10
Tanya's centrally located studio is steps away from the town pier, beach, cafes, and shops. The second-floor space has a full kitchen, a queen-sized bed, a bathroom with double sinks, and a furnished deck. Past guests describe the apartment as "spotless," "amazing location," and "surprisingly spacious." Although busy Commercial Street is seconds away, the apartment is reportedly quiet and peaceful.
7 of 10
Carol's recently renovated cottage is on a quiet street in the West End, a short walk to the heart of town. There's one bedroom with a queen-sized bed. The front porch, flanked with hydrangeas, is ideal for people-watching, and there's a private backyard equipped with tables and chairs, a gas grill, and an outdoor shower. The living room and kitchen are petite, but they have everything you need for a short stay in P-Town.
8 of 10
The rustic Orion cabin is situated on historic Captain Jack's Wharf right over Provincetown Harbor. The main living area has cathedral ceilings and views of the wharf and the Pilgrim Monument. The kitchen is stocked with colorful dishes and antique cookware, and there's a small table overlooking the jetty. The queen-sized bed is located in a cozy sleeping loft with a skylight.
9 of 10
If you're traveling with a crew (and not on a budget), Chandra's three-bedroom house will accommodate up to six guests. The well-stocked kitchen overlooks a living room with a roomy sectional. Two bedrooms have a view of the bay. Outside, there's a grill and outdoor shower. A quiet beach is seconds away, and Chandra says, "It offers a perfect setting for morning coffee, mid-day sunning and swimming, a game of bocce at low tide, and a cocktail as the sun starts to set over the harbor."
10 of 10
With four bedrooms, "Treetops " is also ideal for large groups. With cathedral ceilings and a wraparound loft, the house has an airy feel. The main floor has a dining room table with seating for eight, a large kitchen, a library, and a lounge area. There's an enclosed porch with an additional seating area and dining table, with views of the town and harbor. Get outside on the second-story deck or hang out in the private backyard with patio.