Visit Provincetown, America's most beautiful seaside retreat.

When an older brother of mine who lives in Boston learned I would be going to Boston for work in the fall, he reminded me, "Don't forget to set aside a day or two to visit Ptown." What is Ptown? Where is it? Why have I never heard of this place?

Provincetown, the end of the world

After some searching, I came across this description in The Times UK. The newspaper wrote that Provincetown (Ptown) is an isolated place, the edge of the world, especially for those who need it. Ptown is also a haven for queer (sexually diverse people) and a place where artists can live in harmony with the breathtaking scenery. If mountaineers have Yosemite, music lovers have Nashville, then gay people have Provincetown. Reading this, I knew I needed to go there.

For centuries, Provincetown, this Cape town has been a refuge for those seeking refuge from the hardships of modern life, and it has also been a source of inspiration, hope, and optimism, especially for the gay, bisexual, and transgender community. 2004 marked a historic milestone for the state of Massachusetts when a same-sex wedding took place at the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum.

One morning in late August, I took the ferry to Ptown from Boston Harbor. The round trip only cost $100. Even if it wasn't for Ptown, this ferry ride was a fantastic experience in Boston. From the ferry in the early morning or afternoon, visitors get a very different, panoramic view of Boston from the sea. In just over an hour, I arrived in Ptown. The first thing that caught my eye was the rainbow flag intertwined with the American flag, displayed everywhere, the long blue coastline, and especially the cyclists riding along the coast.

In Ptown, there are a few things you absolutely must do. Sit by the beach for a beer and some ice cream to kick off your adventure, stroll down Commercial Street to explore the museums, drive to Race Point and Herring Cove beaches along the coast to enjoy the pristine rainforest alongside the rolling sand dunes – some of the most beautiful beaches in America. And don't miss the beach parties as the sun sets. If there's one place in the world that's best for experiencing a drag show, it's Ptown.

Some of the special natural attractions in Ptown, Cape Point.

Whale watching

Boats depart regularly from MacMillan Pier in Provincetown for whale-watching excursions to Stellwagen Bank Marine Reserve, from mid-April to October. Trained oceanographers on board will help passengers observe a variety of whale species, from humpback whales to blue whales. The tours last two to four hours. Similar whale-watching cruises depart from Hyannis and Barnstable piers.

Long stretches of white sandy beaches in the Cape Cod National Seashore reserve.

Approximately 40 miles of the entire eastern coast of Cape Cod are protected and covered by white cedar and other coniferous trees. Especially in summer, this is a captivating location to admire the unique majestic beauty of the coastal national forests, along with the diversity of birds and coastal life. Information on tourist attractions and activities can be found at Salt Pond and the Provincetown Visitor Centre.

Tea dance party

In the afternoons, starting around four o'clock is the best time to join beach parties for the LGBTQ community. There's no better experience than sitting on a white sandy beach, with the sea breeze blowing and the captivating DJ music playing.

Take a stroll around Commercial Street.

A paradise of food, history, and so much more to experience. Here, every shop, every restaurant, every museum has its own unique and captivating features, making it well worth a visit.

Nguyen Hoang Tuan