These Cape Cod beach towns were named some of the best in US by Thrillist. Here's why.

Katie Landeck, USA TODAY NETWORK - New England

When it comes to Cape Cod there's no shortage of great beach towns to pick from.

Which is probably why Thrillist simply chose to not pick just one. In April, the travel site released their list of the "20 greatest beach towns in the U.S" looking for places that combined both great beaches with towns with plenty to do.

"Our group of travel writers have pulled the best of the best, places where those sands give way to dreamy towns, where the locals vibe with the visitors, and the food and drink become the stuff of endless summer memories," they wrote of the list.

When it came to Cape Cod, they opted to do one entry, but two towns: Wellfleet and Provincetown.

Why Thrillist named Wellfleet and Provincetown best beach towns

A drone photo of Wellfleet.
A drone photo of Wellfleet.

When it comes to the Cape, the travel site gushed about the beaches.

Here's what they said: "Quintessential vacation wonderland Cape Cod is 77 miles of sandy shoreline, lobster rolls, and Rockwellian towns. Of the latter, few are more adorable than Wellfleet on the Outer Cape, where life is quieter and the pace slower. Marconi Beach, part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, has wide beaches dotted with massive sand dunes. The water is a bit cooler here, and the waves harsher as they roll on from the Atlantic. Bayside at Duck Harbor Beach, the water is warmer and it feels like you’re at the end of the world.

Just a short drive from Wellfleet on Route 6 is Provincetown, at the tip of the cape. P-town is known for its LGBTQ community, but walk down crowded Commercial Street and you’ll see a delightful mix of drag queens, families with kiddos, locals, and a young artsy crowd from all over."

Where Thrillist recommended eating in Provincetown, Wellfleet

PROVINCETOWN -- 10/26/23 -- The Lobster Pot is located at 321 Commercial Street. The Lobster Pot has partnered with Goldbelly, a company that curates 'good' food products for people to order online. They are shipping clam chowder and lobster bisque and sourdough bread. Merrily Cassidy/Cape Cod Times
PROVINCETOWN -- 10/26/23 -- The Lobster Pot is located at 321 Commercial Street. The Lobster Pot has partnered with Goldbelly, a company that curates 'good' food products for people to order online. They are shipping clam chowder and lobster bisque and sourdough bread. Merrily Cassidy/Cape Cod Times

When it's time to eat, these are the spots Thrillist recommended checking out:

  • Lobster Pot, which they mentioned was a favorite of Anthony Bourdain. They commended ordering the chowdah.

  • Pepe’s Wharf, where the recommended ordering a lobster roll

  • Mac’s Seafood, where the recommended ordering fried clams and fires and eating at a picnic table

Where should you eat on Cape Cod: Ultimate food and drink guide

What to do in Wellfleet and Provincetown

A scene along the Cape Cod Rail Trail, which offers more than 20 miles of biking, walking and jogging opportunities on a paved surface.
A scene along the Cape Cod Rail Trail, which offers more than 20 miles of biking, walking and jogging opportunities on a paved surface.

Besides going to the beaches, Thrillist recommended spending some time browsing the shows and art galleries in Provincetown. They also recommended take a bike on the paved Cape Cod Rail Trail to pedal through the "salt marshes, cranberry bogs, evergreens and pine forests."

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Provincetown, Wellfleet named best beach towns by Thrillist. See why.

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