The gay-friendly guide to Cape Cod (beyond Provincetown)

When people think of Cape Cod’s LGBTQ+ scene, Provincetown immediately comes to mind. Known for its vibrant nightlife and theme weeks packed with non-stop summer events, P-Town is undeniably the party capital for queer travelers.

However, if you’re seeking a more relaxed, intimate experience, Cape Cod has many other welcoming towns that offer unique charms and a warm embrace for the LGBTQ+ community year-round.

Brewster: The Heart of Cape Cod

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Brewster, often overlooked, is a treasure trove of experiences, especially during the fall season. Home to the largest resort on Cape Cod, Ocean Edge Resort, Brewster is an ideal base for exploring the entire Cape as it is only a 40-minute drive away from Provincetown, and you can reach Chatham in about 15 minutes. Known for its artisan fairs and festivals, where craftsmen, woodworkers, and other creatives showcase their talents, Brewster’s allure is all about relaxation. 

“People think of the beach and beach towns, but fall is my favorite season. The crowds are gone, the temperature is more comfortable, and there’s so much to do. New England is known for its autumn season,” Brendan Carey says. “The foliage is beautiful during this time, so it’s perfect for a scenic drive along Historic Route 6A.”

Carey, who lives in Boston, spent his summers on Cape Cod growing up and loved Brewster so much that he now works there.

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“Stringe Gallery Art and Underground Art Gallery are some of my favorites; if you’re a foodie, Brewster won’t disappoint,” Carey says. “You can enjoy an oyster crawl and dining at local favorites like Linx Tavern, The Roscommon Room, Brewster Fish House, and Chillingsworth.”

While Brewster might not have a bustling downtown, its central location makes it an excellent home base for exploring the rest of the Cape. Ocean Edge Resort offers wellness-focused activities like couple’s massages at their spa (open to non-guests). For more active travelers, they offer bike rentals along the picturesque 25-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail and pickleball lessons.

Chatham: A Charming Coastal Town

Just a short drive from Brewster, Chatham offers a lovely downtown area perfect for a day trip. Chatham’s walkable streets are lined with fudge and ice cream shops, quaint boutiques, and charming cafes.

“It’s a great place for some retail therapy,” Carey notes.

The town is steeped in maritime history, and its picturesque lighthouses provide a perfect backdrop for a leisurely day of exploration. You can also catch a film at the local historic theater, Chatham Orpheum Theater, which often screens independent and LGBTQ+-themed movies. If you’d like to be more adventurous, visit Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge. This area offers excellent opportunities for bird watching and hiking. 

Wellfleet: A Tranquil Escape Away from P-Town

Further up the Cape, Wellfleet offers another alternative for an LGBTQ+-friendly and serene experience. Known for its stunning seashores and rolling dunes, Wellfleet is a haven for nature lovers.

“There’s not as much to do in terms of nightlife, but the natural beauty is breathtaking,” Carey says. 

Wellfleet is also famous for its OysterFest, a two-day party held every October. This event brings together up to 20,000 people to celebrate the town’s rich oyster farming heritage and attracts seafood lovers from all over. Beyond the festival, Wellfleet’s expansive beaches—particularly Herring Cove Beach, known for its inclusive atmosphere—and Great Island also make it an ideal spot to lounge by the water. 

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For a dose of culture, visit the Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater (WHAT), a professional theater company producing contemporary plays and musicals, and Wellfleet Cinemas Drive-In, which often hosts themed nights, for a nostalgic evening at one of the last remaining drive-in theaters in the area. 

Cape Cod’s welcoming spirit extends beyond its popular towns. Whether you’re in Brewster, Wellfleet, or Chatham, inclusivity is woven into the fabric of these communities.

“I can’t think of a bar where you wouldn’t feel welcome,” Carey says, emphasizing the area’s friendly and open atmosphere.