More than 100 years ago, Charles W. Hawthorne established the first summer arts colony in the United States in Provincetown, a small fishing village at the tip of the Cape. By the 1930s and '40s, Provincetown was known worldwide as the summer home for abstract expressionists including Hans Hofmann, Willem de Kooning and Robert Motherwell. The gallery scene is still vivid in Provincetown, and today there are more than 300 galleries in the Cape's 15 towns and art shows by community arts organizations. Whether you are a browser or a serious collector, the Cape has something for you.

The Pilgrims first landed in Provincetown before sailing to Plymouth. Even before 1620, explorers Bartholomew Gosnold looked around Falmouth in 1602 and Samuel de Champlain visited Nauset Harbor even earlier. The Cape's museums, historic houses and historical societies offer exhibits and special events to tell the story of how the Cape has been shaped by nature and the people who have lived here.

History buffs will enjoy exploring Cape Cod’s many historic landmarks. Each describes the role that Cape Cod has played in American history.