Helltown Horrors and Pirates: A Self-Guided Tour of Provincetown

Cape Cod , United States

Helltown Horrors and Pirates: A Self-Guided Tour of Provincetown

Active

1h - 2h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Provincetown’s charming seaside facades hide a sinister past soaked in blood, betrayal, and supernatural terror.

On this chilling self-guided walking tour, you’ll discover the dark underbelly of Provincetown’s history, from bloodthirsty pirates and treacherous mooncussers who lured ships to their doom. I’ll also tell you about the restless spirits that continue to haunt the town’s historic buildings and picturesque streets.

Starting at the infamous American Horror Story house, you’ll journey through Provincetown’s most haunted locations. You’ll explore historic cemeteries where smallpox victims lie in unmarked graves, and pass by former funeral homes that now operate as quaint inns. Along the way, you’ll discover how this seaside paradise earned its ominous nickname “Helltown” after centuries of maritime tragedy and malevolence.

Available options

Helltown Horrors and Pirates: A Self-Guided Tour of Provincetown

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

App for Android and iOS

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

The tour begins at 103 Commercial Street- The American horror Story House.

We'll hear the ghoulish stories linked to The Winthrop Street Cemetery.

Stop 3 Pass by

You'll pass by and hear the creepy tales of The Gifford House.

Stop 4 Pass by

You'll hear about Atlantic House, a legendary and spooky nightlife spot.

You'll pass by the Unitarian Universalist Meeting House, hearing about how it was once used a morgue during the 1918 Spanish flu epedemic.

You'll pass by the Provincetown Town Hall, and hear about a ghastly lynching.

Hear about the tragic tale of Rosilla Bangs, who met her untimely end near the Pilgrim Monument.

Stop 8 Pass by

Hear the ghoulish details of how this quaint guesthouse was once the local morgue.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour

Food and drink

Transportation

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions

Meeting point

This tour starts at 103 Commercial Street. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a picturesque peninsula in Massachusetts known for its charming coastal towns, beautiful beaches, and rich maritime history. With its iconic lighthouses, fresh seafood, and outdoor recreation opportunities, it's a year-round destination that offers something for everyone.

Top Attractions

Cape Cod National Seashore

A stunning stretch of coastline with pristine beaches, dunes, and hiking trails. The Seashore offers a variety of outdoor activities and is a haven for wildlife.

Nature Half-day to full-day Free (parking fees may apply)

Provincetown

A vibrant and eclectic town known for its artistic community, historic sites, and lively nightlife. Provincetown is also a popular spot for whale watching and water sports.

Cultural/Historical Half-day to full-day Varies by activity (many free attractions, whale watching tours around $50)

Hyannis

The largest town on Cape Cod, known as the gateway to the islands and a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Hyannis is also home to the Kennedy Compound, a historic site associated with the Kennedy family.

Cultural/Historical Half-day to full-day Free to explore, ferry tickets around $15-$30

Cape Cod Rail Trail

A 22-mile paved bike trail that runs through some of the most scenic areas of Cape Cod. The trail offers beautiful views of cranberry bogs, farms, and coastal landscapes.

Nature/Adventure Half-day to full-day Free (bike rentals around $20-$30 per day)

Cape Cod Museum of Art

A museum dedicated to the art and artists of Cape Cod, featuring a diverse collection of works by local and regional artists.

Cultural 1-2 hours Moderate ($10-$15 admission)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Lobster Roll

A sandwich made with fresh lobster meat, typically served on a buttered and toasted bun. It can be served cold with mayonnaise or hot with butter.

Lunch Contains shellfish, gluten (unless served on a gluten-free bun)

Clam Chowder

A creamy and hearty soup made with clams, potatoes, onions, and celery. It's a classic New England dish and a must-try when visiting Cape Cod.

Soup Contains dairy, gluten (if served with oyster crackers or in a bread bowl)

Oysters

Freshly shucked oysters served with a variety of sauces and toppings. Cape Cod is known for its high-quality oysters, often harvested from local waters.

Appetizer Contains shellfish, raw (may not be suitable for those with compromised immune systems)

Cape Cod Crisphead Lettuce

A crisp and refreshing lettuce variety grown locally on Cape Cod. It's often used in salads and as a garnish for seafood dishes.

Salad Vegan, gluten-free

Popular Activities

Hiking Biking Kayaking Whale watching Sailing Beachcombing Sunbathing Yoga

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the busiest time of year with warm weather, beach season, and various festivals. Expect crowded beaches and higher prices for accommodations.

18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F) 64°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, Portuguese
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (UTC-5:00, UTC-4:00 during daylight saving time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Cape Cod is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take common-sense precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night or in isolated areas.
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in crowded areas or on public transportation.
• Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If something feels unsafe or uncomfortable, remove yourself from the situation.

Getting there

By air

Cape Cod Regional Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from downtown Hyannis
Boston Logan International Airport • 120 km (75 miles) from Cape Cod

By train

Hyannis Transportation Center

By bus

Hyannis Transportation Center, South Station, Boston

Getting around

Public transport

The CCRTA offers a network of buses that connect major towns and attractions on Cape Cod. Buses are affordable and convenient for getting around without a car.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Provincetown Hyannis Chatham Wellfleet Eastham

Day trips

Nantucket Island

30 km (19 miles) from Hyannis • Full day

A charming island known for its historic whaling history, beautiful beaches, and upscale shopping and dining. Nantucket offers a mix of outdoor activities and cultural experiences.

Martha's Vineyard

25 km (16 miles) from Woods Hole • Full day

A picturesque island known for its diverse landscapes, including beaches, cliffs, and farmland. Martha's Vineyard offers a variety of outdoor activities and cultural experiences.

Plymouth

80 km (50 miles) from Cape Cod • Half day to full day

A historic town known for its role in the founding of the United States. Plymouth is home to the Mayflower II, a replica of the ship that brought the Pilgrims to America, and the Plimoth Patuxet Museums, which offer a glimpse into the lives of the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people.

Festivals

Cape Cod Jazz Festival • July Cape Cod Film Festival • August Cape Cod Fair • August

Pro tips

Visit the Cape Cod National Seashore early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photos.
Book ferry tickets to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard in advance, especially during peak season, as they can sell out quickly.
Explore the region's diverse towns and villages, each with its own unique character and attractions.
Try local specialties, such as lobster rolls, clam chowder, and cranberry-based dishes and desserts.
Take advantage of the region's outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and whale watching.