Eastham Family Fun Guide Things to Do 2024
Eastham is known as the “Gateway” to the Cape Cod National Seashore. About one-third of the town is located within the Cape Cod National Seashore. There are several freshwater ponds near the center of town, the largest being called Great Pond, which has two public beaches. Find out what to do on your Cape cod family vacation in Eastham MA
Despite the town being quiet and slow-paced, there are plenty of things to do in in the the town of Eastham. We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite things to do, places to visit, and where to eat!
Favorite Eastham Beaches
Bay Beaches Eastham’s beaches on Cape Cod Bay are beautiful, calm and warm, perfect family and walking beaches. At low tide, the tide goes out seemingly forever. It is a paradise for children, with small pools of water that create opportunities for sandcastle building, splashing, exploring, and making friends of strangers immediately.
Coast Guard Beach is one of the best beaches in the United States, and has been chosen by National Geographic as the “Best Family Beach in the US”. Dr. Beach consistently lists it as one of the “Top 10” beaches in the US. It is reached by a shuttle from the Little Creek parking lot on Doane Road. It is a prime swimming beach during the summer season. It is named for the old white Coast Guard building that still stands on the dune above the beach.
Nauset Light Beach is named for the iconic lighthouse that overlooks the area. This beach is reached by a pathway from the parking lot, and it is now handicapped accessible.
Fresh Water Beaches There are two fresh water ponds for swimming in Eastham: Great Pond, with full facilities at Wiley Park, and Herring Pond. Wiley Park has all amenities including lifeguards. Day passes are available at both locations.
Where to eat & drink in Eastham for your Family Cape Cod Vacation
Chocolate Cafe – located on historic Route 6, you will find the fun and brightly colored 50’s Diner Theme Chocolate Cafe. They serve freshly made breakfast and lunch sandwiches, homemade chocolate truffles, pastries, gourmet coffee, or cold drinks. Stop by to enjoy a salty or sweet treat!
Hole in One Bakery specializing in fresh, hand-cut donuts, cupcakes, biscotti, and many other mouth watering-pastries, as well as gourmet coffees. Hole in One serves up nearly 44 dozen donuts every morning in the off-season and more than 250 dozen of the holy pastries in the summer. Make sure you get your taste before they’re gone!
Nauset Ice Cream award winning and locally owned and operated since 1998. Fresh homemade ice cream made daily right on Cape Cod! Bring the kids for an after dinner treat!
Friendly Fisherman Restaurant and Fish Market serving large portions for hearty appetites and all food cooked to order. Their fish market also provides one-stop shopping for all your mealtime needs. Bring your own beer and the kids to play on the on-site playground!
Brine Dining stop by to taste American fare with a French influence and seafood focus. Brine serves an large breakfast and brunch menu, as well as, cocktails, appetizers, and dinner.
Laura & Tony’s Kitchen Laura & Tony’s focus has always been to serve amazing food made from scratch. They believe that fresh is always the best. Stop by to check out their Gourmet Market Cafe, which includes, their amazing breakfast, baked goods, homemade dips, and more!
Sam’s Deli Perfect place to stop for beach picnic lunch Sam’s carries a variety of fresh, made-to-order sandwiches, as well as, grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, and snacks! Stop by for breakfast and coffee from Beanstock Coffee, wine and beer tastings, or Sam’s groceries for kitchen staples, fresh produce, and gourmet essentials.
Arnold’s Lobster & Clam Bar – A Cape Classic Arnold’s has served only the freshest fried seafood, lobster rolls, raw bar, and premium gourmet ice cream on Cape Cod. You can find crispy fried onion rings, creamy chowder, famous foot-long hot dog, and 18 challenging holes of miniature golf!
Good Eats on 6 – pizza, burgers, gyros, pita wraps, specialty desserts, and more! perfect for grabbing take out at your Cape Cod cottage.
Where to visit in Eastham for your Family Cape Cod Vacation
Eastham Windmill – believed to be the oldest and last working gristmill on Cape Cod, Eastham Windmill is an important asset to the town. Each year, a fun Windmill celebration takes place the weekend after Labor Day, called “Windmill Weekend.” This is a three-day celebration featuring music, food, craft booths, a cookout, a pancake breakfast, road race, parade, and more! They also have free summer concerts.
The 1869 Schoolhouse Museum housed in a one-room schoolhouse built in 1869, it is the original and remains one of the three schoolhouses consolidated on that site in 1906. Inside you can find displays of objects from the various facets of the town’s history including farming, shipwrecks, and Native American artifacts. The schoolroom is furnished to replicate how it looked in the earlier days. Stop by to see what it felt like to be a student in 1869!
Poit’s Mini Golf – the Outer Cape’s best and largest-nautical themed adventure miniature golf course. Piot’s has been in business since 1954, featuring three lighthouses and a river winding through the course. After 18 holes, grab a pizza, and a cold drink from their extensive snack bar!
Three Sisters Lighthouses the lights from the lighthouse gained the nickname, “The Three Sisters” because from the sea they looked like women dressed in white dresses with black hats. Today, you can visit the Sisters and marvel at the remarkable journey that brought their location on Cable Road.
Where to Stay in Eastham for your Family Cape Cod Vacation
Our favorites
Eagle Wing Inn a unique property that combines the personalized touches identified with a guesthouse or inn with the modern conveniences associated with a larger, more upscale facility. It is in a perfect location just north of Orleans in Eastham. The property is only a short, nice drive away from Chatham, Wellfleet, Truro and Provincetown.
The Inn at the Oaks a charming 13 room bed and breakfast located in Cape Cod’s historic Eastham, MA. We offer spacious and light-filled accommodations, delicious and nourishing breakfasts, thoughtful amenities, and an unfaltering attention to detail that will ensure your Cape Cod vacation experience will be cherished for years to come. We offer dog-friendly rooms.
