Located in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, about 23 miles south of Provincetown, Eastham is a great little town to explore on vacation. The town is bordered by Cape Cod Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, Wellfleet and Orleans. Highlights include Coast Guard Beach, Nauset Light, Eastham Windmill, and a choice of family-friendly restaurants.
1. Coast Guard Beach
Coast Guard Beach is a surfing and boogie boarding destination that is one of five beaches sitting on the ocean side of the Cape included in the Cape Cod National Seashore. Its low tide creates a flat surface that is perfect for skimboarding. The outer beach that is locally referred to as the "backside" of Cape Cod is a watery cemetery for about 3,000 ships. There is no parking between mid-June to Labor Day except for park staff and disabled persons, with a shuttle bus giving access from Little Creek. Restrooms are open on a seasonal basis, and there is wheelchair access to the beach.
Ocean View Drive, Eastham, Massachusetts
2. Nauset Light
Nauset Light is officially known as Nauset Beach Light. It's a lighthouse that was constructed from one of the 1877 lighthouse towers relocated from Chatham in 1923. Completely automated, the Nauset Light is listed as a National Historic Place that stands 48 feet high. The logo for Cape Cod Potato Chips, today it's used as a private aid for navigation funded by the Nauset Light Preservation Society. With its iconic red tower, Nauset Light plus the nearby old oil house, are open for tours by the public at nominated times.
Nauset Beach, Eastham, Massachusetts
3. Nauset Light Beach, Eastham, MA
Nauset Light Beach is located one mile to the north of Coast Guard Beach in Eastham. A broad sandy beach with a dramatic glacial scarp background, it offers visitors amenities such as restrooms when in season. Bicyclists and walkers frequent the area no matter what season, as it's on the pine forest trail to the current location of the Three Sisters lighthouses. The endangered bird species, piping plovers, nest on the beach between spring and early summer. When the tide is low during the winter, the rustic old brick foundations of the original Three Sisters lighthouses can be seen poking out of the sand.
One mile north of Coast Guard Beach on Ocean View Drive, Eastham
4. Three Sisters Lighthouses
Located in Ocean View Drive, Eastham, the lighthouses known as The Three Sisters were restored to their former glory in 1989. Named the Three Sisters due to their ladylike appearances of wearing white dresses and black bonnets, they were created as a threesome because Cape Cod had one lighthouse and Chatham had two. The Three Sisters were to provide light halfway along the eastern coastline of Cape Cod with their distinguishing 3 lights. The original lighthouses were initially built in 1837, but they fell into the sea in 1890 due to erosion. Today the Three Sisters sit 1,800 feet west of Nauset Light. Guided tours are available of the lighthouses that are a National Historical treasure.
One mile north of Coast Guard Beach on Ocean View Drive, Eastham
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5. Eastham Windmill
Built in 1680 in Plymouth, Eastham Windmill was initially placed near Salt Pond in Eastham, after being transported by a log raft over the waters of Massachusetts Bay and an ox-cart to its final destination. Eastham Windmill was later sold and relocated to the Village Green opposite Eastham Town Hall. This was the original site of the Setucket Mill constructed in 1705 on land that was once owned by Giles Hopkins of the Mayflower fame. Extensively renovated in 1968, today it's open to the public during the summer months giving an extraordinary glimpse into the internal workings of an operating windmill.
2510 U. S. Route 6, Eastham, MA 02642, Phone: 508-255-3421
6. Things to Do in Eastham, MA: Captain Penniman House
Named Captain Penniman House after its seafaring owner, the house was built in Fort Hill Road, Eastham, at the end of the Victorian Age in a French Second Empire style. A wood-framed dwelling of two and a half stories with a mansard roof, the residence was constructed in 1868 from the best materials available. It is a masterpiece that was handcrafted by local artisans and features numerous innovative ideas for that period, such as running water, heating systems, stained glass windows, and beautiful woodwork. Home to the whaling captain and his family for over 100 years, he was able to watch the ships passing by on the Atlantic Ocean and in Cape Cod Bay.
70 Fort Hill Road, Eastham, MA 02642, Phone: 508-771-2144
7. Eastham Historical Society
A non-profit historical society for the community of Eastham, it was established in 1963. The organization maintains museums such as the School House Museum, collects genealogical and historical information, also cataloging and preserving artifacts in a climate-controlled environment. The Eastham Historical Society sponsors numerous programs on an annual basis from public displays to historical presentations and information days. It's instrumental in providing resources and services to support the region's culture and history. Conducting various year-round events from a White Elephant Sale to an August Antique Market and a Summer Lecture Series, the Eastham Historical Society is a pivotal gathering point for preserving Eastham's past into Eastham's future.
P.O. Box 8 – Eastham MA 02642, Phone: 508-240-1247
8. Schoolhouse Museum
The Schoolhouse Museum is a living museum where the first students of Eastham attended school. This 1869 structure was abandoned in 1936 when a new school was built. In 1963 the Eastham Historical Society restored the old school into a museum. A new museum was added to the site in 2008 displaying the town's history from Native American artifacts to shipwreck displays. Children are encouraged to sit at the old desks and play school when visiting the site. Donations are gratefully accepted, even though admission is free, to poke your nose into the Schoolhouse Museum that celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2019.
25 Schoolhouse Road, across from the Cape Cod National Seashore Visitors Center, Phone: 508-255-0788
9. Salt Pond Visitor Center
Visitor Centers are a must-visit for a reason! They’ve got all of the information and insider tips that will make your visit to a new place the best it could possibly be. When it comes to Cape Cod National Seashore, the Salt Pond Visitor Center ought to be your first stop. Open year-round, this facility doesn’t just house a National Parks store, it’s also the location of a theater and a museum. The theater is known for Standing Bold, their award-winning orientation movie, which plays in regular intervals throughout the day. The visitor center is also a great jump-off point to the great trails in the region such as the 1.5-mile Nauset Marsh Trail, the Buttonbush Trail, and the Nauset Bicycle Trail. There is also a quarter-mile multi-sensory trail nearby that invites guests to follow a guide rope while spotting text panels and interactive activities.
50 Nauset Road, Eastham, Massachusetts 02642, Phone: 508-255-3421
10. Things to Do in Eastham, MA: The Fairway Restaurant
A family-run restaurant located in North Eastham, The Fairway Restaurant is the local's hangout for amazing homemade food delivered with warm service and friendly vibes. In business for twenty years, it's a part of the Eastham community dishing up seasonal produce sourced locally and gluten-free meals, for those who may need it. Menus change with the seasons and special occasions such as Mother's Day and Easter Sunday are celebrated in style. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the decor is inviting, and the food is a reflection of their passion.
4295 State Highway, North Eastham, MA 02642, Phone: 508-255-3893
11. Arnold’s Restaurant and Mini-Golf
With over 40 years in the business, Arnold’s Restaurant isn’t just an icon of Cape Cod, it’s practically a holy grail foodie destination. The restaurant has won many awards as a clam shack with their fried clams being declared by Food & Wine Magazine to be the “best in the world”. Arnold’s also proudly dishes up delectable lobster rolls, delicious and most fried seafood, while giving their patrons access to the freshest seafood available in Cape Cod through their raw bar. In addition to their famous seafood offerings, Arnold’s also dishes up fantastic American fare like their 50s Angus burger, and their famous foot-long hot dog. No trip to Arnold’s is complete without a round of mini-golf at their 18-hole course either! So, make sure to grab a scoop of ice cream before heading out for your game.
3580 Route 6, Eastham, Massachusetts 02642, Phone: 508-255-2575
12. Laura and Tony's Kitchen
An iconic local restaurant in Eastham on Route 6, Laura and Tony's Kitchen is named after the masterful husband and wife chef team. This restaurant has been feeding hungry locals since 2004. Sitting in a quirky Art Deco building, the vibe is friendly and welcoming. With their motto of fresh is best, all of the produce used in their delectable dishes is sourced locally from organic producers. The cafe specializes in Beanstock, a locally roasted Organic Sumatra coffee. The seafood is fresh daily, and all sweet treats are baked on the premises. Catering for special events is available.
5960 Route 6 Eastham MA, Phone: 508-240-6096
13. Poit’s Lighthouse Mini-Golf, Eastham, MA
When it comes to the best mini golf in the outer capes area, Poit’s Lighthouse is one of the first names to come to mind. Founded in 1954, Poit’s is one of the most challenging and adventurous courses in Cape Cod with three lighthouses, geysers, fountains, and even a river winding through the course. Players will find it difficult to navigate Poit’s full 18-hole course, but the feeling of accomplishment at the end of the course will be very much worth it. When you need a break from your game, feel free to explore the snack bars located around the complex, and tuck into offerings like their subs, pizza, and an array of cold, refreshing beverages. All guests can enjoy one free replay per admission.
5720 State Highway, Eastham, Massachusetts 02642, Phone: 508-255-6321
