CLAIM TO FAME: Gateway to Cape Cod National Seashore
HISTORICAL BRAGGING RIGHTS: Site of the first encounter between the Pilgrims and the Indians at First Encounter Beach.
BEACHES: On the ocean side, Nauset Light Beach and Coast Guard Beach (consistently voted one of the world’s best beaches) are operated by the National Seashore. The town also boasts seven bay beaches and three fresh water ponds.
DON’T MISS: Sunsets over Cape Cod Bay, fried clams at Arnold’s, lobster rolls at The Friendly Fisherman and the Cape’s oldest windmill.
The Town of Eastham is a coastal resort community straddling the arm of Cape Cod, bound by Orleans to the south, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Wellfleet to the north and Cape Cod Bay to the west. Bordered by Cape Cod Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Eastham offers a wonderful variety of beaches for visitors and locals. Coast Guard and Nauset Light Beaches feature cold, clear water, active surf and large waves for surfing. West on the Cape Cod Bay are seven beaches, which offer significantly calmer and warmer waters than the beaches on the eastern side of town. At low tide, there are miles of soft rippled sand, perfect for families and young children eager to jump in wading pools or search for small beach creatures. Approximately one third of the town is located within the Cape Cod National Seashore, home to a wide variety of creatures – besides humans. The Salt Pond Visitor Center and Museum offers excellent exhibits that cover these unique natural resources. Other attractions include the Captain Penniman House, a retired whaling captain’s home, is located near Fort Hill, the 1869 Schoolhouse Museum, the 1741 Swift Daley House, the Antique Tool Museum and the Dill Beach Shack. Eastham offers access to the Cape Cod Rail Trail, a 24-mile bike path that runs from Dennis to Wellfleet, and there are a number of hiking trails managed by both the town and National Seashore. Eastham also offers excellent fishing and shellfishing.
Eastham Information
Chamber of Commerce
2500 State Hwy
Eastham, MA 02642
(508) 255-3444
www.EasthamChamber.com
Town of Eastham
1700 Route 6
Eastham, MA 02642
www.Eastham-MA.gov
Cape Cod National Seashore
50 Nauest Road, (at the corner of Nauset Road and Route 6)
Eastham, MA 02642
(508) 771-2144
http://www.nps.gov/caco/index.htm
Eastham News
Firefighters extricate victim after traffic crash at Eastham/Orleans rotary August 26, 2025
Fabulous Sunrise Viewed From Coast Guard Beach, Eastham! August 15, 2025
Two more Cape Cod towns adding “lease to locals” housing option August 13, 2025
No serious injuries but traffic snarled after crash in Eastham August 6, 2025
Eastham crash causes vehicle to overturn August 1, 2025
Cape Summer Scenic! August 1, 2025
Updated 10 PM: Officials respond to several water rescue incidents across the Cape July 31, 2025
No injuries after car crashes into woods at Orleans/Eastham rotary July 30, 2025
Exterior fire damages house in Eastham July 22, 2025
Officers investigating suspicious activity nab two on drug charges; one with warrant July 15, 2025