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What's so special about Eastham MA? To being with, it's the "Gateway to Cape Cod National Seashore".
With beaches like hits, what's not to love?
And then there's the history ...
Imagine standing in the same place where, more than 300 years ago, the Mayflower Pilgrims had their first impromptu meet-and-greet with the local Native Americans.
Fast forward to more recent times. In the early 1960s, the Cape Cod National Seashore was established as a US National Park.
Seemingly overnight, 40,000+ acres of Outer Cape land became off-limits to development.
Since then, large portions of the towns of Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro and Provincetown have essentially been "frozen" in time.
Of course, some things have changed in Eastham since the early 1960s ...
(Photo Courtesy of US National Parks Service)
But by and large, the town of Eastham remains much as it was in the 1960s. A welcoming, family town where folks still smile and greet each other with a friendly "Hello".
Making your way along the curled "arm" of Cape Cod, the town of Eastham is at the beginning of the forearm - just to the north of Orleans. (Zoom out [-] on the map below to see entire arm of the Cape.)
The town is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on its easterly coastline and by Cape Cod Bay to the west.
Driving distances to get here are approximately:
From the Cape Cod Canal, it's about a 45-mile drive to Eastham.
Of all the Outer Cape towns, I'd choose Eastham as the best town for an all-around vacation experience.
Now, before all you Wellfleet, Truro and Provincetown fans start bombarding me with emails touting those towns' virtues (and their virtues are many!) ...
Here's why I recommend Eastham as a good choice for any vacation style:
For visitors who're thinking of touring around the Cape, the town's location is pretty much perfect - an equal distance from both Hyannis (24 miles) and Provincetown (23 miles).
Eastham is a great jumping-off spot for all those things, and lots more!
When it comes to accommodations, the selection of lodgings in Eastham covers the full spectrum from budget-friendly motels and hotels to upscale inns.
And nothing offers the true Cape Codder experience better than your own vacation rental house by the beach!
Find Your Perfect Lodging in Eastham MA
Along with the excellent ranger-guided activities offered by the National Park, here are a few more "don't miss" things to see and do around town ...
Salt Pond Visitors Center - (Rt. 6 at Nauset Road) This is the hub for National Seashore info. Stop by to visit the museum, catch a film, and reserve your free beach campfire permit. |
Eastham Windmill - (2515 State Highway) Built in 1680, this is the oldest working windmill on the Cape. The windmill is open for tours daily in the summer. |
Fort Hill - (Governor Prence Road off Rt. 6) For spectacular views over Nauset Marsh to the Atlantic Ocean, and miles of nice walking trails to explore, you can't beat Fort Hill. |
Shellfishing - Have a hankerin' for a bucket of fresh steamers or a big bowl of homemade clam chowder? Eastham waters hold some of Cape Cod's tastiest steamers, quahog clams, and oysters. |
Lighthouses - (Ocean View Drive) Nauset Light sits on a hill overlooking Nauset Light Beach. About 300 yards away on Cable Road are three smaller lighthouses called "Three Sisters". |
Coast Guard Beach - (Oceanview Drive) This Eastham gem regularly appears on Dr. Beach's list of Top 10 Beaches in the USA. |
Click here to find more activities in and near Eastham MA
Click here to read all about Eastham's beaches
Important: Lodging owners/management may change their rates, discounts, special offers, promotions, services, amenities, dates of operation, availability, etc. at any time, without prior notice, and without my knowledge. Be sure to confirm all details directly with the lodging provider before you make any travel plans!