Things to do in Eastham
Eastham features towering dunes, pine forests, strong surf, meandering trails, and salt ponds that spill out into the sea. It packs quite a punch for a town that’s only 25 square miles. This Endless Dunes Fun & Sun Guide will help you to discover this epicenter of Cape Cod history and coastal beauty to the fullest.
We also offer a printed version with a map onsite at the motel!
Follow its suggestions during your stay, and you’ll experience the best on offer in town and in the lower cape communities that span the Cape Cod National Seashore.
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Explore Natural Eastham
Explore Natural Eastham
Cape Cod National Seashore
More than 40 miles of untouched oceanfront. Find pristine sandy beaches, ponds, marshes, lighthouses, coastal pine barrens, and wild cranberry bogs. Insider Tip: Head to the Nauset Salt Marsh for a birder’s paradise. View sandpipers, terns, black skimmers, and more.
Doane Rock
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the shadow of Cape Cod’s largest glacial boulder. Located between Coast Guard Beach and Salt Pond Visitor Center, the 18-foot-high rock was named for original Eastham, MA settler, Deacon John Doane. Insider Tip: Deacon Doane’s name is mentioned by Henry David Thoreau in his 1865 book Cape Cod.
Kettle Ponds
When you crave the shade or simply want a warmer water experience, check out the kettle ponds of Eastham and Wellfleet. They offer sweet spots for a quiet canoe or salt-free swim. Insider Tip: Ask our team for help determining the right one for you.
Pilgrim Lake
Similar to the Kettle Ponds, Pilgrim Lake in Orleans is a great option when you seek warmer waters. Fee-free parking, rest rooms, picnic tables, a nice sandy beach, and small crowds make this a great place to bring the kids. Insider Tip: Check into the swim lessons offered here though Orleans Parks & Recreation.
Fort Hill Area
This must-see area includes the Captain Penniman House and the Fort Hill Trail, which leads to one of the best views in Cape Cod — overlooking Nauset Marsh and on to the Atlantic Ocean beyond. Insider Tip: Catch the morning or evening cloud reflections in the marshes for a great Instagram shot.
Salt Pond Visitor’s Center
The main visitor facility at Cape Cod National Seashore is home to a bookstore, museum, and a theater that plays the award winning film “Standing Bold”— a gorgeous look at Cape Cod’s history and nature. Insider Tip: Attend one of the fascinating short talks given by a ranger. Topics range from sharks and seals to marine plant life.
Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
This special place to stroll through Cape Cod’s rugged landscape is just a short drive north. Wide-ranging trails lead you through pine woodlands, a biodiverse salt marsh, and a sandy barrier beach. Insider Tip: Ask our front desk for binoculars to help you spy marshland wildlife.
Discover the Past (& Present)
Discover the Past (& Present)
1868 Schoolhouse Museum
Furnished to replicate how it looked in 1869, the museum’s detail is amazing. The original schoolmaster’s desk is on display, as well as objects from the various facets of the town's history including shipwreck and Native American artifacts. Insider Tip: “Children” of all ages are welcomed (even encouraged!) to sit at desks and imagine what it was like to be a student of the period.
Captain Penniman House
Whaling captain Edward Penniman’s house, built in 1868, is considered an architectural masterpiece of its time. Handcrafted by local artisans, the Mansard-style mansion features numerous innovative ideas for that period, such as running water and stained glass windows. Insider Tip: Perriman’s daughter took many pictures of impromptu family gatherings. Look for one of her mother in pants (unheard of!) among the collection.
Eastham Windmill
Built in 1680 in Plymouth, Eastham Windmill was moved to Eastham town green and restored in the 1960s. Open to the public in summer, it provides an extraordinary glimpse into the past and the internal workings of an operating windmill. Insider Tip: A 3-day "Windmill Weekend" over Labor Day features music, food and crafts booths, a cookout, a pancake breakfast, a road race, and a parade.
French Cable Station Museum
This historic home of the transatlantic cable station is a wonderfully odd little museum featuring original undersea telegraphic cables, instruments, maps, and assorted memorabilia. Insider Tip: In 1927, the message that Charles Lindbergh had landed in Paris came through this station from Paris!
Swift-Daley House Museum
A tour of the house provides great insight into an 18th century seafarer’s home. Built by a ship’s carpenter, the house features a bowed roof, wide board floors, and a deep fireplace in the keeping room. Insider Tip: Get a peak at hundreds of tools from the era, many of them unusual and unique to Cape Cod, at the Ranlett Tool Museum located behind the house.
Three Sisters Lighthouses
Built in 1837, these three small lighthouses eroded and fell into the sea in 1890. Rescued and restored, today the Three Sisters (so named because they resemble black-hatted women dressed in white) sit 1,800 feet west of Nauset Light — together on a plot of land dedicated to their slawart selves. Insider Tip: Stay back just as you enter the walking path and you can capture all three sisters in one photo.
Truro Vineyards
Pioneers of maritime grape growing, this popular spot up Route 6 in Truro produces 10 wines with intense flavor and lush varietal character. Sample the offerings in the farmhouse tasting room. Insider Tip: Take the guided tour to learn about Edward Hopper’s visit.
Wellfleet Drive In
Just up Route 6 in neighboring Wellfleet, this 1957 drive-in is one of only 300 left in the US. Enjoy two movies for the price of one under the stars in your own vehicle. Insider Tip: Try the original speaker boxes (versus the radio) for a nostalgic treat.
Get Active
Dining Options from A-Z
Each of these lower Cape Cod restaurants is its own brand of delicious. Plan your Eastham MA restaurants strategy before you check in, or let us make reservations for you and your crew. Either way, no one checks out of our Cape Cod hotel hungry on our watch!
Eastham MA Restaurants (& Lower Cape)
Arnold's Restaurant & Mini Golf
Located right next door, this classic spot is the place for seafood and loads of family fun. Where else can you nibble on a lobster roll, lick a premium ice cream cone, and play 18 holes of mini golf — all in one location. Stroll on over for an afternoon or evening of good times and great food.
Basco Grill
Delicious reubens, fish and chips, and just about every kind of burger you can imagine. Friendly service and delightful sandwiches, salads, and specials are hallmarks of this stalwart eatery. Make sure you try the sweet potato fries.
Beachcomber
A true Wellfleet classic, the Beachcomber has made every list and been voted every award you can imagine, including the Travel Channel’s “Twenty-One Sexiest Beach Bars in the World” list. Outdoors, the deck bar overlooks the blue Atlantic. Indoors, a renovated former U.S. Lifesaving Station caters to the whole family with lunch and dinner menus to please every palate. At night, Beachcomber shifts into 21+ mode and rocks the night away with live bands, local beer, and cocktails.
Beacon Room
An Orleans local favorite. Italian-inspired food in a white tablecloth setting inside a charming former cottage. Creative cuisine and great wines-by-the-glass selection. Dinner reservations are a must.
Blackfish, Truro
A charmingly rustic brick-walled eatery, housed in a former blacksmith shop, Blackfish boasts refined seafood dishes and a buzzing tiny bar. The New American menu at this seasonal Truro bistro ranges from a luscious signature tuna Bolognese to a braised and brothy rabbit ragu – all made from local products.
Brickhouse
American cuisine infused with Caribbean flavors, Brickhouse features specialties ranging from jerk pork and Caribbean-style curries to steaks, ribs, sandwiches, and more traditional seafood fare. The jerk salmon is a true treat.
Caroline's Bar & Grill
Locally loved Caroline's has warm hospitality and live music all summer long. Offering top-notch seafood and great vibes, Caroline's is good fun and gastronomically satisfying. Buck-a-shuck oysters available every day from 3:30 to 5:00 pm.
Casa Del Cabo
Family owned and operated, and extremely well-reviewed, Casa Del Cabo has fast become a local favorite. A blend of traditional New England and Latin-inspired cuisine, menu items range from a daily ceviche, to exceptional tacos, to more hearty dishes, such as swordfish or chimichurri steak.
Fairway Restaurant & Pizzeria
Comfort food with an Italian flair, this family-run restaurant is a relaxing place to kick back after a day at the beach. Features one of the best chicken parms in all of New England! Also great for hearty breakfasts before a day of exploration.
Hole In One Bakery & Coffee Shop
With lines out the door, you just know you can’t go wrong here! The donuts are fabulous. The bakery also features cupcakes, biscottis, hot and cold gourmet coffee drinks, and fresh-brewed ice teas.
Las Chidas
This small taco joint features really good food all around and has a fun, "Baja surfer meets Oaxaca Day of the Dead skeleton" vibe. Kick back at the full bar inside or lounge in the outdoor seating if you order for pickup. Outside, you can bring your pet to lounge with you. Drinks are allowed outside, too!
Laura & Tony's Kitchen
Specializing in gourmet grab-and-go baked goods, salads and sides, Laura & Tony’s has fabulous fruit scones, coffee cake and cinnamon rolls, and offers an extensive menu of plant-based options for non-meat eaters.
Local Break
With entrees ranging from ramen bowls to braised lamb shanks, this restaurant, as the name suggests, is a local fave. Featuring a rotating tap list of local and regional beers and a specialities board with interesting nightly options, Local Break never disappoints.
Mac's Market & Kitchen and Mac's Shack
A local legend who owns a series of restaurants on the Cape, Mac actually works in the kitchen at “the Shack” in nearby Wellfleet. His Market & Kitchen is only 2 minutes from Endless Dunes. The restaurants feature updates to old-fashioned seafood favorites—like his grandmother's cracker-crusted bluefish— and explore a world of flavors in a rotating menu. Nightly specials range from varied crudos and Peruvian-inspired ceviches, to sea scallops with green Thai curry. Mac's also offers great sushi and outdoor bar/seating. A whitewashed dining room at The Shack fills a 19th century house that was once a nautical shop.
Mahoney's Bar & Grill
Located in a converted 19th Century dry goods store in downtown Orleans, Mahoney’s warm dark paneling and low light create a fashionable vibe at this upscale eatery. The lively bar features a fun cocktail menu. Try the black fig martini.
PJ's
The stuffie alone—a hefty quahog shell filled with spicy linguiça, kale, briny clams, and just enough breading—is worth the ever-present summertime lines at PJ’s. But the menu dives SOOOO much deeper, offering five fish taco variations, 15 different salads, an assortment of classic chowders, and fried seafood baskets galore. Make room for the Portuguese kale soup and do yourself a favor and DON’T skip the onion rings. They are hand-cut and breaded, then chilled overnight to intensify the flavor. Trust us, the calories are worth it.
Remo's Pizzeria
Located right on property, Remo's Pizzeria is all about bringing you the best in classic American fare, from mouth watering pizzas that are the stuff of dreams to hearty and scrumptious sandwiches that will leave you wanting more. Their revamped menu reflects their commitment to providing you with high-quality, flavorful dishes that will make every visit a memorable one.
Rock Harbor Grill
Warm, family-friendly tavern in Orleans featuring elevated brick-oven pizzas (think EVOO, pecan-smoked bacon, cheddar, and BBQ drizzle) and classic American dishes. The owner and head chef bring loads of experience to the table and it shows here.
The Block & Tackle
A beer garden. Succulent ribs. What more could you want from this excellent smokehouse a short drive to the north in Wellfleet? Well, the buttermilk fried chicken and the mudpie dessert for two! Plus, the Thursday trivia nights at this Cape Cod staple are legendary.
the knack
The lowercase in the name is part of the vibe. This laid-back and hipster modern roadside eatery offers terrific lobster rolls, hot dogs, fries, soft serve, and shakes. As they say on their website, “the food that hits the spot after a day at the beach and defines summers on Cape Cod.” All crafted by two local Orleans brothers.
The Wicked Oyster
Candlelit and lively, The Wicked Oyster features fresh fish from local waters and shellfish from nearby flats, but also shines with fine cuts of meat and a juicy burger. A welcoming staff works hard and patrons truly feel taken care of here. If you are looking for a hearty brunch while out and about, The Wicked Oyster is the place for great egg dishes and hearty homemade homefries.
Winslow's Tavern
Casually elegant with a lovely dining deck to catch the evening’s ocean breeze, Winslow’s Tavern features an impressive and diverse wine list that includes organic and biodynamic options. Everything on the menu is superb, but an Endless Dunes team favorite is the grilled octopus, with parsnip puree, kimchi’d red cabbage, and pomegranate.
Get Active
Bike the Cape Cod Rail Trail (entrance at back of our property)
Paved and mostly flat, the 27.5-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail will zip you past briny seaports, sandy beaches, and diverse landscapes. The Endless Dunes grounds abut the trail, so you can hop on your bike and peddle away right from our property. Insider Tip: Plan a 30-mile (round trip) to the Cape Cod Lavender Farm in Harwich. Gorgeous.
Fish the Surrounding Waters
The flats and rips around Rock Harbor, Wellfleet Harbor, Chatham Harbor, and the Monomoy Islands offer some of the best and most challenging salt-water fishing in the world. Local charter options include Wellfeet Charters, Billings Gate Charters, or Outer Cape Sailing. Insider Tip: Let the front desk know what fish you’re casting for and they can hook you up with the right charter.
Hike a Trail or Dune
In addition to miles of beaches that provide a wonderful walking environment, there are 11 walking trails in the Eastham and Wellfleet areas of the Cape Cod National Seashore. Ranging from 8.8-mile roundtrip Great Island Trail, to the 0.30-mile Buttonbush Trail loop, there’s a length for everyone. Insider Tip: The Red Maple Swamp Trail is a must in the fall as the forest comes alive with vibrant crimson.
Spend the Afternoon in Orleans
Orleans, MA is a charming Cape Cod town just minutes from Eastham, known for its beautiful beaches, scenic waterways, and vibrant local culture. Home to the popular Nauset Beach on the Atlantic and calm bay-side spots perfect for families, Orleans offers a mix of outdoor activities, boutique shopping, art galleries, and dining options including the very popular Land Ho. Visitors can enjoy boating, kayaking, and exploring the Cape Cod Rail Trail, making Orleans a convenient and lively destination for those looking to experience the best of the Outer Cape.
Kayak Salt Pond & Beyond
Paddle through the marshes, tidal channels, and open waters surrounding Eastham and discover some of the best kayaking on the East Coast. The preserved areas allow for complete escape and intimate exposure to the incredible seabirds and marine creatures. Insider Tip: We highly recommend booking an adventure with Great Marsh Kayak Tours.
Whale Watch with the Dolphin Fleet
The Dolphin Fleet offers 3-4 hour trips guided by experienced naturalists. Cruise coastal waters in search of dolphins and humpbacks. Insider Tip: If you spot a humpback spyhopping be ready to look him in the eye! It’s the holy grail of whale watching behavior
Beach Hair, Don't Care
Beach Hair, Don't Care
Eastham Area Ocean Beaches
Coast Guard Beach
The closest beach to Endless Dunes and one of the most popular in the nation, Coast Guard Beach features stunning views of the ocean and salt marsh. Bathrooms and showers are onsite. It is impossible to park here in the summer, but luckily it is only a 15-minute bike ride from our front entrance. Insider Tip: Another option is to park at Little Creek and take the free shuttle from there.
Nauset Beach
Just south of Coast Guard Beach, this expansive stretch of sand extends down to the entrance of the bay. Insider Tip: Don’t mistake the northern part of Nauset Beach with the southern part, which is part of Orleans, the next town to the south, and a bit further away. Both beaches are great!
Nauset Light Beach
Just to confuse things even further, there also is Nauset Light Beach, which sits under the shadow of the Nauset Lighthouse and is further up the coast towards Wellfleet. Insider Tip: A lovely beach, it also is a short stroll from its soft sand to the Three Sisters lighthouses.
Marconi Beach
Popular for surfing and boogie boarding, Marconi Beach offers restrooms and outdoor showers, which prove a godsend for sea sports enthusiasts. Insider Tip: Seals often frequent Marconi, so be on the lookout!
Lecount Hollow Beach
A little further up the coast is Lecount Hollow which features big waves, lifeguards on duty, and very steep dunes. Insider Tip: Massive dunes make for beautiful views, but if you’re lugging umbrellas and beach gear, avoid the up and down in the sand and opt for a beach with gentler dunes.
Cahoon Hollow Beach
Although a bit far north from the hotel, Cahoon is home to the infamous Beachcomber Bar and Restaurant, which is hopping in the summer. Arrive early, especially on weekends, as the parking lots usually fill by late morning. Insider Tip: Cahoon Hollow is the beach scene on which to see and be seen.
Eastham Area Bay Beaches
First Encounter Beach
This is the historic beach where the Mayflower Pilgrims first encountered a band of Native Americans after landing on Cape Cod in November of 1620. Insider Tip: This shore fishing beach features warmer, calmer waters except when the wind picks up and it turns into a kitesurfer’s heaven.
Crooks Brook Beach
Cooks Brook is one of the smaller beaches in Eastham. But the lovely view of the bay and the dunes make this beach well worth a visit. Insider Tip: The parking lot here is good-sized and offers a better chance of snagging a spot.
Crosby Landing Beach
A bit further south on Route 6 in Brewster, this very lovely bay beach is spacious, dune-backed and offers shallow warmer water for swimming. Parking pass from the town of Brewster required. Insider Tip: Has nice sand bars when the tide goes out and offers great sunset views over the water.
Sunken Meadow Beach
If you are visiting with small children, this is the beach for you. Waters are always warmer and calm and there is never a crowd. Insider Tip: Parking is limited, but the beach is a mere 14 minute bike ride away from the hotel.
Kingsbury Beach
Great for sunsets and quiet time near calm waters, this is the closest bay beach to Town Crier, but offers no parking. Insider Tip: This beach is an easy 8-minute bike ride away and is even a nice stroll (3 miles roundtrip) for guests who love walking.