Originally home to the Wampanoag people, Eastham is a sprawling town on the Cape Cod peninsula. It was once an important hub for fishing and farming before attracting writers such as Henry Beston, who wrote “The Outermost House” here. Today, Eastham is considered the gateway to the Cape Cod National Seashore, with wild beaches on both its Atlantic Ocean and Cape Cod Bay coastlines.
Things to do in Eastham
In the heart of Eastham is the Cape Cod National Seashore Salt Pond Visitor Center, which houses exhibits about the natural and human history of the region. Learn about the indigenous Wampanoag culture and their use of natural materials for food and shelter, as well as the area’s whaling past. The centre serves as the starting point for several nature trails and offers sweeping views across Nauset Marsh.
On the east coast of Eastham is the distinctive red and white Nauset Lighthouse, which was erected in 1923 using an 1877 cast-iron tower. Join a guided tour to learn about the role it has played in Eastham’s past and admire its beautifully restored brick oil house. Adjacent to the tower is Nauset Light Beach, a popular surf spot backed by high dunes.
Traversing Eastham is the Cape Cod Rail Trail, a 41-kilometre-long paved cycling route that follows the former Cape Cod Central Railroad. Beginning in Yarmouth, the trail takes in the scrub pines and kettle ponds of Nickerson State Park. Several side trails connect to the Cape Cod National Seashore’s beautiful beaches.
Getting around Eastham
Eastham is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Boston and Boston Logan International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Buses connect to Eastham, although renting a car is the most convenient way of exploring the area.