Eastham Vacation Rentals

Bask in the sun in your Eastham vacation rental

Relaxing, laid-back Eastham appeals to families seeking an "old Cape" experience. Eastham is known as a beach town and for good reason. If you're considering booking an Eastham vacation rental for beach access, you really can't go wrong but you do have a big decision. Eastham's beaches on the bayside feature great sunsets and long walks on gradual beaches during low tide. There are a ton of good vacation home options west of Route 6 toward First Encounter beach, which is the largest beach in town, and Campground Beach, which is a great family spot with a small parking lot a few feet from the beach area. In sharp contrast are the beaches on the east side of town, which are frequently called "oceanside beaches" and are maintained by the Cape Cod National Seashore. Coast Guard Beach and Nauset Light beach are pristine public beaches on the east end of Eastham and offer cant-miss fun for families, surfers and everyone.

Eastham has a good reputation for water sports, historic sites and beaches, regardless of location. And we have a very diverse and large collection of rental options -- from bungalows to vacation houses with yards complete with fire pits to 3-season porches. When staying in one of our Eastham vacation rentals (instead of a motel or hotel), you'll save money and have an unbeatable combination of amenities and choices. Pick the property and location that speaks to you.


Eastham, MA travel advice

The best advice we can give to people considering Eastham for their Cape Cod vacation is that you'll be glad it has a convenient location and its selection of vacation rental houses usually over-delivers. There are not more genuine and true Cape experiences than renting a vacation rental by one Eastham's great beaches. And it usually can be done for a slightly better rate than many of its neighboring towns.

We strongly recommend you contact multiple owners by February or March if you're trying to book a vacation rental for 2 weeks or longer because Eastham summer rentals can be competitive. While there are a lot of options, particularly on both sides of Herringbrook Road and Massasoit Road, they tend to have many repeat bookings every year. Good luck!


Popular activities and experiences

Eastham has some quintessential vacation experiences, for sure! While we've already mentioned it, Coast Guard Beach on Oceanview Drive is classic Cape. Even if it's not beach season, it's worth a drive and is a great sight to see year round. The natural coastlines of the town means its steamers, clams and oysters are among the best in the region.

Trails are a big part of the experience here. There are at least three options worth checking out including Fort Hill and the Nauset National Seashore trail. However, most notable is that the Cape Cod Rail Trail runs through Eastham. In fact, it ends (or starts!) with the trailhead at LeCount Hollow Rd in Wellfleet not far north. Vacation goers love running, walking, and biking the trail for sure. The Little Capistrano Bike Shop's Eastham location (see here) is located between both the Nauset National Seashore Trail and the Cape Cod Rail trail.

Natural beauty seems like it's everywhere in Eastham. The list is long, but if we had to call out two "must experience" attractions it'd be beach-going along the Eastham Dunes on the bayside, and a visit to see the Nauset Lighthouse which has free parking in the evening and is on the CC National Seashore.

Do you know where First Encounter Beach got its name? It's the location of the first encounter between the Pilgrims led by Captain Myles Standish and the area's Native Americans.The beach itself is great and if you walk to the north end of it, you'll see a tablet on a knoll commemorating the event.


Top events and attractions

There are many events to consider attending in Eastham. One that might surprise you is a visit to the Cape Cod National Seashore Salt Pond Visitor Center on Nauset Road. It's a good family spot operated by the National Park Service abuts Salt Pond.

The Eastham Historical Society runs four museums that mark the town's deep historical roots. Most are good trips for the day for families and we recommend the 1869 Schoolhouse Museum which is across the CC National Seashore Visitors Center.

Eastham Windmill is a quick trip too and is open for tours during the day in the summer. The town's annual Windmill Weekend Festival takes place at Windmill Green and features a talent show and a car show amidst food and other festivities. It's been a tradition for over 40 years! The windmill itself was built in 1860, making it the oldest working windmill on Cape Cod.

From Spring to Labor Day, people book vacation rentals in Eastham for access to the beaches. Perhaps the most popular is Coast Guard Beach, which has views of the dunes, the nearby Nauset Light, and offers something for everyone.


Great fried seafood and ice cream

A great thing about Eastham is its easy access to points north on the Outer Cape and Lower Cape which are all dotted with great food experiences. But if you book a vacation rental in Eastham, that doesn't mean you have to leave town for an awesome meal.

Two spots in particular should be on every vacationer's list. First, do NOT miss Arnold's on route 6! And don't shy away if there's a long line! It moves fast on most days and nights but regardless, it's worth it for mouthwatering fried seafood. Arnold's is one of the best options for this Cape Cod staple, period.

Eastham residents, and day-trippers driving north to the Outer Cape alike have the chance to experience a great ice cream shop in Eastham without venturing far off route 6. Nauset Ice Cream is directly on the main state highway but is set off the road enough to provide a good experience.


Eastham vacation rentals on Cape Cod Vacation Rentals

Finding your perfect rental in Eastham is easy on CapeCodVacationRentals.com and can save you significantly vs other sites. We have great options on both sides of Eastham and are happy to help you find the house that's ideal for your trip. Get started today and contact the rental you want today!