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A Day in Eastham: Beaches, Eats, and Adventures on Cape Cod

Plan Your Day in Eastham
"Welcome to Eastham" sign as you enter Eastham, MA from Orleans, MA.

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With its mix of pristine beaches, mouthwatering eats, and scenic outdoor adventures, Eastham is the perfect destination for a quintessential Cape Cod day trip. Whether you’re here to relax on the sand, explore local landmarks, or savor fresh seafood, this guide ensures you won’t miss a thing. Plan your visit today and discover the charm of this Lower Cape gem!

Morning: Beaches and Landmarks

Start your day with breakfast at Hole in One, a local favorite known for its fresh bagels, pastries, and hearty breakfast plates. If you’re in the mood for classic Cape Cod fare, the Eastham Cafe offers delicious morning options in a relaxed setting.

Once fueled up, head to Nauset Light Beach, a must-visit spot with its wide sandy shoreline and dramatic ocean views. Don’t miss a quick visit to the nearby Nauset Lighthouse, one of Cape Cod’s most iconic landmarks. History buffs may also enjoy exploring the nearby Three Sisters Lighthouses.

A stacked bagel sandwich which has been cut and held to camera with both inner halves facing sits in the foreground of the Eastham Cafe in Eastham MA.
The Salt Pond Visitor Center in the Cape Cod National Seashore on a bright sunny day in July. Located in Eastham MA.

Lunch: Seafood and Local Flavors

For lunch, dive into Eastham’s seafood scene at Arnold's Lobster & Clam Bar, renowned for their lobster rolls, fried clams, and casual outdoor seating. If you’re looking for something different, try Royal Thai. There aren't a lot of spots that will zig when you think they're supposed to zag like a year-round restaurant on Cape Cod specializing in Thai. Market, cornered.

Before heading to your next activity, stop by one of Eastham’s local markets, like Eastham Superette or Sam’s Deli, to grab snacks or locally made goods.

Afternoon: Outdoor Adventures

After lunch, spend your afternoon soaking in the natural beauty of Eastham. Relax at Coast Guard Beach, a premier Cape Cod beach that’s part of the Cape Cod National Seashore and perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or admiring the scenery.

Alternatively, explore the Salt Pond Visitor Center, where you’ll find walking trails, biking routes, and serene water views.

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider renting a kayak or paddleboard to explore the nearby marshes and waterways. Families may also enjoy a visit to the Eastham Windmill, a charming piece of local history that’s great for photos.

Dinner: Ending the Day with a Feast

As the day winds down, treat yourself to dinner at The Friendly Fisherman, where the lobster rolls are legendary, and the cozy atmosphere makes for a relaxed dining experience. If you’re dining with kids or crave something casual, Red Barn Pizza offers delicious old school pizza, seafood, and a family-friendly vibe.

Evening: Sunset and Sweets

No trip to Eastham is complete without catching the sunset at First Encounter Beach, a serene bayside spot with calm waters and stunning golden-hour views. Afterward, indulge your sweet tooth at Ben & Jerry's or grab dessert at a local favorite like Fairway Restaurant.

Three whole pizza from Red Barn Pizza in Eastham MA are photographed from above on a wooden surface.

Featured in This Itinerary

a tray of Boston cream pie doughnuts garnished with torched marshmallows and graham crackers

Hole in One Bakery & Coffee Shop

Famous for its homemade donuts and hearty breakfast options, Hole in One is a go-to spot for breakfast lovers in Eastham. The “Hole in One” special, which includes eggs, home fries, and your choice of bakery items, is a favorite. The bakery offers a cozy setting with a welcoming staff, making it ideal for both dine-in and take-out. It’s open year-round, so you can enjoy their fresh baked goods any time of year.

Eastham Cafe

Located on Brackett Road, Eastham Café offers a variety of breakfast and lunch options with an emphasis on fresh ingredients. Their breakfast sandwiches and iced coffee are particularly popular among locals and visitors alike. The café provides a relaxing space, often described as a great pit stop before heading to the beach. It operates seasonally, making it a go-to during the warmer months​.

The Atlantic Ocean tide rolls into the beach. Six medium sized rocks are places intentionally in the sand that the rolling water will wash. Beyond the ocean, at the horizon line, the sun has risen and hides behind a couple of clouds. The picture is saturated with blues, browns, oranges, and yellows.

Nauset Light

Backed by towering dunes, Nauset Light Beach is a beautiful, wide beach with strong surf, making it popular with surfers and swimmers. Parking is available but can be challenging during peak season, with overflow lots and shuttle services in place.

a loaded food tray on a formica top table. on the tray there are three lobster rolls, two order of french fries, two orders of onion rings, one order of fried clams, one cup of white clam chowder, a bag of saltine crackers, three sides of coleslaw, a serving of tarter sauce, a salad, a serving of salad dressing, a cup of iced water, and a bag of cape cod potato chips

Arnold’s Lobster & Clam Bar

As mentioned on an episode of Plan Bri Uncut - Arnold’s is one of THE Cape Cod institutions, famous for its lobster rolls, fried clams, and ice cream. This casual seafood shack offers outdoor seating and a lively atmosphere, especially during the peak summer months. The portions are generous, and the fried seafood options are consistently recommended by diners. Arnold’s is a seasonal restaurant, open during the summer​.

a full dish of thai food on a white plate with black decoration sits in a polished wood topped table with ethnic placemats. a serving spoon is on the plate. there is a side of rice and thai IPA beer on the table in addition to a glass of iced water.

Royal Thai Cuisine

A unique option in the Eastham area, Royal Thai offers a break from the traditional seafood-focused menus with authentic Thai dishes. Their pad thai and curry dishes are frequently highlighted in reviews, offering bold, well-balanced flavors. The restaurant provides a cozy setting and is popular for both dine-in and take-out. It’s open year-round, making it a go-to option for locals and visitors even in the off-season.

A stone fireplace is alight with a burning fire. Flanking the fireplace are metals stands holding potato chips for sale. This market is an uncommon market setting.

Eastham Superette

Eastham Superette is a classic, old-fashioned market that has been serving the community for years. You'll appreciate the convenience of this well-stocked store, which carries everything from fresh produce to household essentials. The Superette is particularly praised for its selection of meats and deli items, along with its friendly and welcoming staff. This market is also open year-round, providing reliable service no matter the season.

A cloudy blue and white sky. A sign for Sam's Grocery Deli & Market stands on top of a building - which we cannot see. Trees are in the background, this is in a rural location.

Sam’s

Sam’s Deli is known for its cozy, small-town atmosphere and excellent selection of sandwiches, cold cuts, and homemade salads. Regulars often highlight the deli’s friendly service and quality ingredients, making it a popular choice for a quick lunch or takeout meal. The market also features a variety of local products, from snacks to baked goods, offering a true taste of Eastham. Sam’s Deli is open year-round, maintaining a consistent local presence.

A sandbar extends toward the horizon line. On the left side the small waves froth and crash - on the right side the calm water laps. In the sky above the horizon line, some clouds stretch across the low sky. Above them the sky is bright blue in the daylight.

Coast Guard Beach, Eastham

One of the most famous beaches on the Cape, Coast Guard Beach offers stunning ocean views and is popular for swimming, walking, and even seal watching. The surf can be strong, so it's a favorite among more experienced swimmers. Parking is available, but it's primarily at a shuttle lot, with shuttles running regularly to the beach.

two paperplates and two coca colas sit on a red and white checked table top. on each plate is a overflowing lobster roll with lettuce and a side of french fries.

Friendly Fisherman Restaurant & Fish Market

A quintessential Cape Cod spot, Friendly Fisherman offers fresh seafood that you can buy from the market or enjoy in their restaurant. The lobster roll is a standout dish, known for its generous portion and classic preparation. It’s a casual, laid-back spot perfect for seafood lovers. Like many Cape Cod eateries, Friendly Fisherman is open seasonally, primarily during the summer.

a bulky slice of buffalo chicken pizza sits on a white plate, which sits on the blue and white check tablecloth. the pizza is loaded with peppers, cheese, broccoli, onions, and chicken

Red Barn Pizza & More

This family-friendly restaurant is known for its generously topped pizzas and large portions. Favorites include the Buffalo chicken pizza and Meat Lovers pizza, with many repeat visitors talking about the restaurant's value and tasty variety. The on-site arcade and mini-golf make it a hit with families, providing a casual and fun atmosphere. Red Barn is open seasonally, primarily during the summer.

Straight ahead in the middle of the picture, the sun sets in the middle of a gorgeous yellow, orange, red sky. Directly at the end of the sand path, also cutting down the center of the image, is a person on the beach watching the sunset. On either side of the path are tall dune grass blowing in the breeze.

First Encounter Beach

This historic beach, where the Pilgrims first met Native Americans, features warm, calm waters and is ideal for families. It's particularly beautiful at low tide when the flats are exposed. Parking is somewhat ample, but the beach does get crowded, especially during the summer.

a whole vegetable pizza sits on a silver pizza serving plate. two of the slices are pulled from the pie by two hands while a woman stands facing the pizza and watches

Fairway Restaurant & Pizzeria

Fairway is a beloved staple in Eastham, known for its all-day breakfast and classic pizzas. The corned beef hash and eggs, as well as the crabcake eggs benedict, are highly praised by customers who know what's what. With a casual, family-friendly vibe, it’s perfect for large groups or low-key meals. The restaurant is open year-round, making it a reliable option for both locals and tourists outside of peak season.

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