Family Travel Eastham Cape Cod

Planning a family trip to Cape Cod and not sure where to start? Let me introduce you to Eastham—a charming, low-key town on the Outer Cape that our family loves visiting year-round. From sunny summer beach days to peaceful off-season strolls, Eastham has kid-friendly beaches, tasty restaurants, and stunning sunsets for every season. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip with kids, this guide will show you what to do, where to eat, and why Eastham is the perfect Cape Cod destination for a family getaway.

A Family Guide to Eastham, Cape Cod

When you think of a family getaway to Cape Cod, towns like Chatham or Provincetown may come to mind first—but Eastham sneaks in to steal the show for families looking for a laid-back, scenic, and memorable vacation. There are so many family friendly homes to rent in Eastham too!

Why Eastham is a Hidden Gem for Families

Eastham is a charming Outer Cape town offering the perfect mix of natural beauty, family-friendly beaches, and low-key local charm. I call Eastham a hidden gem because it can easily be passed by while driving up or down Route 6.

We have been visiting Eastham for years, sometimes renting a home for a week or just spending a day at one of thee beaches. Eastham is easily one of our favorite Cape Cod spots for the food and views. We recently spent a week in Eastham over Spring Break at a gorgeous waterfront home through Del Mar Vacation Rentals. Booking a trip to Cape Cod – use my code Houston005 for 5% off your vacation rental!

walkway down sand dune at Cape Cod home in Eastham Del Mar luxury rental properties

little girl walking into ocean in Eastham MA

Where to Stay in Eastham for Families

When it comes to family-friendly places to stay in Eastham, we loved booking through Del Mar Vacations. Their homes are clean, cozy, and thoughtfully stocked with everything from beach chairs to board games—which makes vacationing with kids so much easier. We stayed in a stunning waterfront house just minutes from First Encounter Beach, which makes it easy to come “home” after a long day in the sun.

Our Oceanfront Eastham Rental Home

Perched on a dune with its very own stretch of sandy shoreline, Vista Del Mar is the kind of Cape Cod getaway you dream about. This airy, light-filled home has six bedrooms spread across four levels, so there’s plenty of space for family and friends (up to 16 guests!) to relax together. I loved how the open living, dining, and kitchen area feels both cozy and grand, with vaulted ceilings and gorgeous water views from almost every window. Mornings are for coffee on the wraparound deck, afternoons for beach walks, and evenings for watching the sunset paint the bay. With central A/C, Wi-Fi, an outdoor shower, and even pet-friendly accommodations, it’s the perfect home base for making Cape Cod memories.

Why I recommend it: This house makes it easy to settle in and feel at home the second you arrive. You can unpack, open the deck doors to the ocean breeze, and truly let go of your daily to-do list. The location is peaceful but still close enough to restaurants, shops, and all the Cape Cod charm you could want—meaning you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying.

Bonus: the wall of windows offers the most breathtaking view on the Cape. This is the house we stayed in!

Eastham MA view from home on beach del mar

Cape Cod home in Eastham del mar luxury rental properties

Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat or a spot close to town, Del Mar has something for every family’s style and budget – don’t forget to use my code for 5% off your stay: HOUSTONBLOG005 .

Best Family Beaches in Eastham Cape Cod

Want to know one of Eastham’s biggest draws for families? The beaches. You’ll find both Cape Cod Bay and Atlantic Ocean beaches within minutes of each other, which means you can catch a sunrise and a sunset without leaving town. Keep reading for more about the best beaches in Eastham Cape Cod.

First Encounter Beach

Calm, warm waters and flat sandbars at low tide make this beach ideal for little ones.
We loved watching our girls splash in tide pools and hunt for shells.
Pro tip: Arrive early for parking (especially after 10 AM in peak summer), and bring water shoes for walking during low tide.
Great for: toddlers, sunset photos, picnics.

Coast Guard Beach

Part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, this beach is stunning and a bit more adventurous.
Expect waves (great for boogie boards) and a boardwalk path through the dunes.
There’s a shuttle from Little Creek parking area—kids will love the ride!
Great for: older kids, wave play, a full beach day.

beach path from trolley at coast guard beach

Nauset Light Beach

Another Seashore favorite, famous for the red-and-white lighthouse and classic Cape views.
Steep stairs down to the beach, so bring help if you have beach carts or strollers.
We saw seals swimming close to shore—such a hit with the kids!

Family-Friendly Dining in Eastham

Cape Cod has no shortage of seafood shacks and ice cream stands, but Eastham keeps things simple, local, and delicious—which is exactly what you want when traveling with a family. From lobster rolls to pancakes, here are a few of our favorite spots where the kids were happy, the food was fresh, and the vibe was exactly what summer should feel like.

Hole in One Bakery & Coffee Shop

Ideal for a quick morning bite but beware of long lines – it’s a Cape favorite!
Delicious coffee, donuts, fresh pastries, and a full breakfast menu that pleased even our pickiest eater.
Try the bagels with homemade specialty cream cheese or a breakfast sandwich on a croissant.

Fairway Restaurant & Pizzeria

Ideal for dining in for breakfast and dinner (or takeout)!
They’ve got a little bit of everything—think stacks of fluffy pancakes, eggs Benedict, and granola bowls in the morning, plus pizzas, burgers, and seafood classics later in the day. It’s the kind of menu where everyone in the family can find something they love.
Indoor seating and takeout options available.

Sam’s Cape Cod

Ideal for a quick casual food on the go – small market and liquor store attached!
Delicious fresh sandwiches, baked goods, and grab-and-go snacks (fruit, meat, crackers, salads) that make it easy to fuel up before hitting the beach. Great selection of drinks and chips!
Open daily, roughly from early morning around 7:30 AM until 7:00PM. Offers takeout, some outdoor seating, accepts credit cards. Order online and pick-up indoors to avoid long lines during the busy season.

Local Break Restaurant and Bar

Laid-back and family-friendly spot open year-round for lunch or dinner.
On the menu you’ll find hearty burgers, fresh seafood (recommend the lobster roll), local draft beer, and nightly specials that keep things interesting.
Dine in or takeout.

Mac’s Market & Kitchen

Fresh fish market and upscale-casual seafood to go with kid-friendly options and outdoor seating.
Mac’s Market and Kitchen is an extension of Mac’s Seafood on Cape Cod.
Perfect spot to grab to-go lobster rolls or sushi for a beach picnic. Bonus: Their little market has wine, snacks, and fresh local goods.

Local Tip: Pack a Picnic

Eastham is super picnic-friendly. Grab sandwiches or snacks from Sam’s Deli and bring them to the beach or Salt Pond trails.
Don’t forget a cooler and beach blanket!

More Things to Do with Kids in and around Eastham

Shop in Orleans – the Red Balloon Toy Shop is amazing!
Grab a sweet treat at Hot Chocolate Sparrow in Orleans
Cape Cod National Seashore Visitor Center
Biking on the Cape Cod Rail Trail
Play putt putt at Arnold’s Mini Golf
Visit a historical sight:
- Eastham Windmill: The oldest windmill on Cape Cod, built c. 1680 and moved to Eastham in 1808. Annual celebration—Windmill Weekend—happens the weekend after Labor Day.
- Nauset Light: A Gothic Revival lighthouse built in 1923 using a tower moved from Chatham, with summer tours available.
- Three Sisters Lighthouses: The original trio near Eastham that give way to Nauset Light; still viewable near Cable Road.
Day trip to Provincetown to eat, shop, and climb the Monument

Exploring Eastham Beyond Summer

Cape Cod is not just a destination for summer travel – you can visit Eastham Cape Cod any time of the year!

Spring in Eastham – Birdwatching at Fort Hill, spring wildflowers, fewer crowds at beaches.
Summer in Eastham – Swimming, biking the Rail Trail, ice cream shops, Nauset Light Beach.
Fall in Eastham – Stunning foliage at Fort Hill, cranberry harvest, peaceful trails, family photos.
Winter in Eastham – Quiet beaches for walks, cozy seafood restaurants, photography of windswept dunes.

Whether you’re planning your first visit to Cape Cod or looking to try a new Cape town off the beaten path, refer back to my family guides! In the family guide for Eastham Cape Cod you can learn where to stay, where to play and eat, and tips for making the most of a Cape Cod vacation with kids.

Family Travel Eastham Cape Cod | Year-Round Guide