Your Guide to the Best Outdoor and Nature Adventures in Eastham

Eastham is where the Atlantic brushes up against wild landscapes, winds whisper through ancient oaks, and every trail seems to end at a breathtaking view. Located on the outer arm of Cape Cod, Eastham is the central hub for the best things the area has to offer. If you’re looking to swap your screen for a scenic byway or sunset-soaked shoreline, this is the place to be. 

Join us as we explore the best things to do around every corner of Eastha—with no shortage of salt, sand, and surprises.

The Cape Cod National Seashore covers nearly 44,000 acres of preserved shoreline, forest, and salt marsh stretching from Chatham to Provincetown. This patch of protected land offers a rare blend of Atlantic beaches, freshwater ponds, and historic sites—all managed by the National Park Service. It’s like someone took the best parts of New England’s natural beauty and put them together in their own zip code.

Recreational Activities

Want to feel like a kid again? Start with the beach. Coast Guard Beach, frequently named among the best in the country, offers wave-kissed sands that beg for barefoot strolls. If your preference leans more toward quietude, head to one of the many kettle ponds formed by ancient glaciers—perfect for swimming, kayaking, or just floating your worries away.

Hiking trails here range from breezy boardwalks to woodland loops that wind through pitch pine forests and cranberry bogs. Birdwatchers, photographers, and wanderers will all find plenty to fill their memory cards—and maybe their souls, too.

Salt Pond Visitor Center

No adventure begins without a little orientation, and the Salt Pond Visitor Center is the unofficial launchpad for exploring the seashore. Located right in Eastham, this facility is staffed with park rangers who know their stuff and are happy to help you plan the perfect day outdoors. Exhibits, maps, and even a short film provide context for the landscapes you’ll see.

Exploring the Cape Cod National Seashore

Wildlife Watching at Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a hotspot for nature lovers. From migrating birds to breaching whales, the area offers front-row seats to some of nature’s most awe-inspiring performances.

Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge

Drive just a bit south to Chatham and you’ll find the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge. It’s not the kind of place you "pop in" for a quick look—this is where you go when you're serious about spotting migratory birds, curious seals, and perhaps even a bit of solitude. The barrier islands here are prime nesting grounds, and the views are the cherry on top.

Whale Watching

From April through October, Eastham becomes one of the top whale-watching destinations in the world. Boats depart from nearby Provincetown and Barnstable to take you out to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, where humpbacks, finbacks, and minkes can be spotted breaching like they’re in a nature documentary. Check out a guided tour for an up-close look at these majestic creatures.

Cape Cod Museum of Natural History

Located in Brewster, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History features science, storytelling, and trails that lead straight into the marshland. It’s part museum, part nature preserve, and a great way to introduce kids (or adults who are kids at heart) to the flora and fauna that call this region home.

The best way to explore the natural beauty of Cape Cod and Eastham is with the wind at your back and the scent of salt air leading the way along one of the many seaside bike trails. 

Cape Cod Rail Trail

The Cape Cod Rail Trail is 25 miles of paved perfection, repurposed from the old railway line that once served the Cape. It cuts straight through Eastham, making it convenient for anyone staying nearby. The trail is mostly flat, surrounded by pine forests, freshwater ponds, and the occasional ice cream stop.

Nauset Bike Trail

Shorter in length but rich in scenery, the Nauset Bike Trail links the Salt Pond Visitor Center to Coast Guard Beach. It’s just under 4 miles round-trip, ideal for families, casual cyclists, or anyone who believes their workout should come with an ocean breeze.

Local Trails in Eastham

Don’t overlook Eastham’s own network of local bike paths. These smaller trails snake through neighborhoods, woodlands, and quiet backroads, offering a less traveled, more peaceful ride. They’re a great way to connect from the Rail Trail to local beaches, restaurants, or that artisan coffee shop you stumbled upon and can’t stop thinking about.

Cape Cod National Seashore Trails

Several trails within the National Seashore are open to bikes, including the Head of the Meadow Trail in Truro and the Province Lands Trail in Provincetown. These trails pack in dramatic dune views, forest shade, and just enough hills to make you feel like you’ve earned your post-ride lobster roll.

Best Biking Trails Near Eastham

Stay at the Inn at the Oaks Instead of a Hotel

Let’s be honest—after a day spent spotting whales, exploring sandy trails, and cycling from beach to bog, the last thing you want is to come back to a hotel room with sad, beige walls and a carpet that remembers the ’90s.

The Inn at the Oaks in Eastham offers something far better. Located directly across from the National Seashore Visitor Center, we’re your perfect jumping-off point for all your outdoor adventures. Our historic 13-room inn blends New England character with comfort, offering spacious rooms, thoughtful amenities, and a breakfast spread that includes freshly baked scones.

So here’s the plan: Trade in the cookie-cutter hotel experience for something warmer, more personal, and infinitely more memorable. Book your stay at the Inn at the Oaks and give your Eastham escape the home base it deserves. 

The coast is calling…