CapeBarn · Eastham, Cape Cod
What to
Pack.
Everything you actually need for a Cape Cod stay — and a few things to leave behind
The Bay Side Difference
Pack light.
The Bay does the rest.
CapeBarn sits on the Bay side of Eastham — which means Sunken Meadow Beach, calm water, and tidal flats that stretch half a mile at low tide. The Bay side needs less gear than the Atlantic side: no heavy surf, no rip currents, and no need for the full beach load-out that Coast Guard Beach demands.
Both properties come equipped with the essentials — beach chairs, umbrella, body boards, and towels are waiting for you. This guide covers what to bring, what to pick up on the way, and what to confidently leave at home.
The Beach
Beach Essentials.
Pack light, bring these.
Sun protection
Reef-safe sunscreen, SPF lip balm, rash guard for kids — the Cape sun reflects off the water and sand.
Beach chairs + umbrella
Both provided with your stay — no need to pack or rent.
Towels
Beach towels provided. Bring a dedicated wet bag for the walk home.
Dry bag
For phones and keys at the tidal flat beaches — the Bay comes in fast at low tide.
Body boards
Provided at both properties — no need to bring your own.
Water shoes
Optional but useful for the rocky sections of Sunken Meadow at low tide.
Cooking
For the Kitchen.
Cook well or eat out.
Spices and pantry basics
The kitchen is fully equipped but arrives empty. Bring olive oil, salt, pepper, coffee for day one — or stop at the Orleans Stop & Shop on the way in.
Reusable bags
The markets in Eastham and Orleans are small — bring bags for grocery runs.
Wine
The Wellfleet Marketplace and the Orleans Stop & Shop both have good selections, but bring your favourites for the first night.
Specialty items
If you have dietary requirements, stock up before leaving home — the Outer Cape is not Whole Foods.
What to Wear
Clothing.
Layers. Always layers.
Light layers
Cape Cod evenings turn cool even in August — a fleece or light jacket for fire pit nights is essential.
Rain jacket
One good waterproof layer per person. The Cape gets grey days and it's worth being prepared.
Beach footwear
Flip flops for the walk, water shoes optionally, and one pair of good sneakers for Rail Trail rides and town evenings.
Warm hat
Surprisingly useful for September and October shoulder season — early mornings on the Bay are cool.
Swimwear
More than you think — you'll be in and out of the water constantly.
Families
For Kids.
Make it easy.
Bucket and spade
Essential for tidal flat clamming at Sunken Meadow — the flats at low tide are extraordinary for children.
Water wings / puddle jumpers
The Bay at Sunken Meadow is calm and shallow but a puddle jumper adds peace of mind.
Sand toys
More entertaining than screens — the tidal flats are enormous.
Snacks
Pack plenty — the beach is 5 minutes from the house but drives to stores take 10-15 minutes.
Bug spray
Useful for fire pit evenings in June and early July; less needed by August.
Digital Prep
Apps & Planning.
Three to download.
MyTides or Tide Alert
Tidal timing is essential for Sunken Meadow — the flat disappears at high tide. Download a tides app before you arrive.
AllTrails
Good for Rail Trail planning, Nauset Marsh Trail, and the Province Lands. Has offline maps.
Google Maps offline
Download the Outer Cape offline before you lose cell signal on Route 6 in Truro.
Cape Cod Baseball League schedule
capecodbaseball.org — check the schedule for Orleans Firebirds and Chatham Anglers home games. Free admission.
Don't Bother
Leave These Behind.
Save the space.
America the Beautiful annual pass
If you plan to visit the National Seashore beaches (Coast Guard, Nauset Light, Marconi), a $80 annual pass saves you $25/day in parking fees. Buy online before you come.
Kayak or paddleboard
Rentals are easily available in Orleans and Wellfleet — skip the roof rack.
Full cooler
Both properties have full-size fridges and a Stop & Shop is 12 minutes away. A small day cooler is enough.
Formal wear
Even the nicest restaurants on the Outer Cape are Cape Cod casual — smart-casual at most.
Practical Notes
Six things
worth knowing.
Questions
Frequently asked
before you arrive.
Is beach gear provided?
Yes. Both properties include beach chairs, umbrella, and body boards. Towels are also provided.
Is there a grocery store nearby?
Orleans Stop & Shop is 12 minutes south on Route 6A. There's also a small market in Eastham. For specialty items and the best fish counter on the Outer Cape, Mac's Seafood at Wellfleet Pier is 15 minutes north.
Do I need to bring firewood?
No. Firewood is provided for the fire pit at both properties throughout your stay.
Is there parking for a boat trailer?
The property has parking for 2 vehicles per property. Boat launch trailers: the Rock Harbor launch in Orleans is 12 minutes away with trailer parking.
1460 Massasoit Road · Eastham
Pack light.
We have the rest.
Instant booking on Airbnb · or browse The Barn & The Main House