Hi,

We are trying to decide between a rental in N. Eastham or Wellfleet (between bay and town) for a family vacation in July. We will be a family of 4 adults and one toddler. Both rentals are bayside (as opposed to ocean side) and are comparable in size. Would we like being closer to a town (Wellfleet) better? Or would a more quiet location be better for our son? Any thoughts?

Thanks!

Either is probably fine. Neighborhoods close to Wellfleet (walking distance) are not necessarily noiser/busier than Eastham neighborhoods.

The real question is, how close to the nearest beach (can you walk?), and how big is that beach (crowded, busier road or isolated).

It can be fun to walk into Wellfleet center and avoid driving/parking, but not a big deal either way, IMHO.

I think there is much more charm in Wellfleet. It is the quintessential Cape Cod village. More restaurant choices and galleries and a few small shops. Eastham has more bayside beach (5 miles worth) but fewer ponds. They are very different places.

By all means Wellfleet. It is there you will find much more to do- ie: Great Island for hiking, National Seashore trails, beautiful ponds, that are only accessable to Wellfleet residents or those who are renting in town, beautiful sandy beaches, and for the toddler, Square dance nights for the family on town pier, wonderful little shops in town and on the pier, family friendly restaurants, fun beachcombing beaches bayside, a playground neasr the pier, and on the pier its fun to walk and view the fishing boats and sailing vessels, moored in the harbor. Good restaurants- check out Moby Dick's for family dining seafood-Winslow Tavern for the grownups, and The Wicked Oysterfor great lunches and dinners. There honestly isn't a comparison between the towns.

Given the choice between Wellfleet and Eastham, I would choose Wellfleet for all the reasons all ready described. However....I choose Truro over both especially if you rent a house and are able to use the town beaches. Nothing is finer than an afternoon at Longnook.