First Encounter Beach

Samoset Road, Eastham, MA 02642
Stone marking the first contact between the Pilgrims and Native Americans at First Encounter Beach in Eastham, Cape Cod.

Site of the first contact between the Pilgrims and Native Americans in 1620, First Encounter Beach offers warm, calm waters and amazing views of Cape Cod Bay. Children will love playing in the shallow waters and searching for critters in the tidal flats. When it’s windy, First Encounter Beach is popular with kite surfers and windsurfers. At sunset there are few better places on the Cape. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, the parking area extends down the beach to the south of the main lot.

Parking: 190 spaces

  • Daily $30
  • Weekly $120
  • Two-week $175
  • Season $300
  • Season (Resident) $25

Eastham beach passes are required to park at town beaches from June 18th through Labor Day. Beach parking lots are free all other times. Passes can be used at all Eastham beaches with the exception of the National Seashore beaches (Nauset Light Beach and Coast Guard Beach).

For more information and to purchase passes visit:
www.eastham-ma.gov/408/Beach-Sticker-Information

Lifeguards in season
Restroom facilities
Dogs allowed off-season only. No dogs June 15 through Labor Day.
Moderately crowded
Warm salt water