First Encounter

First Encounter Beach is operated by the town of Eastham, and is situated along Cape Cod Bay. This busy beach was the site of the first encounter between Native Americans and Pilgrims prior to their settling in Plymouth, hence the name. This beach shares similar attributes to other bay beaches- calm, warm water, a panoramic view of Cape Cod Bay, expansive flats at low tide, and low sand dunes.

Amenities include lifeguards and restrooms. There is no snack bar but an ice cream truck visits regularly. A large parking lot is available; visitor parking costs $5 per day.

How to get there: Follow Samoset Road off Route 6 in Eastham to the end