First Encounter Beach is a beautiful, historic beach located on the calm Cape Cod Bay side of Eastham, at the end of Samoset Road. It is one of the town's most popular and storied coastal spots.

About the Beach

• The Atmosphere & Vibe: It is a wide, expansive beach backed by low sand dunes. Because it sits on the bay side, the water is calm, warm, and highly family-friendly, with practically no heavy surf or dangerous undertows.

• The History: The beach gets its distinct name because it is the general site of the first historic encounter between the Mayflower Pilgrims (led by Myles Standish) and the local Nauset tribe on December 8, 1620, prior to the Pilgrims sailing across the bay to settle in Plymouth. A bronze marker embedded in a stone at the edge of the parking lot commemorates the event.

• Low Tide: At low tide, the water recedes for nearly a mile, exposing a vast playground of shallow tide pools, sandbars, and tidal flats. It is spectacular for long walks, beachcombing, and watching Hermit crabs.

• Sunsets: Because it faces west across Cape Cod Bay, it is widely considered one of the premier spots on the Lower Cape to watch the sunset over the water.

• Amenities: The beach offers seasonal lifeguards, handicap-accessible boardwalk paths down to the sand, and basic restroom facilities (usually portable toilets) during the peak summer months.

Parking Information

The parking area at the beach is split into two large, paved lots on either side of the main entrance path.

As a town-managed beach, National Seashore passes are not accepted. Parking regulations are strictly enforced during the summer season (typically mid-June through Labor Day):

• Daily Parking Pass: First Encounter is one of the few Eastham beaches where you can pay at the gate for a daily vehicle pass. The daily pass fee is $30 per vehicle. Daily passes must be purchased directly from the gate attendant upon arrival.

• Town Beach Sticker: Vehicles displaying a valid Town of Eastham Beach Sticker (Resident/Taxpayer or Visitor stickers) can park here at no additional cost. Multi-day and seasonal visitor stickers can be purchased through the town's sticker office.

• Off-Season: Outside of the peak summer weeks (from the day after Labor Day until mid-June), parking is free, and no stickers or passes are required.