First Encounter Beach

Cape Cod


First Encounter Beach, where Samoset Rd meets Cape Cod Bay, is a fine place to watch the sunset. With its vast tidal flats and kid-friendly, calm, shallow waters, it offers a night-and-day contrast to the National Seashore beaches on Eastham's wild Atlantic side. Parking costs $18 to $20 in summer.

And the name of the beach? It's the site of the first encounter between the Pilgrims and the local Native Americans, in 1620, prior to the Pilgrims settling in Plymouth.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Cape Cod attractions

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5. Skaket Beach

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