First Encounter Beach
First Encounter Beach
4.5
Monday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
This beach in Cape Cod Bay offers two fantastic experiences, depending on the tide. At low tide, walk on the sandbar and spot crabs, clams, and tiny fish. Kids will love playing in the tidal pools. At high tide, lounge on the shore and go for a swim in the calm waters. High tide is typically when the whole area gets busier. Look out toward the Herring River estuary, and don’t miss the stunning sunset on the beach.
Make sure you pack some snacks, as a portable toilet is the only public facility in the area.
– Tripadvisor
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience First Encounter Beach and nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
48 within 3 miles
Attractions
57 within 6 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
258 reviews
Excellent
184
Very good
52
Average
19
Poor
3
Terrible
0
Sharon C
Rome, Italy30 contributions
May 2023 • Family
Wonderful beach to see changing landscape with changing tides. Beautiful sunset. Can park right at the beach. Great for handicapped. Dog friendly in May. Not sure about high season.
Written May 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hayleypl
Virginia Beach, VA166 contributions
Oct 2022
Great place for sunset! We were there in October, so I'm not sure how busy it is in the summer, but there was ample parking in the lot. Great spot for kids too with the tidal pools! Be sure to look up the history too - makes it even cooler!
Written October 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TerryFitzy
Maplewood, NJ12 contributions
Aug 2022
One of the most beatiful sunsets. When the tide is out you walk walk foreveer and enjoy the crabs, "puddles" , etc.
Written August 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MrsSyrenka
Yonkers, NY16 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Best beach in Eastham to watch the most beautiful sunsets and relax in the evening. Great for adults and fun for children.
Written August 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara G
Newton, MA25 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
We were there for an extreme low tide (due to approaching full moon) around 4 pm. We could’ve been on the moon - expansive beauty was breathtaking.
Written August 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Denyse D
Denmark, ME3 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
such a beautiful clean beach,
I found a lot of cool shells … water cold as usual we saw the sunset there , it was incredible so vibrant and with the waves crashing was perfect
I found a lot of cool shells … water cold as usual we saw the sunset there , it was incredible so vibrant and with the waves crashing was perfect
Written July 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dorlucie
New York City, NY192 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
A happening place at sunset. Thus appears to be a very popular place for both locals and visitors to watch the sun setting.
Written October 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cynthia S
Danbury, United States8 contributions
Sep 2021
Great beach, level with parking lot, lots of fun at low tide and high tide! Great for families. Highly recommend!
Written October 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rick M
Oneonta, NY740 contributions
Sep 2021
The sunsets from this beach are beyond comparison - the setting is just spectacular, so bring lawn chairs, maybe a jacket and enjoy!
Written September 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Philip T
8 contributions
Aug 2021
At low tide, the beach stretches on forever. Lots of pools of tiny fish and snails. I'll bet I'm not the first one here to mention sunsets? Fantastic.
Written August 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laurie S
Scituate, Massachusetts, United States2 contributions
are there bathroom facilities at the beach?
R&RKensington
Berlin, CT113 contributions
Yes. Also ice cream trucks visit beach.
Can you bring dogs in the off season
Kevin B
Belmont, MA77 contributions
Hi...Yup. You can bring dogs from Labor Day til Memorial Day...
First Encounter Beach (Eastham) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about First Encounter Beach
- First Encounter Beach is open:
- Mon - Fri 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- We recommend booking First Encounter Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 2 First Encounter Beach tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near First Encounter Beach:
- (0.05 mi) 120 Thoreau Drive 18872
- (0.15 mi) Charming Cape Cod cottage on Depot Pond & bike trail with pond access
- (0.19 mi) Spacious, Central AC, 2 Living Spaces. Great Home for Families Large and Small!
- (0.22 mi) Beach Plum Motor Lodge
- (0.58 mi) Inn at the Oaks
- Restaurants near First Encounter Beach:
- (0.21 mi) Eastham Superette
- (0.96 mi) Arnold’s Lobster & Clam Bar
- (0.52 mi) Lobster Shanty
- (1.66 mi) Fairway Restaurant & Pizzeria
- (1.65 mi) Hole In One Bakery & Coffee Shop