First Encounter - Spit River

For dining near First Encounter Beach, several excellent options are available. Brickhouse Seafood and Grill offers a casual atmosphere with outdoor seating and a great selection of seafood and comfort food. Another popular choice is Basco Grill, known for its fast service and cozy setting. For a more eclectic dining experience, Local Break Restaurant and Bar serves locally sourced pub fare with a great selection of craft brews. Families might enjoy Fairway Restaurant & Pizzeria, which offers donuts by day and Italian-American eats by night. Lastly, Casa del Cabo provides a Pan-Latin dining experience with live music and a trendy atmosphere.

For accommodations near First Encounter Beach, Endless Dunes, A Modern Motel, offers a casual stay with an indoor pool and free WiFi. Another option is the Four Points by Sheraton Eastham Cape Cod, which provides a relaxed hotel experience with pools and a 24-hour gym. Both options are convenient for exploring the area and enjoying the beach.

First Encounter Beach offers several amenities to enhance visitor experience. Restrooms are available during the high season, operated by parking attendants. The beach is easily accessible with low sand dunes and a mobi-mat pathway, making it suitable for visitors with mobility needs. While there are no permanent on-site food vendors, an ice cream truck and the Chocolate Cafe Buzzz Bus frequently visit the beach. For more substantial meals, visitors typically bring a full cooler or drive out to nearby restaurants along Route 6.

First Encounter Beach is a haven for various activities. Swimming and skimboarding are popular due to the calm waters, while tidepooling at low tide offers a chance to explore marine life. The beach is also ideal for walking, shell collecting, and bird watching. For those interested in water sports, kayaking and paddleboarding are great ways to explore Cape Cod Bay. Additionally, the beach's serene environment makes it perfect for picnicking and kite flying.

First Encounter Beach offers several accessibility features. The beach has low sand dunes and a mobi-mat pathway, which provides easy access for visitors with mobility needs. Additionally, the parking area and restrooms are wheelchair accessible, ensuring that all visitors can enjoy the beach's amenities.

Parking at First Encounter Beach is convenient, with a large parking lot available. Daily passes can be purchased on-site, while weekly passes are available at the Beach Sticker Office in Eastham. It's important to note that Eastham beach stickers do not grant access to National Seashore beaches on the ocean side. The parking area is close to the beach, making it easy to transport gear and supplies.

First Encounter Beach holds historical significance as the site of the first meeting between the Pilgrims and the Nauset tribe in 1620. This event is commemorated by a historical marker at the beach. The beach is also known for its dramatic tidal shifts, which create an ever-changing landscape perfect for exploration. Visitors can spot a variety of wildlife, including crabs, fish, and herons, making it a unique spot for nature lovers.

Near First Encounter Beach, there are several attractions worth exploring. The Cape Cod Bike Trail is nearby, offering a scenic ride to the beach. For history enthusiasts, the beach itself is a significant site, marking the first encounter between the Pilgrims and the Nauset Native Americans. Additionally, the surrounding area of Eastham provides access to other beautiful beaches and natural reserves, such as the Cape Cod National Seashore.