A quiet tidal-pond shoreline right behind the Cape Cod National Seashore's Salt Pond Visitor Center, better known as a kayak put-in and trailhead than a swimming beach. The Nauset Marsh Trail loops along its edge through salt marsh and old farm fields.
What to expect
Swimming
Water not monitored by DPH
Birdwatching
Allowed year-round
Managed by
Cape Cod National Seashore
508-255-3421 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Free lot
CostFree
Salt Pond Launch Road lot
Details unconfirmed
Salt Pond Launch Road lot
CostFreeSpaces~6-8 cars
very small dedicated launch lot
Salt Pond Visitor Center lot
Spacesample
Access points along this beach
Kayak put-in behind the Visitor Center
canoe/kayak/small-boat launch onto Salt Pond
Nauset Marsh Trail trailhead
trail begins directly below the Visitor Center
What's here
Facilities
Restrooms
Salt Pond Visitor Center
Info kiosk
Visitor Center has an orientation film, bookstore, and museum exhibits
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Show the full year
Average water temperature at Salt Pond Beach by month, in °F| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|
| Water °F | 40° | 39° | 42° | 49° | 55° | 63° | 69° | 68° | 66° | 60° | 50° | 44° |
|---|
Monthly averages from NOAA, Chatham (2022 to 2024). Today's reading is in the conditions above.
Common questions
Is Salt Pond Beach in Eastham open today?
open to the public; water quality here is not monitored by MA DPH (updated 2026-09-13). MA DPH is the authority. Check the status the morning you go.
Is this the same as Salt Pond Landing?
Likely, or at least immediately adjacent. Both names describe a small shoreline and launch point on Salt Pond behind the Visitor Center, and no independent source clearly separates two distinct sites.
Is there parking at Salt Pond Beach, and what does it cost?
Free lot (Free). Salt Pond Launch Road lot
Are there restrooms at Salt Pond Beach?
Public restrooms are listed near the beach. Seasonal hours are common, so they may be closed off-season.
What's the water temperature at Salt Pond Beach?
Water at Salt Pond Beach averages about 39°F in February and 69°F in July, based on NOAA readings at Chatham from 2022 to 2024. For today's temperature, see the conditions above.
What rules should I know at Salt Pond Beach?
The marsh channel beyond Salt Pond needs a tide near high to navigate; dead-low leaves extensive mudflats.
Can you swim at Salt Pond Beach?
Salt Pond Beach is town-owned and its water is not monitored by MA DPH, so there is no official swim status. Check conditions posted at the beach.
Is there an entry fee at Salt Pond Beach?
No, entry is free.