A broad tidal cove separating Eastham from Orleans, used far more for boating, moorings, and kayak put-ins into Nauset Marsh than for swimming. A small sandy patch and a dock with a ladder near the landing let some people swim, but boat traffic and mudflats make this a working waterfront more than a beach.
What to expect
Swimming
Water not monitored off-season
Lifeguard
No lifeguard - not a lifeguarded swim beach; primarily a boating/kayaking cove
Dogs
No dogs on Eastham's bay beaches or their lots June 15 through Labor Day; the one exception is the Dyer Prince Road and Rock Harbor area, leashed, before 9am and after 4pm. That's the town-wide default; watch for posted signs here.
Allowed now · ban starts June 15Kayak
Allowed tide-dependent; watch for dead-low mudflats
Managed by
Eastham Harbormaster
774-801-0518 · WebsiteGetting in
Access points along this beach
Town Cove dock/ladder
small dock with a ladder into the water, used informally for swimming access
What's here
Facilities
Dock
small dock with a ladder into the water near the landing
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Show the full year
Average water temperature at Town Cove 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 Town Cove in Eastham open today?
Town Cove is not monitored right now. MA DPH samples beach water Memorial Day to Labor Day and posts no advisories or all-clears off-season, so there is no swim status to report. Swimming off-season is at your own risk.
Town Cove isn't a lifeguarded swim beach. It's used mainly for boating, moorings, and kayak/canoe put-ins into Nauset Marsh, though there's a small sandy area and a dock with a ladder that some people swim off.
Can I launch a kayak or canoe?
Town Cove is a common put-in for paddling out into Nauset Marsh. Plan around the tide, since dead-low can leave extensive mudflats that make navigation difficult.
What's the water temperature at Town Cove?
Water at Town Cove 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 Town Cove?
No lifeguard; heavier boat traffic than a typical swim beach; mudflats and strong tidal currents near dead-low tide. Separate bylaws restrict Personal Watercraft (PWC) operation on the waters of Town Cove and Nauset Marsh.
Are dogs allowed at Town Cove?
No dogs on Eastham's bay beaches or their lots June 15 through Labor Day; the one exception is the Dyer Prince Road and Rock Harbor area, leashed, before 9am and after 4pm. That's the town-wide default; watch for posted signs here.