Anglers know that Buzzards Bay offers some of the best fishing in the Northeast. Saltwater fishing is fun for all ages and easy for anybody to try. All you need is a Massachusetts recreational saltwater permit and some simple gear, and you’ll be ready to go fishing! Head down to your local pier, or cast a line from the beach at sunset. Want to get out on the Bay’s open waters? Find a charter service, and you’ll be searching for stripers, scup, and sea bass in no time.
Swimming, paddling, quahogging, crabbing – Shining Tides Beach truly offers it all for Mattapoisett residents.
Size: 4 acres
Parking: Small unpaved parking area; parking pass required in summer (first week of July through last week of August)
Facilities: Picnic Table
Parking: Small unpaved parking area; parking pass required in summer (first week of July through last week of August)
Facilities: Picnic Table
With pretty views and peaceful waters, Silvershell Beach is a favorite summer spot for families in Marion.
Size: 2 acres
Parking: Large unpaved parking area; Marion or Rochester resident privilege sticker required to park at all times
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Playground
Parking: Large unpaved parking area; Marion or Rochester resident privilege sticker required to park at all times
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Playground
Soak up the spectacular natural beauty of the Slocums River at the Slocum’s River Reserve in South Dartmouth.
Size: 47 acres
Parking: Small unpaved parking area
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch
Parking: Small unpaved parking area
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch
Swim, soak up the sun, cast out a fishing line, or take a long walk along the rock-scattered shore at this Little Compton beach.
Size: 9.6 acres
Parking: Large unpaved parking lot
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Kayak launch (shoreline), RV camping with town permit
Parking: Large unpaved parking lot
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Kayak launch (shoreline), RV camping with town permit
Peaceful, scenic Squeteague Harbor Beach is tucked into a quiet corner of Cataumet in Bourne.
Parking: Limited parking along beachway off Squeteague Harbor Road
Facilities: Trash
Facilities: Trash
A small, hidden gem tucked away from the crowds, Stony Beach embodies Woods Hole’s low-key style.
Parking: Medium-sized unpaved parking area; resident beach sticker required to park in summer
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Trash, Shower
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Trash, Shower
The mixture of sand and grass along Swifts Neck Beach give this cozy neighborhood beach in Wareham a natural feel.
Size: 2.1 acres
Parking: Two large paved parking lots; fee to park May 1 to October 1
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Restrooms (seasonal)
Parking: Two large paved parking lots; fee to park May 1 to October 1
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Restrooms (seasonal)
Swim, kayak, snorkel, and beachcomb while enjoying a sweeping lighthouse view Tarpaulin Cove Beach, a public beach on private Naushon Island.
Facilities: None
Located at the head of Buzzards Bay, Taylor Point Marina offers a superb access point for boaters to explore the Bay or journey through the Cape Cod Canal.
Parking: Large paved parking lot (space for vehicles and trailers)
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Canoe/Kayak Launch, Pier/Dock (wood), Public Restrooms (open May 1-October 31), Private Restrooms (open year-round), Showers, Ice, Trash, Fuel, Marine Store
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Canoe/Kayak Launch, Pier/Dock (wood), Public Restrooms (open May 1-October 31), Private Restrooms (open year-round), Showers, Ice, Trash, Fuel, Marine Store
Embark into the Wareham River and upper Buzzards Bay from Tempest Knob, a town-owned public boat ramp in Wareham.
Parking: Medium-sized paved parking lot (vehicles and trailers)
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Kayak Launch, Dock (wood/floating)
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Kayak Launch, Dock (wood/floating)
Catch a breathtaking sunset over Buzzards Bay from the protected shores at The Knob in Falmouth.
Size: 12 acres
Parking: Limited parking at the end of Quissett Harbor Road
Facilities: None
Parking: Limited parking at the end of Quissett Harbor Road
Facilities: None
The tall, rocky outcropping and panoramic water views at The Knubble beach in Westport are a treasure for local residents.
Size: 5 acres
Parking: Limited parking in designated areas (the easternmost end of Beach Avenue is periodically closed); resident beach sticker required year-round
Facilities: None
Parking: Limited parking in designated areas (the easternmost end of Beach Avenue is periodically closed); resident beach sticker required year-round
Facilities: None
Explore the Cape Cod Canal from Tidal Flats Recreation Area in Bourne, located at the foot of the iconic railroad bridge.
Parking: Two medium-sized paved parking areas
Facilities: Trash, Picnic Table, Restrooms (seasonal)
Facilities: Trash, Picnic Table, Restrooms (seasonal)
Discover island adventures on the untamed shores of the Weepecket Islands, a small island chain north of Naushon.
Parking: None
Facilities: Kayak launch (shoreline)
Facilities: Kayak launch (shoreline)
Enjoy unrivaled seclusion on sandy shores along a wildlife-rich salt marsh at West Beach, a public beach on private Naushon Island.
Facilities: None
West Beach in New Bedford is well-known for its clear, calm waters, where families can splash and play on Clarks Cove.
Parking: Roadside parking open 6am-9pm; additional parking in Hazelwood Park
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Bicycle Rack, Trash
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Bicycle Rack, Trash
Boaters and anglers can launch on a Buzzards Bay adventure from the public ramp and town dock on West Falmouth Harbor.
Parking: Limited vehicle parking at the town dock; Medium-sized gravel parking area on Old Dock Road by bike path (vehicles and trailers)
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Dock (wood/floating), Trash
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Dock (wood/floating), Trash
West Island State Reservation's pristine coastal habitats offer a natural retreat that outdoor enthusiasts will love.
Size: 338 acres
Parking: Small gravel roadside parking area by trailhead
Facilities: None
Parking: Small gravel roadside parking area by trailhead
Facilities: None
Set next to windswept salt marshes on West Island, this Fairhaven beach is a paradise for outdoors lovers.
Size: 13.8 acres
Parking: Large gravel parking lot
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal)
Parking: Large gravel parking lot
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal)
This public boat ramp in New Bedford’s South End offers boaters, paddlers, and anglers access to scenic Clarks Cove.
Parking: Medium-sized paved parking area (vehicles and trailers)
Facilities: Boat Ramp
Facilities: Boat Ramp
