Chapoquoit Beach

Sandy shores and sweeping Buzzards Bay views greet you at Chapoquoit Beach, a favorite coastal spot for Falmouth locals. Although it’s smaller than some other town beaches, Chapoquoit Beach offers a secluded escape from the Cape Cod crowds. And with grassy dunes and a sparkling salt marsh across the road, Chapoquoit Beach provides a natural setting that Falmouth families return to every summer.

Features

a woman holds up a perfect bay scallop shell next to West Falmouth Harbor

Look for beautiful shells and interesting shellfish species in the salt marsh next to Chapoquoit Beach on West Falmouth Harbor.

“Chappy,” as locals call Chapoquoit Beach, is a bit off the beaten path – located on a small peninsula that juts out between Buzzards Bay and sheltered West Falmouth Harbor. It’s a popular summer destination for Falmouth families seeking sand, surf, and sun. On windy days, waves crash along the shore; when the weather is calm, swimmers and paddlers practice their strokes in these clear, deep waters.

One of Chapoquoit Beach’s best features is its stunning view of Buzzards Bay. Looking out on a clear day, you’ll see landmarks like Cleveland Ledge Light, West Island, and the Elizabeth Islands. Come here to watch the sunset, and you won’t be disappointed!

Habitats & Wildlife

To explore Chapoquoit Beach’s natural side, carefully cross the road from the parking area. A salt marsh stretches along the shores of West Falmouth Harbor, creating a protected ecosystem where families and nature lovers can discover all kinds of wildlife. The Salt Pond Areas Bird Sanctuaries owns a large part of this marsh, and has protected this habitat for future generations of wildlife and people.

Surrounded by spiky green cordgrass, the marsh has tidal creeks where periwinkles and hermit crabs live. If you’re quiet and still, fiddler crabs will emerge from the marsh by the hundreds. Beneath West Falmouth Harbor’s shallow waters, look for species like spider crabs and bay scallops, which live in spots where eelgrass grows.

Details
Size: 1.6 acres
Hours: 9am to 5pm
Parking: Medium-sized paved parking area; resident beach sticker required to park in summer
Cost: $35/year for Falmouth resident beach sticker
Dogs: Yes (October 1 to April 30 only)
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Trash, Shower (seasonal)
Boat Ramp: No
Lifeguards: Yes (seasonal)
ADA Accessible: Yes (access mat; beach wheelchair can be ordered in advance and delivered by beach personnel)

Please follow all posted rules and regulations at this property.

Address & Contact Information
158 Chapoquoit Rd.
Falmouth, MA 02540
41.598389, -70.647884
Beach Superintendent: (508) 274-1498
Email: beach@falmouthmass.us

Please follow all posted rules and regulations at this property.

Chapoquoit Beach
Falmouth, MA
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Upcoming Events Near Here

Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride
Sun, October 06
Sakonnnet Point to Woods Hole,
Falmouth
Buzzards Bay Coalition Golf Tournament
Fri, October 18
12:30PM - 7:00PM
The Bay Club,
Mattapoisett

Nearby Places To Go

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Escape the summer crowds at Falmouth's Black Beach or with a paddle through Great Sippewissett Marsh.

Wood Neck Beach & Little Sippewissett Marsh

With amazing water views and a lush natural setting, Wood Neck Beach is a summer destination for Falmouth families.

Shining Sea Bikeway

Take a journey of discovery down the Shining Sea Bikeway, a 10.7-mile paved bike path through Falmouth.

Current Issues

Nitrogen Pollution

Nitrogen pollution is the greatest long-term threat to the health of Buzzards Bay. We all contribute nitrogen pollution to our local waterways. Fortunately, we can all do our part to stop it.

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62
out of 100

Bay Health: West Falmouth Harbor – Mid-Harbor

Find your water quality score in Bay Health ›