East Beach (New Bedford)

A wide, sandy beach on the western shore of New Bedford Harbor, East Beach is a summertime destination for city families. Swim and beachcomb along the shore while you enjoy views of ships and sailboats on Buzzards Bay. A bike path runs past the beach, offering a gateway to scenic waterfront spots up and down the harbor.

Features

two girls hold up clam shells at East Beach in New Bedford

Even in winter, East Beach is a great destination for kids to get outside and discover signs of life in Buzzards Bay.

The best part about East Beach in New Bedford is the view: from these sandy shores, take in sights of Butler Flats Lighthouse and fishing boats traveling in and out of the harbor. The fishing pier at East Beach is also popular spot, though anglers should only practice catch-and-release fishing here.

There’s much more to explore around East Beach, too. Bring a bike and ride along the Saulnier Memorial Bike Trail, which traces the tip of Clark’s Point on Rodney French Boulevard. The ride around the peninsula to West Beach is only a few miles, but includes gorgeous views from Fort Taber Park and the New Bedford Harbor Walk.

Habitats & Wildlife

Observant visitors to East Beach can read the story of the sea by looking for shells that have reached the shore on the waves. Colorful mermaid’s toenails, clams, oysters, whelks, and slipper shells are often found here by curious explorers – a sign of the wealth of shellfish life in Buzzards Bay. Seagulls share the sky with terns and ospreys in summer. In the winter months, look out on the water for brant geese, a species of migratory waterfowl that visits from the north.

Property Owned By
Details
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Parking: Large paved parking lots; additional street parking
Cost: Fee to park in summer (end of June through Labor Day, 10am to 5:30pm); $1/day New Bedford residents, $10/day non-residents; $5/year for resident beach sticker
Dogs: No
Facilities: Pier (asphalt), Restrooms (seasonal), Trash
Boat Ramp: No
Lifeguards: Yes (seasonal)
ADA Accessible: No

Please follow all posted rules and regulations at this property.

Address & Contact Information
1076 East Rodney French Blvd.
New Bedford, MA 02744
41.599328, -70.903043

Please follow all posted rules and regulations at this property.

East Beach (New Bedford)
New Bedford, MA
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Upcoming Events Near Here

Buzzards Bay Swim – Registration Now Open!
Sat, June 22
6:30AM - 10:30AM
Fort Phoenix State Reservation,
Fairhaven
Falmouth Road Race
Sun, August 18
Woods Hole to Falmouth Heights,
Falmouth
Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride
Sun, October 06
Sakonnnet Point to Woods Hole,
Falmouth

Nearby Places To Go

West Beach (New Bedford)

West Beach in New Bedford is well-known for its clear, calm waters, where families can splash and play on Clarks Cove.

Fort Taber Park

With a sandy beach, bike path, and fishing pier, Fort Taber Park offers sweeping Buzzards Bay views steeped in history.

New Bedford Harbor Walk

Experience bustling New Bedford Harbor from up high on the New Bedford Harbor Walk, a paved walking and bike path.

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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Bay Health: Outer New Bedford Harbor

Find your water quality score in Bay Health ›