Knowles Beach

Escape the bustle of summer crowds on the quiet shores of Knowles Beach in Dartmouth. Known locally as “Family Beach,” this sandy town beach offers great shellfishing with picturesque views of Apponagansett Bay.

Features

Sailboats and several birds on the waters of Apponagansett

Find birds, boats, beachcombing, and beautiful views along the shores of Knowles Beach in Dartmouth.

Though this stretch of shoreline is relatively small, it has a lot of exploration to offer! Tucked beside the Padanaram Harbor Bridge, Knowles Beach is a great place to spend a day on the beach or head out on a coastal adventure. This town-owned property is rather unique – there is no fee to access this beach, and parking is limited to roadside pull-offs.

Spend a relaxing day watching sailboats and birds pass by, or beachcomb along the rocky shoreline for oyster shells and whelks. For those with a Dartmouth shellfishing license, Knowles Beach is one of the best places in the area to dig for quahogs. Want to explore beyond the water’s edge? Launch a kayak from the shoreline to explore Padanaram Harbor and the stunning coast of Apponogansett Bay.

To extend your day of adventure, take a trip across the street for a walk at Knowles Reserve, or head to the other side of the bridge to enjoy the playground and sport courts at Apponagansett Park.

Habitats & Wildlife

The shoreline of Apponagansett Bay is scattered with shells – an indication of the vibrant shellfish life of Buzzards Bay. Across the street from the beach, a salt marsh, currently being restored, provides shelter to birds like herons and egrets.

Property Owned By
Details
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Parking: Unpaved roadside parking along Smith Neck Road (space for 6-7 cars)
Cost: Free
Dogs: Yes (on leash)
Facilities: None
Boat Ramp: No
Lifeguards: No
ADA Accessible: No

Please follow all posted rules and regulations at this property.

Address & Contact Information
Smith Neck Road and Gulf Road
Dartmouth, MA 02748
41.581945, -70.950117
Town of Dartmouth: (508) 910-1812

Please follow all posted rules and regulations at this property.

Knowles Beach
Dartmouth, MA
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Upcoming Events Near Here

Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride
Sun, October 01
Sakonnnet Point to Woods Hole,
Falmouth
Farm Coast Fall Celebration
Sat, October 14
1:30PM - 7:00PM
Buzzards Bay Brewing ,
Westport

Nearby Places To Go

Apponagansett Park

Apponagansett Park in Dartmouth is a fun summertime destination that truly offers something for everybody.

Knowles Reserve

Take a short but fascinating walk through a salt marsh and red cedar forest at the Knowles Reserve in Dartmouth.

Star of the Sea Reserve

Star of the Sea Reserve shines as a quiet place to explore forests and wetlands on Apponagansett Bay in Dartmouth.

Volunteer

Become a Baywatcher

Help the Buzzards Bay Coalition keep an eye on the health of the water in your community. Become a Baywatcher, and you can volunteer as a "citizen scientist" on the water this summer.

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Bay Health: Outer Apponagansett Bay

Find your water quality score in Bay Health ›