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
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.
