Onset Beach

Few Buzzards Bay beaches are as well-known as Onset Beach in Wareham. This sandy town beach is a popular destination for families thanks to its protected waters, beautiful scenery, and central location in historic Onset Village. And with a kayak outfitter located right at the beach, you can launch from the sandy shore on a paddling adventure around Onset Bay.

Features

a girl holding a crab shell on Onset Beach

Search the muddy sand at Onset Beach to find crabs, clams, and interesting shells along the shore. (Photo: Susan Asaro)

The native translation of Onset is “place that is sandy” – and that’s still the defining feature at Onset Beach today. The wide, flat sand at this town beach is perfect for families in summer; kids can splash and play for hours in the calm waters of Onset Bay. There’s a large parking lot right next to the beach at Onset Town Pier, so it’s easy to get everybody onto the sand.

Paddlers will love Onset Beach, too; bring your own kayak or rent one from Nemasket Kayak Center, located right on the beach. From here, you can enjoy a scenic paddle around Wickets Island and the shores of Onset Bay.

Habitats & Wildlife

Another reason why Onset Beach is great for kids is because there’s so much diversity living along the shore. Dig in the muddy sand to find clams, or look for crabs scurrying between the waves. Go on a shell scavenger hunt, and you’re sure to find oysters, quahogs, and even a few crab shells washed up on the beach.

Onset Bay is also a haven for birds, from ducks and geese to gulls and ospreys. Their populations change seasonally, so come here throughout the year to see different species. We recommend coming for a walk early in the morning, when herons and cormorants soar low over the bay’s placid waters.

Property Owned By
Details
Size: 10.9 acres
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Parking: Large paved parking lot and metered street parking; fee to park May 1 to October 1
Cost: $2/hour for meters
Dogs: No
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Showers (seasonal), Food/Concession
Boat Ramp: No
Lifeguards: Yes (late May to Labor Day)
ADA Accessible: No

Please follow all posted rules and regulations at this property.

Address & Contact Information
186 Onset Ave.
Wareham, MA 02558
41.741378, -70.659148

Please follow all posted rules and regulations at this property.

Onset Beach
Wareham, 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

Shell Point Beach

With sandy shores and a grassy park, Shell Point Beach is a perfect destination to explore Wareham’s coastal scenery.

North Water Street Beach

A short walk from Onset Village, North Water Street Beach offers spectacular sunset views over Broad Cove.

Swifts Neck Beach

The mixture of sand and grass along Swifts Neck Beach give this cozy neighborhood beach in Wareham a natural feel.

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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