Pope Beach

If you’re looking for a secluded spot to enjoy a summer day, head to Pope Beach in Fairhaven. This small, sandy town-owned beach on Priests Cove offers sparkling views of outer New Bedford Harbor and Buzzards Bay.

Features

shoreline of Priests Cove in Fairhaven

Pope Beach is a small, secluded beach tucked into a quiet neighborhood on Priests Cove in Fairhaven.

For a peaceful afternoon by the shores of Buzzards Bay, head to Pope Beach in Fairhaven. This small, town-owned public beach is tucked in a quiet residential neighborhood on sheltered Priests Cove in outer New Bedford Harbor. Located across from busy Fort Phoenix State Reservation, Pope Beach offers the same clear waters with a tiny fraction of the visitors.

Outside of the summer season, Pope Beach is worth a visit. Bring your dog here on a walk and take in the view of fishing vessels steaming along the shimmering waters of Buzzards Bay. Or ride your bike here on an excursion from the Phoenix Bike Trail, which ends at Sconticut Neck Road not far away.

Habitats & Wildlife

The scenic shoreline at Pope Beach is sandy with lots of large rocks. Gulls, terns, and ospreys are common visitors to Priests Cove, and hermit crabs scurry across the beach’s shores. Explore the rocks for other signs of life, including snails, fish, and clams.

Property Owned By
Details
Hours: Dawn to dusk (open for swimming from late June to early September)
Parking: Small unpaved roadside parking area
Cost: Free
Dogs: Yes
Facilities: None
Lifeguards: No
ADA Accessible: No

Please follow all posted rules and regulations at this property.

Address & Contact Information
98 Manhattan Ave.
Fairhaven, MA 02719
41.629374, -70.877721

Please follow all posted rules and regulations at this property.

Pope Beach
Fairhaven, MA
View larger map

Related Stories

Who wants ice cream? 17 sweet Buzzards Bay trails and beaches to visit before summer ends

These 17 parks, beaches, and trails are a stone’s throw from some of the Buzzards Bay region's favorite ice cream shops.

Full Story ›
Marsh Island Salt Marsh Restoration Celebrates Major Milestone

The Marsh Island Salt Marsh Restoration Project’s first phase of construction is now complete, revitalizing six acres of the salt marsh at the site.

Full Story ›
Baywatchers data highlights path to protecting shellfish from acidification

Using data collected by the Coalition, scientists have found that nitrogen pollution makes coastal waters more acidic, posing a threat to the Bay's shellfishing industry and important habitats.

Full Story ›

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

Fort Phoenix State Reservation

With beautiful harbor views, a sandy beach, and a historic coastal fort, Fort Phoenix is a treasure for local residents.

Shipyard Farm

Shipyard Farm in Fairhaven packs a scenic punch in its short trail across farmland to serene Nasketucket Bay.

West Island Town Beach

Set next to windswept salt marshes on West Island, this Fairhaven beach is a paradise for outdoors lovers.

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.

Read More ›
59
out of 100

Bay Health: Outer New Bedford Harbor

Find your water quality score in Bay Health ›