West Beach (Naushon)

Enjoy unrivaled seclusion on sandy shores along a wildlife-rich salt marsh at West Beach, on the western end of Naushon Island. West Beach is one of three beaches on this private island where public visitors are welcome, courtesy of the Naushon Island Trust. To maintain the natural beauty of this special island, please follow all posted rules and do not explore beyond the beach.

Features

A sign at Tarpaulin Cove welcoming visitors and explaining the rules of the public beaches

Naushon’s West Beach is one of three beaches on this private island where visitors are welcome. If you visit, please follow all posted rules and do not walk inland from the beach.

Take a day trip out to Naushon’s West Beach, and you’ll be rewarded with a serene beach experience. This protected cove, located just beyond Robinsons Hole, can only be accessed by boat. Anchor just offshore and swim across crystal-clear waters to the beach, or paddle your kayak right up to the shore! The shallow, sandy waters here are perfect for kids to splash around and swim in. Explore the tidal river that cuts through the beach’s north side to catch small fish and crabs from the adjacent salt marsh.

When you visit West Beach, please respect the island’s residents by following all posted rules. Do not trespass beyond the beach, and keep dogs under your control. Keep the beach clean by carrying out any trash. No fires or overnight camping allowed. West Beach is one of three Naushon beaches (along with Kettle Cove Beach to the northeast and Tarpaulin Cove Beach on Vineyard Sound) where members of the public are welcome.

Habitats & Wildlife

West Beach sits beside a large salt marsh that provides a haven for wildlife. Young fish and shellfish grow up in the safety of the marsh, and flow out to Buzzards Bay along the stream that runs from the marsh across the sandy shore.

Gulls, cormorants, terns, ospreys, and plovers also call these shores home. Some of these birds nest on the beach and dunes. Please watch your step and keep clear of any nests, eggs, and chicks during the spring and summer breeding season.

Grass-covered sand dunes line the back edge of West Beach, creating a natural barrier between the Bay and the private oak forests beyond. Sand dunes are very fragile to disturbance, so please do not climb on them.

Property Owned By
Naushon Island Trust
Details
Hours: Dawn to dusk from April 1 to October 31
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
Gosnold, MA 02713
41.460578, -70.802509

Please follow all posted rules and regulations at this property.

West Beach (Naushon)
Gosnold, MA
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Upcoming Events Near Here

Sow & Pigs Release Party
Sat, May 25
4:00PM - 7:00PM
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Westport
Buzzards Bay Swim – Registration Now Open!
Sat, June 22
6:30AM - 10:30AM
Fort Phoenix State Reservation,
Fairhaven
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Sun, August 18
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Nearby Places To Go

Kettle Cove Beach

This pristine crescent of sand is a peaceful place for boaters to enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and beachcombing on private Naushon Island.

Tarpaulin Cove Beach

Swim, kayak, snorkel, and beachcomb while enjoying a sweeping lighthouse view Tarpaulin Cove Beach, a public beach on private Naushon Island.

Penikese Island

Hike rolling hills, snorkel pristine waters, and take in a fascinating history on this Buzzards Bay island unlike any other.

What You Can Do

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There’s no better way to enjoy Buzzards Bay than by getting out on the water. You can do your part to keep our water clean by practicing a few simple, responsible boating tips. Try these 5 easy ways to have a Bay-friendly adventure on the water.

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