The Complete Guide to South Coast Beaches

The South Coast of Massachusetts has some of the most beautiful and underrated beaches in New England. While tourists flock to Cape Cod, locals know our quieter shores offer warmer water, fewer crowds, and that perfect blend of ocean and bay beaches. This guide covers every public beach across our 20 towns, with the practical information you actually need.

Understanding Beach Access & Parking

Most South Coast beaches require resident parking stickers during summer season (typically Memorial Day to Labor Day). However, there are ways to access beaches as a non-resident:

• Off-season parking is often free - Many beaches don't enforce sticker requirements September through May
• Daily parking passes - Some towns sell day passes to non-residents
• State beaches - State parks charge per-vehicle fees instead of requiring stickers
• Limited street parking - Some beaches have unrestricted street parking nearby (arrive early!)
• Walk-in access - If you can park legally nearby and walk, most beaches welcome you

Parking sticker costs vary by town and typically range from $50-$200 for residents, with non-resident options (when available) running $150-$500 for the season.

Westport Beaches

Horseneck Beach State Reservation

The crown jewel of the South Coast. This 2-mile barrier beach is one of the finest in Massachusetts.

• Parking: $20/day for MA residents, $40 for out-of-state (2025 rates). Season passes available.
• Amenities: Bathrooms, outdoor showers, lifeguards, concession stand, large parking lot
• Best for: Families, bodyboarding, sunset watching, long beach walks
• Insider tip: Arrive before 8 AM on summer weekends or you'll be turned away when the lot fills. The western end is less crowded.
• Water: Ocean-facing with excellent waves. Water is notably warmer than Cape Cod beaches.

East Beach

The wild, undeveloped cousin of Horseneck. Part of the Gooseberry Neck/Slocums River Reserve.

• Parking: Very limited roadside parking along East Beach Road. Get there at sunrise or forget it.
• Amenities: None. Truly wild beach.
• Best for: Solitude, beachcombing, nature lovers, surfing
• Insider tip: This is where locals go to escape the crowds. Respect the fragile dunes and pack out everything.

Cherry & Webb Beach

Buzzards Bay-facing town beach in Westport.

• Parking: Resident sticker required in summer
• Amenities: Small parking lot, portable toilets
• Best for: Calm bay swimming, families with young kids, kayaking
• Water: Bay water, very calm, warmer than ocean beaches

Dartmouth Beaches

Demarest Lloyd State Park

A hidden gem on Buzzards Bay with salt marshes and gentle waters.

• Parking: Free off-season (Labor Day to Memorial Day). Summer parking fee charged.
• Amenities: Bathrooms, picnic tables, nature trails
• Best for: Young families, calm water swimming, nature walks, solitude
• Insider tip: The beach is small, but the park has beautiful walking trails through coastal forests. Visit at low tide to explore the tidal flats.
• Water: Very calm bay water, shallow and warm—perfect for toddlers

Round Hill Beach

South Dartmouth's neighborhood beach with harbor views.

• Parking: Dartmouth resident sticker required
• Amenities: Small lot, portable facilities
• Best for: Locals, quiet swims, watching boats

Salter's Point

Not technically a swimming beach, but a beautiful public shore access point.

• Parking: Free boat launch parking
• Best for: Sunset watching, kayak launching, shoreline fishing
• Insider tip: One of the best free sunset spots in the region

New Bedford Beaches

Fort Taber/Fort Rodman Park Beach

City beach inside a historic fort on Clark's Point.

• Parking: Free parking at the fort
• Amenities: Small beach, bathrooms, picnic area, historic fort to explore
• Best for: Combining beach time with history, harbor views, fishing
• Insider tip: The beach is small and rocky, but the fort is fascinating and the views are stunning. Better for wading than serious swimming.
• Water: Harbor water, protected and calm but not crystal clear

West Beach (Hazelwood Park)

• Parking: Limited street parking
• Best for: Neighborhood beach, local access
• Note: Small beach primarily used by nearby residents

Fairhaven Beaches

Fort Phoenix Beach State Reservation

Best free beach parking on the South Coast. A local favorite for good reason.

• Parking: FREE year-round! Large lot fills on hot summer days but turnover is good.
• Amenities: Bathrooms, outdoor showers, playground, picnic area, historic fort, bike path access
• Best for: Families, budget beach days, combining beach with fort exploration
• Insider tip: The beach faces the hurricane barrier, creating a protected swimming area that's calm and kid-friendly. Walk to the end of the barrier for incredible views and fishing.
• Water: Protected harbor water, very calm, warmer than ocean beaches

Hoppy's Landing

• Parking: Limited street parking
• Best for: Kayak launching, small neighborhood beach access

Acushnet

Acushnet is an inland town with no beaches, but residents can use New Bedford beaches and outdoor pools.

Mattapoisett Beaches

Mattapoisett Town Beach (Ned's Point)

Charming village beach next to a historic lighthouse.

• Parking: Resident sticker required in summer; limited paid parking for non-residents
• Amenities: Small beach, bathrooms, playground, adjacent lighthouse
• Best for: Quintessential New England beach vibes, gentle water, photo opportunities
• Insider tip: Walk to Ned's Point Lighthouse for perfect postcard photos. The beach is small but perfectly formed.
• Water: Buzzards Bay, calm and family-friendly

Cove Street Landing

• Parking: Free small lot
• Best for: Harbor views, small beach area, watching boats

Marion Beaches

Island Wharf Beach

• Parking: Resident sticker required
• Best for: Marion residents, harbor swimming

Great Hill Beach

• Parking: Resident sticker required
• Amenities: Parking lot, facilities
• Best for: Residents seeking a quieter alternative

Silvershell Beach

Marion's main public beach on Buzzards Bay.

• Parking: Resident sticker required; very limited non-resident passes available
• Amenities: Parking, bathrooms, lifeguards
• Best for: Classic bay beach experience
• Water: Buzzards Bay, calm and clear

Wareham Beaches

Wareham has numerous beaches, though technically part of the South Shore rather than South Coast. Check with Wareham Parks & Recreation for beach sticker information.

Fall River, Freetown, Berkley, Dighton, Somerset, Swansea

These inland South Coast towns don't have ocean beaches, but many have freshwater swimming at town pools and inland ponds. Cook Pond in Fall River offers freshwater swimming in summer.

Rehoboth, Seekonk, Attleboro

No public beaches, though some private associations and ponds offer swimming to members.

Tiverton & Little Compton, RI

Grinnell's Beach (Tiverton)

• Parking: Resident sticker required
• Note: Small town beach for Tiverton residents

South Shore Beach (Little Compton)

One of Rhode Island's hidden treasures.

• Parking: Paid parking lot, daily fees apply
• Amenities: Large lot, bathrooms, concessions
• Best for: Wide open Atlantic beach, bodyboarding, fewer crowds than RI's southern beaches
• Water: Atlantic Ocean, moderate waves

Beach-Going Pro Tips

Timing

• Arrive early on summer weekends - Many beaches reach capacity by 10 AM on hot days
• Weekday mornings are magic - You'll often have the beach nearly to yourself before noon Tuesday-Thursday
• September is the secret season - Water is warmest, crowds disappear after Labor Day, and parking restrictions ease

Water Temperature

• Buzzards Bay beaches warm up faster in summer (mid-60s to low 70s) and stay warmer longer than ocean beaches
• Ocean beaches (Horseneck, East Beach) run cooler (upper 50s to upper 60s) but are still warmer than Cape Cod's bay side
• Peak warmth: Late July through early September

Safety

• Respect lifeguard flags and instructions - Rip currents can occur at ocean beaches
• Know the tides - Rising tide can cut off access to some rocky areas
• Pack sun protection - South Coast sun is strong, especially with water reflection
• Check for beach closures - Occasional water quality issues can close beaches temporarily

What to Bring

• Beach umbrella or tent (shade is limited at most beaches)
• Water shoes for rocky entries
• Cash for parking meters and concessions
• Cooler with plenty of water
• Beach toys, chairs, towels
• Plastic bag for trash (pack it out!)

Best Beach for...

• Families with young kids: Fort Phoenix (free, calm, amenities) or Demarest Lloyd (shallow, warm water)
• Bodyboarding/waves: Horseneck Beach
• Avoiding crowds: East Beach or Demarest Lloyd on weekdays
• Free parking: Fort Phoenix (year-round) or Demarest Lloyd (off-season)
• Sunset views: Horseneck Beach west end or Salter's Point
• Classic New England vibes: Mattapoisett Town Beach
• Long beach walks: Horseneck Beach (2 miles of uninterrupted sand)
• Warmest water: Demarest Lloyd and other Buzzards Bay beaches

The Verdict

The South Coast might not have the name recognition of Cape Cod or the Rhode Island shore, but that's exactly what makes our beaches special. Horseneck rivals any New England beach for sheer beauty. Fort Phoenix delivers unbeatable value with free parking and great facilities. The quiet coves and bay beaches offer warm, calm water perfect for families.

Whether you're a resident making the most of your beach sticker or a visitor finding free September access, the South Coast's beaches offer something for everyone. Ocean waves or bay calm. Crowded fun or isolated beauty. Historic forts or pure nature. It's all here, just off Route 6.

Pack your cooler, grab your sunscreen, and discover why locals never need to drive to the Cape for a perfect beach day.