Enjoy the calm, sparkling waters of Buzzards Bay on a beach day at Demarest Lloyd State Park in Dartmouth. This public beach and park, managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, is great for beachgoers and outdoor explorers of all ages.
Features
Demarest Lloyd State Park may be one of Buzzards Bay’s best-kept secrets. With its warm, tranquil waters and shallow sandbars, the beach here is ideal for small children to get their feet wet. Near the parking lot, a grassy picnic area with charcoal grills makes Demarest Lloyd a perfect destination for family summer gatherings. But Demarest Lloyd isn’t just a beach; there’s a thriving coastal ecosystem here that’s begging for you to explore. Delicate salt marshes surround the park, with trails leading to scenic vistas across the Slocums River. For a fun afternoon of hiking, swimming, picnicking, and beachcombing with the kids, there are few better spots than Demarest Lloyd.
Trails
If you want to take an adventure beyond the beach, explore one of two easy trails at Demarest Lloyd State Park. These trails offer quick, 20-minute walks that unveil beautiful natural scenery that you won’t see from the sand. At the north end of the parking lot, pick up the Slocums River Trail, an out-and-back path that travels along rich tidal marshes. At the top of the hill, turn right to climb out on a large rock and gaze out over the beach. Or turn left to journey further through the hilly oak forest, where you’ll discover scenic views of Giles Creek and the shores of the Lloyd Center for the Environment across the river. The George’s Pond Loop Trail is a half-mile circle through coastal dunes and past George’s Pond, a salt pond fed by the Slocums River. The trail, which takes about 10 minutes to explore, begins near the restrooms and connects with neighboring Wylde Reserve.
Habitats & Wildlife
Demarest Lloyd’s beautiful coastal habitats are what make this park such a treasure for visitors. The sandy beach overlooks the mouth of the Slocums River as it opens into Buzzards Bay. On a clear day, you can gaze across the Bay to the Elizabeth Islands. Salt marshes like the one at Demarest Lloyd hum with life. Water birds such as egrets, herons, and terns hunt for fish in the tidal creeks and salt pond fed by the river. The salty sea air carries hawks and osprey aloft, while underneath the water, fish and shellfish feed thrive.
Details & Amenities
Things to Do
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Enjoy the calm, sparkling waters of Buzzards Bay on a beach day at Demarest Lloyd State Park in Dartmouth. This public beach and park, managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, is great for beachgoers and outdoor explorers of all ages.
Features
Demarest Lloyd State Park may be one of Buzzards Bay’s best-kept secrets. With its warm, tranquil waters and shallow sandbars, the beach here is ideal for small children to get their feet wet. Near the parking lot, a grassy picnic area with charcoal grills makes Demarest Lloyd a perfect destination for family summer gatherings. But Demarest Lloyd isn’t just a beach; there’s a thriving coastal ecosystem here that’s begging for you to explore. Delicate salt marshes surround the park, with trails leading to scenic vistas across the Slocums River. For a fun afternoon of hiking, swimming, picnicking, and beachcombing with the kids, there are few better spots than Demarest Lloyd.
Trails
If you want to take an adventure beyond the beach, explore one of two easy trails at Demarest Lloyd State Park. These trails offer quick, 20-minute walks that unveil beautiful natural scenery that you won’t see from the sand. At the north end of the parking lot, pick up the Slocums River Trail, an out-and-back path that travels along rich tidal marshes. At the top of the hill, turn right to climb out on a large rock and gaze out over the beach. Or turn left to journey further through the hilly oak forest, where you’ll discover scenic views of Giles Creek and the shores of the Lloyd Center for the Environment across the river. The George’s Pond Loop Trail is a half-mile circle through coastal dunes and past George’s Pond, a salt pond fed by the Slocums River. The trail, which takes about 10 minutes to explore, begins near the restrooms and connects with neighboring Wylde Reserve.
Habitats & Wildlife
Demarest Lloyd’s beautiful coastal habitats are what make this park such a treasure for visitors. The sandy beach overlooks the mouth of the Slocums River as it opens into Buzzards Bay. On a clear day, you can gaze across the Bay to the Elizabeth Islands. Salt marshes like the one at Demarest Lloyd hum with life. Water birds such as egrets, herons, and terns hunt for fish in the tidal creeks and salt pond fed by the river. The salty sea air carries hawks and osprey aloft, while underneath the water, fish and shellfish feed thrive.
