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
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.