Do you have an eye for the smooth edges of tide-worn stones, the bright flash of sea glass, or the delicate whorls of shells? The coasts of Buzzards Bay offer a banquet for the beachcomber! Its exposed ocean beaches and protected coves pull in everything from local favorites — like moon snail shells, scallops, and mermaid’s purses — to more exciting finds like antique pottery, bright starfish, and even the occasional “washashore” carried by the Gulf Stream from the tropics. Best of all, beachcombing is a four-season sport on the Bay, with winter storms often bringing some of the best finds up onshore.
Barges Beach is part of Buzzards Bay Coalition's Cuttyhunk Reserves and located just off the ferry dock on Cuttyhunk Island. Local history and natural beauty come together on Barges Beach, a one-of-a-kind barrier beach on the east end of Cuttyhunk Island.
Size: 24 acres
Parking: None
Facilities: None
Parking: None
Facilities: None
Have an island adventure on the pristine beaches and shallow waters of Bourne's Bassetts Island.
Parking: None
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch (shoreline), Picnic Tables
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch (shoreline), Picnic Tables
Escape the summer crowds at Falmouth's Black Beach or with a paddle through Great Sippewissett Marsh.
Size: 190 acres
Parking: Medium-sized paved parking area at Chapoquoit Beach; resident beach sticker required to park in summer
Facilities: None; Restrooms, Trash, Shower at Chapoquoit Beach (seasonal)
Parking: Medium-sized paved parking area at Chapoquoit Beach; resident beach sticker required to park in summer
Facilities: None; Restrooms, Trash, Shower at Chapoquoit Beach (seasonal)
Take a peaceful picnic or stretch your legs with a picturesque walk on Bull Island, nestled inside Naushon’s Hadley Harbor.
Parking: None
Facilities: Dock (floating)
Facilities: Dock (floating)
Sample the diversity of Martha’s Vineyard habitats with a visit to Cedar Tree Neck Sanctuary.
Size: 400 acres
Parking: Medium-sized unpaved parking area
Facilities: Portable toilet
Parking: Medium-sized unpaved parking area
Facilities: Portable toilet
Explore nature, history, and spectacular coastal beauty along the rugged shores of Gooseberry Island in Westport.
Size: 73 acres
Parking: Medium-sized gravel parking lot (vehicles and trailers)
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Kayak Launch, Restrooms (seasonal)
Parking: Medium-sized gravel parking lot (vehicles and trailers)
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Kayak Launch, Restrooms (seasonal)
Escape the crowds for windswept dunes and crashing waves at Little Compton's Goosewing Beach Preserve.
Size: 75 acres
Parking: Large paved lot at South Shore Beach; fee to park, Memorial Day – Labor Day
Facilities: Learning Center (seasonal)
Parking: Large paved lot at South Shore Beach; fee to park, Memorial Day – Labor Day
Facilities: Learning Center (seasonal)
Great Rock Bight Preserve offers a secluded beach great swimming, sunbathing, surfcasting and sunsets, plus other habitat treasures.
Size: 28.5 acres
Parking: Medium-sized, unpaved parking area
Facilities: None
Parking: Medium-sized, unpaved parking area
Facilities: None
With two miles of sand and surf, the 600-acre Horseneck Beach State Reservation is a recreational paradise in Westport.
Size: 600 acres
Parking: Large paved parking lots
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Showers (seasonal), Picnic Tables
Parking: Large paved parking lots
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Showers (seasonal), Picnic Tables
This pristine crescent of sand is a peaceful place for boaters to enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and beachcombing on private Naushon Island.
Facilities: None
Escape the bustle of summer crowds on the quiet shores of Knowles Beach in Dartmouth.
Parking: Unpaved roadside parking along Smith Neck Road (space for 6-7 cars)
Facilities: None
Facilities: None
Find a perfect summer beach day or ample year-round exploration on this secluded coast beneath Martha's Vineyard's Gay Head Cliffs.
Size: 17 acres
Parking: Large paved parking area on Aquinnah Circle
Facilities: Bicycle Rack, Benches, Restrooms (seasonal)
Parking: Large paved parking area on Aquinnah Circle
Facilities: Bicycle Rack, Benches, Restrooms (seasonal)
A stellar spot to spend a summer day, splashing in the cove’s warm waters or watching sailboats breeze by.
Size: .3 acres
Parking: 2-3 small pull-offs on the east side of Circuit Avenue
Facilities: None
Parking: 2-3 small pull-offs on the east side of Circuit Avenue
Facilities: None
Swim, soak up the sun, cast out a fishing line, or take a long walk along the rock-scattered shore at this Little Compton beach.
Size: 9.6 acres
Parking: Large unpaved parking lot
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Kayak launch (shoreline), RV camping with town permit
Parking: Large unpaved parking lot
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Kayak launch (shoreline), RV camping with town permit
Swim, kayak, snorkel, and beachcomb while enjoying a sweeping lighthouse view Tarpaulin Cove Beach, a public beach on private Naushon Island.
Facilities: None
Explore the remnants of a 19th century industrial site perched on the rocky shores of Vineyard Sound.
Size: 20 acres
Parking: Medium-sized, unpaved parking ara
Facilities: Portable toilets
Parking: Medium-sized, unpaved parking ara
Facilities: Portable toilets
Discover island adventures on the untamed shores of the Weepecket Islands, a small island chain north of Naushon.
Parking: None
Facilities: Kayak launch (shoreline)
Facilities: Kayak launch (shoreline)
Enjoy unrivaled seclusion on sandy shores along a wildlife-rich salt marsh at West Beach, a public beach on private Naushon Island.
Facilities: None
Boat out to this tree-covered island in Onset Bay to enjoy a day of swimming, shellfishing, and beachcombing, ending with one of the best sunsets around.
Size: 4.4 acres
Parking: None
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch (Shoreline), Pier/Dock (Stone)
Parking: None
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch (Shoreline), Pier/Dock (Stone)