With deep forests, rocky coasts, and rich salt marshes, Buzzards Bay is a haven for wildlife of all types. Migratory birds flock to our shores along the Atlantic Flyway, while frogs and salamanders thrive in the vernal pools that pop up in our woods each spring. So grab a pair of binoculars and visit one of these places to seek out our region’s special birds and wildlife.
West Beach in New Bedford is well-known for its clear, calm waters, where families can splash and play on Clarks Cove.
Parking: Roadside parking open 6am-9pm; additional parking in Hazelwood Park
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Bicycle Rack, Trash
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Bicycle Rack, Trash
Walk peaceful trails beneath a bird-filled canopy in this coastal forest on the north shore of Martha’s Vineyard.
Size: 90 acres
Parking: Small unpaved parking area down the dirt road off Franklin Street
Facilities: Bicycle Rack, Benches
Parking: Small unpaved parking area down the dirt road off Franklin Street
Facilities: Bicycle Rack, Benches
West Island State Reservation's pristine coastal habitats offer a natural retreat that outdoor enthusiasts will love.
Size: 338 acres
Parking: Small gravel roadside parking area by trailhead
Facilities: None
Parking: Small gravel roadside parking area by trailhead
Facilities: None
Set next to windswept salt marshes on West Island, this Fairhaven beach is a paradise for outdoors lovers.
Size: 13.8 acres
Parking: Large gravel parking lot
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal)
Parking: Large gravel parking lot
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal)
This public boat ramp in New Bedford’s South End offers boaters, paddlers, and anglers access to scenic Clarks Cove.
Parking: Medium-sized paved parking area (vehicles and trailers)
Facilities: Boat Ramp
Facilities: Boat Ramp
Head out for a day of fishing and boating on Buzzards Bay from the state boat ramp on the Westport River.
Parking: Medium-sized paved parking lot (vehicles and trailers)
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Dock (floating), Restrooms (seasonal)
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Dock (floating), Restrooms (seasonal)
History comes to life at Westport Town Farm, where you can explore a Colonial-era farm along the Westport River.
Size: 40 acres
Parking: Medium-sized gravel parking area
Facilities: Picnic Tables
Parking: Medium-sized gravel parking area
Facilities: Picnic Tables
Hike or picnic, explore freshwater wetlands, bird-watch or just watch the clouds pass by in this family-friendly preserve.
Size: 81 acres
Parking: Large paved parking area
Facilities: Picnic Tables
Parking: Large paved parking area
Facilities: Picnic Tables
Explore the Weweantic River in a small boat, kayak, or paddleboard from the Route 195 state boat ramp in Wareham.
Parking: Large paved parking area (vehicles and trailers)
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Restrooms (seasonal), Picnic Tables, Trash, Visitor Center (seasonal)
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Restrooms (seasonal), Picnic Tables, Trash, Visitor Center (seasonal)
Step back in time at the 200-year-old ruins of White's Factory, a former cotton and saw mill on the Acushnet River.
Size: 2 acres
Parking: Medium-sized unpaved parking area with space for 8-10 cars
Facilities: Picnic Tables
Parking: Medium-sized unpaved parking area with space for 8-10 cars
Facilities: Picnic Tables
Begin a paddling adventure on the Agawam River's flat, beautiful waters from Whitlock’s Landing in Wareham.
Size: 0.5 acres
Parking: Small unpaved parking area
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch
Parking: Small unpaved parking area
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch
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)
Explore lush trails beside a woodland river, then grill up a picnic lunch in this beautiful Little Compton forest.
Size: 84 acres
Parking: Several unpaved pull-off spaces along the dirt road parallel to Dundery Brook
Parking: Several unpaved pull-off spaces along the dirt road parallel to Dundery Brook
Take an adventure through hilly pine and oak woods at William Minot Forest in Wareham.
Size: 205 acres
Parking: Large parking lot behind Minot Forest Elementary
Facilities: None
Parking: Large parking lot behind Minot Forest Elementary
Facilities: None
Peace and tranquility define Wing Pond Woods, a well-hidden gem directly off the Shining Sea Bikeway in North Falmouth.
Size: 19 acres
Parking: Medium-sized unpaved parking area
Facilities: None
Parking: Medium-sized unpaved parking area
Facilities: None
For Marion boaters, the Wings Cove Launching Ramp is an excellent spot to start a day of fishing in the Cape Cod Canal.
Parking: Small paved parking area (vehicles and trailers); Marion or Rochester resident privilege sticker required to park at all times
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Kayak Launch
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Kayak Launch
With a scenic trail through the woods to Winsegansett Pond and a beach, this Fairhaven destination is a gem to discover.
Size: 160 acres
Parking: Roadside parking at trailheads on Sconticut Neck Road
Facilities: None
Parking: Roadside parking at trailheads on Sconticut Neck Road
Facilities: None
With amazing water views and a lush natural setting, Wood Neck Beach is a summer destination for Falmouth families.
Parking: One medium-sized unpaved parking area; resident beach sticker required to park in summer
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Trash, Shower (seasonal)
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Trash, Shower (seasonal)
Follow the path at Wylde Reserve in Dartmouth to the salt marshes of Demarest Lloyd State Park.
Size: 5 acres
Parking: Small roadside parking area on Barneys Joy Road; additional parking at Demarest
Facilities: None
Parking: Small roadside parking area on Barneys Joy Road; additional parking at Demarest
Facilities: None