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.
Groves of stately beech trees shade New Boston Trail in Fairhaven, where you can take in peaceful views of forest and wetland habitat.
Size: 66.9 acres
Parking: Small gravel parking area
Facilities: None
Parking: Small gravel parking area
Facilities: None
Discover a hidden gateway to the Cape Cod Canal along the wooded trails at Nickerson Conservation Area in Bourne.
Size: 8 acres
Parking: Medium-sized unpaved parking area at Aptucxet Trading Post
Facilities: None
Parking: Medium-sized unpaved parking area at Aptucxet Trading Post
Facilities: None
Tour Falmouth's historic Nobska Lighthouse, standing since 1876, or explore the shoreline and go fishing on Nobska Point.
Size: 4 acres
Parking: Small unpaved parking area (space for 5-6 cars)
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Trash, Learning Center
Parking: Small unpaved parking area (space for 5-6 cars)
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Trash, Learning Center
Walk through lush forest scattered with old stone walls in the woodlands of this former camp in Westport.
Size: 20.7 acres
Parking: Small dirt parking area
Facilities: None
Parking: Small dirt parking area
Facilities: None
A short walk from Onset Village, North Water Street Beach offers spectacular sunset views over Broad Cove.
Size: 1.2 acres
Parking: Parking along the street in neighborhood, outside of resident parking zones
Facilities: None
Parking: Parking along the street in neighborhood, outside of resident parking zones
Facilities: None
Take an invigorating hike through steep, rocky hills along the Northern Moraine Conservation Area in Falmouth.
Size: 255.6
Parking: Unpaved parking area (space for 7-8 cars) on south side of Route 151
Facilities: None
Parking: Unpaved parking area (space for 7-8 cars) on south side of Route 151
Facilities: None
Launch a canoe or kayak and explore Marion’s scenic Hammett Cove from the beach at Oakdale Avenue.
Size: 0.8 acres
Parking: Small gravel parking area; resident privilege sticker required
Facilities: None
Parking: Small gravel parking area; resident privilege sticker required
Facilities: None
Magnificent coastal scenery awaits you at Ocean View Farm Reserve, one of Dartmouth’s newest places to explore.
Size: 60 acres
Parking: Medium-sized unpaved parking area
Facilities: None
Parking: Medium-sized unpaved parking area
Facilities: None
Travel miles of trail through wildflower meadows, coastal forests, and wetlands at Old Aucoot District in Mattapoisett.
Size: 307 acres
Parking: Small unpaved parking area at the end of Bowman Road; small unpaved parking area on east side of Prospect Road, across from Spruce Avenue; small unpaved pull-off near kiosk on west side of Hollywoods Road
Facilities: None
Parking: Small unpaved parking area at the end of Bowman Road; small unpaved parking area on east side of Prospect Road, across from Spruce Avenue; small unpaved pull-off near kiosk on west side of Hollywoods Road
Facilities: None
Walk through forests crisscrossed with old stone walls and discover spring vernal pools at Westport's Old Harbor Wildlife Refuge.
Size: 79 acres
Parking: Small unpaved parking area off Old Harbor Road
Facilities: None
Parking: Small unpaved parking area off Old Harbor Road
Facilities: None
Water-loving Marion residents can begin a day of boating or kayaking from Old Landing Wharf on Sippican Harbor.
Parking: Small paved parking lot; Marion or Rochester resident privilege sticker required to park at all times
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Kayak Launch, Dock (wood/floating), Wharf, Picnic Tables
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Kayak Launch, Dock (wood/floating), Wharf, Picnic Tables
For a classic sandy beach to enjoy in summer, Old Silver Beach in Falmouth is a top destination on Buzzards Bay.
Parking: Two large paved parking areas: one reserved for Falmouth residents and another for public parking
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Trash, Showers, Food/Concession
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Trash, Showers, Food/Concession
Families flock to kid-friendly Onset Beach in Wareham thanks to its protected waters, beautiful scenery, and central location.
Size: 10.9 acres
Parking: Large paved parking lot and metered street parking; fee to park May 1 to October 1
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Showers (seasonal), Food/Concession
Parking: Large paved parking lot and metered street parking; fee to park May 1 to October 1
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Showers (seasonal), Food/Concession
Launch your vessel into the waters of Onset Bay from the newly renovated Onset Boat Ramp in Wareham.
Parking: No parking at boat ramp; on-street parking (vehicles and trailers) only in marked residential and non-residential areas
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Kayak Launch
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Kayak Launch
For a pleasant stroll with an unforgettable water view, you can’t beat Osprey Marsh.
Size: 19.8 acres
Parking: Small gravel parking lot
Parking: Small gravel parking lot
Discover a slice of secluded nature along the urban Acushnet River at P.J. Keating Woods.
Size: 21 acres
Parking: Best parking in rear lot at Acushnet Council on Aging (59 1/2 South Main St.)
Facilities: None
Parking: Best parking in rear lot at Acushnet Council on Aging (59 1/2 South Main St.)
Facilities: None
Discover a coastal ecosystem rich with native plants, birds, and butterflies from the meadows and observation platform of this Little Compton preserve.
Size: 11.5 acres
Parking: Small unpaved parking area (space for 5-6 cars) on South Shore Rd.
Facilities: None
Parking: Small unpaved parking area (space for 5-6 cars) on South Shore Rd.
Facilities: None
Known for its stunning daffodil field, Parsons Reserve in Dartmouth holds many more beautiful surprises in its woods.
Size: 32 acres
Parking: Medium-sized gravel parking area at Russells Mills Landing
Facilities: None
Parking: Medium-sized gravel parking area at Russells Mills Landing
Facilities: None
Paskamansett Landing is an oasis of nature and history in the urban center of North Dartmouth.
Size: 0.72 acres
Parking: Medium-sized gravel parking lot
Facilities: Canoe Launch
Parking: Medium-sized gravel parking lot
Facilities: Canoe Launch
With a canoe launch, picnic table, and bench by the river, Paskamansett Park is a peaceful streamside setting.
Size: 6.7 acres
Parking: Medium-sized gravel parking area
Facilities: Canoe Launch, Picnic Table
Parking: Medium-sized gravel parking area
Facilities: Canoe Launch, Picnic Table