Anglers know that Buzzards Bay offers some of the best fishing in the Northeast. Saltwater fishing is fun for all ages and easy for anybody to try. All you need is a Massachusetts recreational saltwater permit and some simple gear, and you’ll be ready to go fishing! Head down to your local pier, or cast a line from the beach at sunset. Want to get out on the Bay’s open waters? Find a charter service, and you’ll be searching for stripers, scup, and sea bass in no time.
This rocky stretch in Westport offers stunning views of the Elizabeth Islands across the Bay’s sparkling waters.
Parking: Sandy/gravel parking along East Beach Road; resident beach sticker required year-round
Facilities: None
Facilities: None
Just south of the hurricane barrier, this public boat ramp offers boaters and anglers access to outer New Bedford Harbor.
Parking: Medium-sized paved parking area
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Pier (wood)
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Pier (wood)
Explore picturesque marshes by kayak or spend the afternoon digging for clams on the edge of Little Bay in Fairhaven.
Parking: Space at the end of Edgewater Street
Facilities: None
Facilities: None
Come down to Electric Avenue to discover an intimate beach and boat ramp a stone’s throw from the Cape Cod Canal.
Parking: Medium-sized paved parking area
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Pier/Dock (wood/floating), Bicycle Rack, Trash, Picnic Table, Playground
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Pier/Dock (wood/floating), Bicycle Rack, Trash, Picnic Table, Playground
This small Westport landing is a great place launch a kayak or go quahogging, surrounded by the unique habitat of the lower Westport River.
Size: 0.18 acres
Parking: Small unpaved parking area bordered with stones (space for 2-3 cars); resident beach sticker required year-round
Facilities: Kayak Launch (shoreline)
Parking: Small unpaved parking area bordered with stones (space for 2-3 cars); resident beach sticker required year-round
Facilities: Kayak Launch (shoreline)
With beautiful harbor views, a sandy beach, and a historic coastal fort, Fort Phoenix is a treasure for local residents.
Size: 9.3 acres
Parking: Three medium/large paved parking lots
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Showers (seasonal), Picnic Tables, Playground
Parking: Three medium/large paved parking lots
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Showers (seasonal), Picnic Tables, Playground
With a sandy beach, bike path, and fishing pier, Fort Taber Park offers sweeping Buzzards Bay views steeped in history.
Size: 50 acres
Parking: Large paved parking lot
Facilities: Pier (concrete), Restrooms (seasonal), Picnic Tables, Trash, Playground, Learning/Visitor Center, Food/Concession (seasonal)
Parking: Large paved parking lot
Facilities: Pier (concrete), Restrooms (seasonal), Picnic Tables, Trash, Playground, Learning/Visitor Center, Food/Concession (seasonal)
Take a paddling adventure on the gorgeous Slocums River in Dartmouth from this small town-owned landing.
Parking: Small gravel parking area (vehicles and trailers)
Facilities: None
Facilities: None
The Gifford Street Boat Ramp provides boaters and paddlers with easy access to the protected waters of inner New Bedford Harbor.
Parking: Large paved parking area (parking for vehicles with trailers only)
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Canoe/Kayak Launch, Dinghy Storage
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Canoe/Kayak Launch, Dinghy Storage
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)
This sandy beach in Bourne is a local favorite thanks to its cozy neighborhood vibe and fascinating views of Cape Cod Canal.
Parking: Medium-sized paved parking lot
Facilities: Trash
Facilities: Trash
This Woods Hole boat ramp is a gateway for boaters and anglers to the waters of Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound.
Parking: One parking spot at ramp for loading and unloading; metered street parking available throughout Woods Hole
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Dock (wood/floating)
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Dock (wood/floating)
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
Launch from Hen Cove Landing in Pocasset to reach Red Brook Harbor, one of Cape Cod’s favorite boating destinations.
Parking: 2-3 parking spaces for vehicles and trailers; additional vehicle parking at Hen Cove Beach
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Kayak Launch, Pier (wood)
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Kayak Launch, Pier (wood)
Herring Run Recreation Area's name tells you why it's special — it's home to a herring run on Cape Cod Canal.
Parking: Large paved parking area
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Trash, Picnic Tables
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Trash, Picnic Tables
In summer, Hiller's Cove Beach is a favorite destination for Mattapoisett families to splash in warm, calm waters.
Parking: Medium-sized unpaved parking area; parking pass required in summer (first week of July through last week of August)
Facilities: Restrooms
Facilities: Restrooms
Set on the upper East Branch of the Westport River, Hix Bridge Landing is a place to launch a boat or kayak into the river.
Size: Dawn to dusk
Parking: Large unpaved parking lot (vehicles and trailers); resident permit required to park
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Kayak Launch, Dock (wood/floating)
Parking: Large unpaved parking lot (vehicles and trailers); resident permit required to park
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Kayak Launch, Dock (wood/floating)
Called a “fisherman’s paradise," Hoppy’s Landing on West Island in Fairhaven is your gateway to Buzzards Bay.
Parking: Large crushed-shell parking area (vehicles and trailers)
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Kayak Launch, Pier (wood), Restrooms, Trash
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Kayak Launch, Pier (wood), Restrooms, Trash
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