If you live here in the Buzzards Bay region, then you’ve probably eaten shellfish once or twice. But have you ever tried shellfishing yourself? People have been catching quahogs, blue crabs, lobsters, and bay scallops here for centuries – and you can, too! With the proper permit and some simple equipment, you’ll be ready for a day out shellfishing on the Bay.
For any of the places below, remember to check local shellfishing maps and regulations before you go. Shellfishing areas sometimes close temporarily due to weather, season, and supply.
Apponagansett Park in Dartmouth is a fun summertime destination that truly offers something for everybody.
Parking: Large paved parking lot (vehicles and trailers)
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Canoe/Kayak Launch, Pier (wood), Restrooms (seasonal), Picnic Tables, Trash, Playground, Food/Concession
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Canoe/Kayak Launch, Pier (wood), Restrooms (seasonal), Picnic Tables, Trash, Playground, Food/Concession
Whether you’re ready to go boating, paddling, or swimming, you’ll find a place to play at Barlows Landing in Bourne.
Parking: Medium-sized paved vehicle parking area with additional gravel parking for vehicles and trailers
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Pier (concrete), Kayak Launch, Picnic Table, Trash, Bicycle Rack
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Pier (concrete), Kayak Launch, Picnic Table, Trash, Bicycle Rack
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)
Discover spectacular coastal scenery among protected woods and wetlands at Brandt Island Cove District in Mattapoisett.
Size: 132 acres
Parking: Roadside parking at the end of Anchorage Way and Whalers Way
Facilities: None
Parking: Roadside parking at the end of Anchorage Way and Whalers Way
Facilities: None
With rolling waves and a long, sandy shoreline, Cherry & Webb Beach is a favorite summer destination for Westport residents.
Size: 80 acres
Parking: Large unpaved parking area; resident beach sticker required year-round
Facilities: Picnic Tables, Bicycle Rack
Parking: Large unpaved parking area; resident beach sticker required year-round
Facilities: Picnic Tables, Bicycle Rack
Take an island excursion to Cuttyhunk and discover Church's Beach, a Buzzards Bay paradise with crystal-clear waters.
Parking: None (boat and foot access only)
Facilities: None
Facilities: None
Demarest Lloyd State Park in Dartmouth is a true gem for beachgoers, explorers, and Buzzards Bay lovers of all ages.
Size: 200 acres
Parking: Large paved parking area
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Picnic Tables, Trash
Parking: Large paved parking area
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Picnic Tables, Trash
A wide, sandy beach on outer New Bedford Harbor, East Beach is a summertime destination for city families.
Parking: Large paved parking lots; additional street parking
Facilities: Pier (asphalt), Restrooms (seasonal), Trash
Facilities: Pier (asphalt), Restrooms (seasonal), Trash
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
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 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)
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
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)
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
Discover Massachusetts' maritime history at Westport's Horseneck Point Life-Saving Station, one of the last of its kind in the state.
Parking: Medium-sized unpaved parking lot across East Beach Rd.
Facilities: Learning Center, Restrooms (seasonal)
Facilities: Learning Center, Restrooms (seasonal)
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