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.
Whether by foot or on a kayak, make time to explore the sandy, protected shores of Lawrence Island in Cataumet.
Size: 7 acres
Parking: There is no parking lot provided at this property. For access to the trail, limited parking is available along Grassland Lane.
Facilities: None
Parking: There is no parking lot provided at this property. For access to the trail, limited parking is available along Grassland Lane.
Facilities: None
Visit Bourne's Little Bay Conservation Area to discover a walk that captures Buzzards Bay’s unique coastal geography.
Size: 21.33 acres
Parking: Two small unpaved parking areas off Shore Road and at the end of Valley Bars Circle
Facilities: Kayak Launch, Picnic Table
Parking: Two small unpaved parking areas off Shore Road and at the end of Valley Bars Circle
Facilities: Kayak Launch, Picnic Table
The sandy shores and gentle waves at Little Harbor Beach in Wareham are a wonderful way to enjoy life by the Bay.
Size: 22 acres
Parking: Large paved parking lot; resident parking sticker required
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal)
Parking: Large paved parking lot; resident parking sticker required
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal)
Set off on a Pocasset Harbor paddling adventure from the Massasoit Avenue Boat Ramp in Bourne.
Parking: None
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Kayak Launch
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Kayak Launch
Take a scenic paddle on Mattapoisett Harbor and the mouth of the Mattapoisett River from Mattapoisett Town Landing.
Size: 1.75 acres
Parking: Medium-sized gravel parking area; parking pass required
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Kayak Launch, Bicycle Rack, Restrooms (seasonal), Trash, Picnic Table
Parking: Medium-sized gravel parking area; parking pass required
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Kayak Launch, Bicycle Rack, Restrooms (seasonal), Trash, Picnic Table
With its wide expanse of sand, Megansett Beach is a great spot for Falmouth residents to sit and watch sailboats on the harbor.
Parking: Medium-sized paved parking area; resident beach sticker required to park in summer
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Pier (wood), Restrooms (seasonal), Trash
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Pier (wood), Restrooms (seasonal), Trash
Explore rolling pine-and-oak woods by the edge of Bourne’s Little Bay on the network of trails at Monks Park.
Size: 9 acres
Parking: Two small unpaved parking areas on Valley Bars Circle; additional parking at kayak ramp (with town of Bourne beach sticker)
Facilities: Kayak Launch
Parking: Two small unpaved parking areas on Valley Bars Circle; additional parking at kayak ramp (with town of Bourne beach sticker)
Facilities: Kayak Launch
For a leisurely walk out to one of Buzzards Bay’s quietest coves, look no further than the Munn Preserve in Mattapoisett.
Size: 18.5 acres
Parking: Medium-sized paved parking area on Mattapoisett Neck Road by trailhead
Facilities: None
Parking: Medium-sized paved parking area on Mattapoisett Neck Road by trailhead
Facilities: None
Swim, picnic, and play in the shadow of Mattapoisett’s Ned’s Point Lighthouse at this town-owned park and beach.
Size: 4 acres
Parking: Large gravel parking area
Facilities: Kayak Launch, Restrooms (seasonal), Showers (seasonal), Picnic Tables, Trash
Parking: Large gravel parking area
Facilities: Kayak Launch, Restrooms (seasonal), Showers (seasonal), Picnic Tables, Trash
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
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
Planting Island Beach’s rugged, rocky shoreline offers a panoramic view of Sippican Harbor and Buzzards Bay.
Size: 3.75 acres
Parking: Three small unpaved roadside parking areas; resident privilege sticker required at all times
Facilities: None
Parking: Three small unpaved roadside parking areas; resident privilege sticker required at all times
Facilities: None
A small, secluded spot on Priests Cove, Pope Beach in Fairhaven offers sparkling views of Buzzards Bay.
Parking: Small unpaved roadside parking area
Facilities: None
Facilities: None
Whether you're taking a day trip or keeping your boat at a local marina, start a Cape Cod adventure from this Bourne town boat ramp.
Parking: Small gravel parking area next to boat ramp (space for 1-2 cars)
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Canoe/Kayak Launch
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Canoe/Kayak Launch
With calm waters and sweeping views, Round Hill Beach is a stunning summer destination for Dartmouth residents.
Size: 30 acres
Parking: Parking along paved Round Hill Beach Road
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal)
Parking: Parking along paved Round Hill Beach Road
Facilities: 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
With sandy shores and a grassy park, Shell Point Beach is a perfect destination to explore Wareham’s coastal scenery.
Size: 1.6 acres
Parking: Large paved parking lot; fee to park May 1 to October 1
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal)
Parking: Large paved parking lot; fee to park May 1 to October 1
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal)
Swimming, paddling, quahogging, crabbing – Shining Tides Beach truly offers it all for Mattapoisett residents.
Size: 4 acres
Parking: Small unpaved parking area; parking pass required in summer (first week of July through last week of August)
Facilities: Picnic Table
Parking: Small unpaved parking area; parking pass required in summer (first week of July through last week of August)
Facilities: Picnic Table
With pretty views and peaceful waters, Silvershell Beach is a favorite summer spot for families in Marion.
Size: 2 acres
Parking: Large unpaved parking area; Marion or Rochester resident privilege sticker required to park at all times
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Playground
Parking: Large unpaved parking area; Marion or Rochester resident privilege sticker required to park at all times
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Playground