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.
Swim, soak up the sun, cast out a fishing line, or take a long walk along the rock-scattered shore at this Little Compton beach.
Size: 9.6 acres
Parking: Large unpaved parking lot
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Kayak launch (shoreline), RV camping with town permit
Parking: Large unpaved parking lot
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Kayak launch (shoreline), RV camping with town permit
Peaceful, scenic Squeteague Harbor Beach is tucked into a quiet corner of Cataumet in Bourne.
Parking: Limited parking along beachway off Squeteague Harbor Road
Facilities: Trash
Facilities: Trash
The mixture of sand and grass along Swifts Neck Beach give this cozy neighborhood beach in Wareham a natural feel.
Size: 2.1 acres
Parking: Two large paved parking lots; fee to park May 1 to October 1
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Restrooms (seasonal)
Parking: Two large paved parking lots; fee to park May 1 to October 1
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Restrooms (seasonal)
Located at the head of Buzzards Bay, Taylor Point Marina offers a superb access point for boaters to explore the Bay or journey through the Cape Cod Canal.
Parking: Large paved parking lot (space for vehicles and trailers)
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Canoe/Kayak Launch, Pier/Dock (wood), Public Restrooms (open May 1-October 31), Private Restrooms (open year-round), Showers, Ice, Trash, Fuel, Marine Store
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Canoe/Kayak Launch, Pier/Dock (wood), Public Restrooms (open May 1-October 31), Private Restrooms (open year-round), Showers, Ice, Trash, Fuel, Marine Store
Catch a breathtaking sunset over Buzzards Bay from the protected shores at The Knob in Falmouth.
Size: 12 acres
Parking: Limited parking at the end of Quissett Harbor Road
Facilities: None
Parking: Limited parking at the end of Quissett Harbor Road
Facilities: None
The tall, rocky outcropping and panoramic water views at The Knubble beach in Westport are a treasure for local residents.
Size: 5 acres
Parking: Limited parking in designated areas (the easternmost end of Beach Avenue is periodically closed); resident beach sticker required year-round
Facilities: None
Parking: Limited parking in designated areas (the easternmost end of Beach Avenue is periodically closed); resident beach sticker required year-round
Facilities: None
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
Boaters and anglers can launch on a Buzzards Bay adventure from the public ramp and town dock on West Falmouth Harbor.
Parking: Limited vehicle parking at the town dock; Medium-sized gravel parking area on Old Dock Road by bike path (vehicles and trailers)
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Dock (wood/floating), Trash
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Dock (wood/floating), Trash
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)
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)
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)