
Dowses Beach
Osterville, Barnstable, MA

Bourne, Massachusetts · Buzzards Bay
Pocasset's calm Buzzards Bay cove beach
A small, protected beach on Buzzards Bay in the Pocasset village of Bourne. Calm water and a neighborhood feel make this one of Bourne's quieter gems. Popular with kayakers launching from the landing.
Barlows Landing is the Pocasset village beach — a tucked-away crescent of soft sand on a sheltered cove of Buzzards Bay that's been a quiet residents' favorite for generations. The water is warmer than the Cape Cod Bay beaches across the canal and almost always glass-calm; the cove geometry keeps the chop low even on windy afternoons. There's a small boat ramp and dock adjacent, used heavily by kayakers and SUP paddlers exploring the marshes and barrier islands inside the bay. The town runs lifeguards in the central section in summer, and the parking lot — strictly resident-sticker only in season — holds maybe forty cars. There are restrooms but no concession. This is the kind of beach you settle into for a whole afternoon with a book and a cooler; it doesn't strain for attention and doesn't need to.
Photo spot
The landing dock with kayaks at golden hour
Birds you may see: osprey, great blue heron, snowy egret, double-crested cormorant
Things to know
Resident sticker required
No dogs in season; allowed off-season on leash.
Photo by Kara Marie via Google Places
Late June through Labor Day, 10am–5pm
Barlows Landing Beach requires a town parking sticker or a paid day pass in summer. Lots fill early on weekends, so arrive before about 10am.
Dogs are not permitted at Barlows Landing Beach during the summer season — No dogs in season; allowed off-season on leash.
Yes — Barlows Landing Beach is staffed by lifeguards during the summer season (Late June through Labor Day, 10am–5pm).
Barlows Landing Beach has public restrooms available in season.
Barlows Landing Beach is a calm, bay-side beach on Buzzards Bay. Expect calm, gentle water that's good for young kids and easy swimming. Average summer water temperature is around 68-74°F (July–Aug).
Barlows Landing Beach is especially good for families and kayaking.
Anytime; the lot is small but rarely jammed.

Osterville, Barnstable, MA

Bourne, MA

Falmouth, MA