Sound Side
Dowses Beach
Osterville, Barnstable, MA
Plover closureAccessible
(277)
FamiliesFishingKayakingcalm water
Calm waterLifeguardsSunsets
1 / 5
Sound SideFree & OpenBest in August
Bass River Beach
Yarmouth, Massachusetts · Nantucket Sound
4.5(50 reviews)
Yarmouth's busiest, most fun day-beach
Sitting at the mouth of Bass River with a fishing pier, snack bar, and boat ramp. Calm water, great views, and a spacious viewing platform. Hosts outdoor movie nights in summer.
Bass River Beach is the busiest beach in Yarmouth and one of the most complete amenity packages on the Cape's south shore. Wedged at the mouth of Bass River where it pours into Nantucket Sound, the beach has a long fishing pier popular with bluefish and striper casters at dawn, a boat ramp on the river side, a snack bar slinging fried clams and burgers, and a spacious viewing platform/picnic area shaded by mature pines. The swim area is calm and shallow on the sound side; the river side has a stronger current and is best for boat-watching. Summer brings free outdoor movie nights on the platform — a beloved Yarmouth tradition. The lot is large and pay-and-display, no sticker required (a rarity on the Cape), which makes this a smart pick for visiting families. Pair with a Bass River cruise on the Lobster Roll cruise boat or dinner at the Riverway Lobster House across the bridge.
Photo spot
Boats threading through the channel from the long fishing pier at sunset.
Arrive
before_10amCrowds
HighDogs
SeasonalLifeguards
On dutySunsets
Great spotBest for
FamiliesFishing
The beach
Lay of the land
- Orientation
- South-facing
- Length
- ~0.5 mi
- Backshore
- Dune / flat
- Sand
- fine_soft
- Shade
- Some afternoon shade near bathhouse
Wildlife
Plan your visit
Parking & fees
$25
daily fee
$30
resident sticker / season
$130
non-resident / season
- Lot size
- Large
- Enforcement
- Pay-and-display daily fee — no sticker required. Lot fills by 10:30am summer weekends.
Daily fee, large lot with boat ramp
Getting there
- From Sagamore Bridge
- 33 min
- From Bourne Bridge
- 38 min
- Nearest urgent care
- AFC Urgent Care Hyannis (10 min)
- Rail trail
- 2 mi away
- Cell signal
- good
Accessibility
- Beach wheelchair
- Available
- Mobi Mat
- Yes
- Accessible parking
- 4 spaces
Dogs
No dogs Memorial Day–Labor Day.
Rules & activities
What’s allowed
AlcoholGrillsFiresDronesSmoking
Activities
Kayak rentals · Cape Cod Waterways Bass River (~5 min)
Safety & stewardship
Lifeguards on duty· Late June through Labor Day
Photo by Matthew Jennings via Google Places
Today
Water67°F
Sunrise5:07 AM
Sunset8:18 PM
Conditions
WavesCalm water
Water70–74°F (July–Aug)
TidesLow variance
SharksLow risk
Jellyfishoccasional
Length~0.5 mi
Facilities
LifeguardsRestroomsShowersChanging rooms
Late June through Labor Day, 9am–5pm
Bass River Beach — good to know
How much does parking cost at Bass River Beach?
Bass River Beach charges roughly $25 per day for non-resident parking in summer; residents with a town sticker pay less or park free. Lots fill early on weekends, so arrive before about 10am.
Are dogs allowed at Bass River Beach?
Dogs are not permitted at Bass River Beach during the summer season — No dogs Memorial Day–Labor Day.
Does Bass River Beach have lifeguards?
Yes — Bass River Beach is staffed by lifeguards during the summer season (Late June through Labor Day).
Are there restrooms at Bass River Beach?
Bass River Beach has public restrooms and showers available in season.
What is the water like at Bass River Beach?
Bass River Beach is a Nantucket Sound beach on Nantucket Sound. Expect calm, gentle water that's good for young kids and easy swimming. Average summer water temperature is around 70–74°F (July–Aug).
What is Bass River Beach best for?
Bass River Beach is especially good for families and fishing.
When is the best time to visit Bass River Beach?
before_10am.
