Sound Side
Craigville Beach
Centerville, Barnstable, MA
Plover closureAccessible
(348)
FamiliesSwimmingteensvolleyball+1
Calm waterLifeguardsSunsets
1 / 5
Heads up
- Piping plover nesting closure active this month — sections of the beach may be roped off.
Sound SideResidents OnlyHidden gemBest in July
Covell's Beach
Centerville, Barnstable, Massachusetts · Nantucket Sound
4.6(267 reviews)
Craigville's quiet, sticker-only twin
Right next to Craigville but far less crowded thanks to resident-only parking. Same warm Nantucket Sound water, same great sand — just a fraction of the people. Has a volleyball court and lifeguards. The locals' version of Craigville.
Covell's Beach is Craigville's quieter neighbor — the same warm Nantucket Sound water and golden sand, but with a fraction of the people because parking is resident-only with no daily-fee option. For Centerville locals it's a no-brainer; for visitors with a sticker through a rental, it's one of the best-kept secrets on the south shore. There's a single volleyball court that fills up on summer afternoons, lifeguards from late June through Labor Day, and basic restrooms — no concession, no bathhouse. The water is shallow well out, the bottom is fine sand, and waves rarely top a foot. Get there early on weekends; the small lot fills by 10am even with sticker-only access.
Photo spot
Volleyball net at golden hour with empty sand to the west
Arrive
Before 10am on peak weekendsCrowds
ModerateDogs
SeasonalLifeguards
On dutySunsets
Great spotBest for
Families
The beach
Lay of the land
- Orientation
- South-facing
- Length
- ~0.25 mi
- Backshore
- Dune / flat
- Sand
- Fine to medium golden sand
- Shade
- None — bring your own umbrella
Wildlife
Birds you may see: common tern, herring gull, piping plover
Things to know
- Jellyfish more likely in August.
Plan your visit
Parking & fees
$45
resident sticker / season
- Lot size
- Medium
- Enforcement
- 9am–3:45pm year-round
Resident sticker required — no daily fee option available
Getting there
- From Sagamore Bridge
- 35 min
- Cell signal
- good
Accessibility
- Beach wheelchair
- Available
- Mobi Mat
- No
- Accessible parking
- 2 spaces
- Path from parking
- short walk
Dogs
No dogs May 15 – Sept 15. Allowed on leash Sept 16 – May 14.
Pairs well with
Rules & activities
What’s allowed
UmbrellasTents / canopies · small onlyAlcoholGrillsFiresDronesSmoking
Activities
Unofficial SUP/kayak launch
Safety & stewardship
Lifeguards on duty· Late June – Labor Day Partial plover closure (seasonal)
Photo by Ray da kz-2R Martins via Google Places
Today
Water67°F
Sunrise5:07 AM
Sunset8:19 PM
Conditions
WavesCalm water
Water68–72°F (July–Aug)
TidesLow variance
SharksLow risk
JellyfishOccasional in August, similar to Craigville
Length~0.25 mi
Facilities
LifeguardsRestroomsAccessibleBike rackVolleyball
Late June – Labor Day, 9am–5pm
No on-site food; The Barnacle at Craigville is a ~5 min walk east
Covell's Beach — good to know
How much does parking cost at Covell's Beach?
Covell's Beach is restricted to residents with a town parking sticker during the summer season — non-residents generally cannot park in the main lot.
Are dogs allowed at Covell's Beach?
Dogs are not permitted at Covell's Beach during the summer season — No dogs May 15 – Sept 15. Allowed on leash Sept 16 – May 14.
Does Covell's Beach have lifeguards?
Yes — Covell's Beach is staffed by lifeguards during the summer season (Late June – Labor Day).
Are there restrooms at Covell's Beach?
Covell's Beach has public restrooms available in season.
What is the water like at Covell's Beach?
Covell's 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 68–72°F (July–Aug).
What is Covell's Beach best for?
Covell's Beach is especially good for families.
When is the best time to visit Covell's Beach?
Before 10am on peak weekends; generally less rushed.
