Bay / Calm
Barlows Landing Beach
Bourne, MA
Hidden gem
(87)
Familiescalm waterKayaking
Calm waterUncrowdedLifeguardsSunsets
1 / 5
Heads up
- Piping plover nesting closure active this month — sections of the beach may be roped off.
Sound SideSticker / Day FeeBest in July
Dowses Beach
Osterville, Barnstable, Massachusetts · East Bay / Nantucket Sound
4.6(277 reviews)
Osterville's two-sided causeway beach — bay calm and Sound surf
Osterville's main beach on East Bay with a dock, rock jetties for fishing, and views of the harbor. Calm, warm water and a distinctly upscale Osterville vibe. Great for families and kayakers alike.
Dowses Beach sits on the causeway between East Bay and Nantucket Sound in Osterville, with two distinct beach personalities: the protected East Bay side is a glassy, kid-friendly swim cove with a dock and a small pier ideal for crabbing and learning to fish, while the Sound side has gentle ocean chop, a sandy bottom, and the rock jetties that anchor the entrance to the bay. The lot is medium-sized and shared by both sides — sticker or daily fee ($20) — and fills by mid-morning on summer weekends. The bathhouse has restrooms, outdoor showers, and a small snack stand in season. Kayaks and SUPs launch from the East Bay side. Stay for sunset — Dowses faces almost due west across the bay and the sky often goes pink over Osterville Grand Island.
Photo spot
The pier at golden hour with Osterville Grand Island in the distance
Arrive
Before 10am on summer weekendsCrowds
ModerateDogs
SeasonalLifeguards
On dutySunsets
Great spotBest for
FamiliesFishingKayaking
The beach
Lay of the land
- Orientation
- South-facing
- Length
- ~0.3 mi
- Backshore
- Dune / flat
- Sand
- Fine golden sand on both sides
- Shade
- Bathhouse porch only
Wildlife
Birds you may see: common tern, osprey, great egret, piping plover
Eelgrass beds
Things to know
- Jellyfish more likely in August.
Plan your visit
Parking & fees
$20
daily fee
$45
resident sticker / season
$375
non-resident / season
- Lot size
- Medium
- Enforcement
- 7am–3:45pm in season; sticker or daily fee at gate.
Sticker or daily fee ($20), lifeguards in summer
Getting there
- From Sagamore Bridge
- 33 min
- Cell signal
- good
Accessibility
- Beach wheelchair
- Available
- Mobi Mat
- Yes
- Accessible restroom
- Yes
- Accessible parking
- 2 spaces
- Path from parking
- level
Dogs
No dogs May 15 – Sept 15. Allowed on leash off-season.
Rules & activities
What’s allowed
UmbrellasTents / canopies · small onlyAlcoholGrillsFiresDronesSmoking
Activities
Designated SUP/kayak launchFishing · jettyFishing · pierFishing · surfcasting
Safety & stewardship
Lifeguards on duty· Late June – Labor Day Partial plover closure (seasonal)
Photo by Stephen Demore via Google Places
Today
Water67°F
Sunrise5:07 AM
Sunset8:19 PM
Conditions
WavesCalm water
Water68–72°F (July–Aug)
TidesModerate
SharksLow risk
Jellyfishlow
Length~0.3 mi
Facilities
LifeguardsRestroomsShowersChanging roomsAccessibleBike rack
Late June – Labor Day, 9am–5pm
Snack stand in season; Osterville village center 1mi north
Dowses Beach — good to know
How much does parking cost at Dowses Beach?
Dowses Beach charges roughly $20 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 Dowses Beach?
Dogs are not permitted at Dowses Beach during the summer season — No dogs May 15 – Sept 15. Allowed on leash off-season.
Does Dowses Beach have lifeguards?
Yes — Dowses Beach is staffed by lifeguards during the summer season (Late June – Labor Day).
Are there restrooms at Dowses Beach?
Dowses Beach has public restrooms and showers available in season.
What is the water like at Dowses Beach?
Dowses Beach is a Nantucket Sound beach on East Bay / 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 Dowses Beach best for?
Dowses Beach is especially good for families, fishing and kayaking.
When is the best time to visit Dowses Beach?
Before 10am on summer weekends.
