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Earle Road Beach — photo 1
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Sound SideSticker / Day FeeHidden gemBest in September

Earle Road Beach

Harwich, Massachusetts · Nantucket Sound

Harwich's quietest warm-water beach

A smaller, quieter Harwich beach on Nantucket Sound. Less parking means fewer people — a good option for families who want warm water without the crowds of Red River.

Earle Road is the smaller, quieter neighbor to Red River and Pleasant Road on Harwich's south shore — the beach you choose when you want the warm sound water but not the lot-fills-by-10 scene. The lot holds about thirty cars and the sticker enforcement keeps day-trippers thin. Once on the sand, you get the same powdery sound shoreline with gentle surf, no rip currents, and warm-as-bathwater August swimming. The neighborhood backing the beach is quiet residential, the dune grass is well-tended, and there's a porta-john but no full bathhouse — bring water and snacks. Best paired with a stop at Bonatt's Bakery for the famous Meltaway pastries, then a leisurely afternoon here followed by sunset at nearby Red River. A Harwich locals' favorite.

Photo spot

The path through the dune grass with the residential cottages framing the entrance.

Arrive
any
Crowds
Moderate
Dogs
Seasonal
Lifeguards
On duty
Sunsets
Great spot

Best for

FamiliesQuiet

The beach

Lay of the land

Orientation
South-facing
Length
~0.2 mi
Backshore
Dune / flat
Sand
fine_soft
Shade
Open — no natural shade

Wildlife

Plan your visit

Parking & fees

$40

resident sticker / season

$175

non-resident / season

Lot size
Small
Enforcement
Sticker only — no daily passes sold here.

Sticker required, small lot

Getting there

From Sagamore Bridge
43 min
From Bourne Bridge
48 min
Nearest urgent care
Outer Cape Health Services Harwich Port (6 min)
Rail trail
1 mi away
Cell signal
good

Accessibility

Beach wheelchair
Not available
Mobi Mat
No
Accessible parking
1 spaces

Dogs

No dogs allowed Memorial Day–Labor Day.

Rules & activities

What’s allowed

AlcoholGrillsFiresDronesSmoking

Safety & stewardship

Lifeguards on duty· Late June through Labor Day

Photo by Michaela via Google Places

Today

Water67°F
Sunrise5:06 AM
Sunset8:18 PM

Conditions

WavesCalm water
Water70–74°F (July–Aug)
TidesLow variance
SharksLow risk
Jellyfishoccasional
Length~0.2 mi

Facilities

LifeguardsRestrooms

Late June through Labor Day, 9am–4:30pm

Earle Road Beach — good to know

How much does parking cost at Earle Road Beach?

Earle Road Beach requires a town parking sticker or a paid day pass in summer. Lots fill early on weekends, so arrive before about 10am.

Are dogs allowed at Earle Road Beach?

Dogs are not permitted at Earle Road Beach during the summer season — No dogs allowed Memorial Day–Labor Day.

Does Earle Road Beach have lifeguards?

Yes — Earle Road Beach is staffed by lifeguards during the summer season (Late June through Labor Day).

Are there restrooms at Earle Road Beach?

Earle Road Beach has public restrooms available in season.

What is the water like at Earle Road Beach?

Earle Road 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 Earle Road Beach best for?

Earle Road Beach is especially good for families and quiet.

When is the best time to visit Earle Road Beach?

any.

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