Sound Side
Covell's Beach
Centerville, Barnstable, MA
Plover closureHidden gemAccessible
(267)
Familiescalm watervolleyballquieter alternative
Calm waterLifeguardsSunsets
1 / 5
Heads up
- Piping plover nesting closure active this month — sections of the beach may be roped off.
Sound SideSticker / Day FeeHidden gemBest in August
Eugenia Fortes Beach
Hyannis Port, Barnstable, Massachusetts · Nantucket Sound
4.5(83 reviews)
Hyannisport's quiet sticker-only neighborhood beach
A small neighborhood beach in Hyannisport on Nantucket Sound. Quiet, residential feel in the shadow of the Kennedy Compound. Resident-only access keeps it peaceful.
Eugenia Fortes Beach — named for the longtime Barnstable civil-rights advocate — is a small, quiet sliver of Nantucket Sound sand on the residential western edge of Hyannisport, just down the shore from the Kennedy Compound. There are no facilities to speak of: a tiny sticker-only lot, no restrooms, no lifeguards, no showers. What it offers is the kind of low-key neighborhood beach experience that has largely disappeared from the Mid-Cape: warm, calm, shallow water; a steady local crowd that knows each other; and an end-of-Sea Street setting that feels half a century older than downtown Hyannis a mile away. Park early or come by bike.
History
The beach was renamed in 2008 to honor Eugenia Fortes, a civil-rights pioneer and one of the first Black women to serve on the Barnstable Town Council.
Photo spot
Sunset over Nantucket Sound from the small dune line
Arrive
Anytime — sticker-only access keeps crowds steadyCrowds
LowDogs
SeasonalSunsets
Great spotBest for
Families
The beach
Lay of the land
- Orientation
- South-facing
- Length
- ~0.2 mi
- Backshore
- Dune / flat
- Sand
- Fine golden sand
- Shade
- none
Wildlife
Birds you may see: common tern, herring gull, mute swan
Things to know
- Jellyfish more likely in August.
Plan your visit
Parking & fees
$45
resident sticker / season
- Lot size
- Small
- Enforcement
- 9am–3:45pm in season; Barnstable sticker required.
Resident sticker only
Getting there
- From Sagamore Bridge
- 35 min
- Cell signal
- good
Accessibility
- Beach wheelchair
- Not available
- Mobi Mat
- No
- Path from parking
- short walk
Dogs
No dogs May 15 – Sept 15. Allowed on leash off-season.
Rules & activities
What’s allowed
UmbrellasTents / canopies · small onlyAlcoholGrillsFiresDronesSmoking
Activities
Unofficial SUP/kayak launch
Safety & stewardship
Partial plover closure (seasonal)
Photo by Ashley Tenczar via Google Places
Today
Water67°F
Sunrise5:07 AM
Sunset8:18 PM
Conditions
WavesCalm water
Water68–72°F (July–Aug)
TidesLow variance
SharksLow risk
Jellyfishlow
Length~0.2 mi
Eugenia Fortes Beach — good to know
How much does parking cost at Eugenia Fortes Beach?
Eugenia Fortes 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 Eugenia Fortes Beach?
Dogs are not permitted at Eugenia Fortes Beach during the summer season — No dogs May 15 – Sept 15. Allowed on leash off-season.
Does Eugenia Fortes Beach have lifeguards?
No — Eugenia Fortes Beach does not have lifeguards on duty, so swim with caution.
Are there restrooms at Eugenia Fortes Beach?
Eugenia Fortes Beach does not have public restrooms on site, so plan accordingly.
What is the water like at Eugenia Fortes Beach?
Eugenia Fortes 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 Eugenia Fortes Beach best for?
Eugenia Fortes Beach is especially good for families.
When is the best time to visit Eugenia Fortes Beach?
Anytime — sticker-only access keeps crowds steady.
