Bay / Calm
Mayflower Beach
Dennis, MA
Accessible
(1,699)
Familiestidal flatssunset
Calm waterLifeguardsSunsets
1 / 5
Bay / CalmSticker / Day FeeHidden gemBest in July
Howes Street Beach
Dennis, Massachusetts · Cape Cod Bay
4.3(6 reviews)
Smaller, quieter version of Corporation Beach
A quieter alternative to Mayflower and Corporation beaches with the same gorgeous tidal flats. Small parking lot keeps the crowds manageable. Classic Dennis bay beach experience.
Howes Street Beach is what you go to when Mayflower and Corporation are slammed — a smaller, less developed bay beach with the same impressive tidal flats and warm shallow water. The parking lot holds maybe forty cars and fills early on August weekends; locals come on weekdays. There's a portable restroom in season and not much else. Low tide is the spectacle: hermit crabs, sand dollars, and warm tidal pools stretching half a mile out across firm flats. The beach faces north onto Cape Cod Bay so you get sunset on the right side of the day. This is the Dennis bay beach experience without the overhead — bring everything, including patience for the tides.
Photo spot
Sand-bar pattern at low tide
Arrive
Low tide for flatsCrowds
LowDogs
SeasonalSunsets
Great spotBest for
FamiliesQuiet
The beach
Lay of the land
- Orientation
- North-facing
- Length
- ~0.2 mi
- Tide flat
- ~500 yd at low tide
- Backshore
- Dune / flat
- Sand
- Soft tan sand with bay flats
- Shade
- none
Wildlife
Birds you may see: sanderling, great black-backed gull, herring gull
Tidepools
Things to know
- Jellyfish more likely July–August.
- Greenhead flies are intense in late July through mid-August on calm, humid days.
Plan your visit
Parking & fees
- Lot size
- Small
- Enforcement
- Dennis sticker required; lot fills mid-morning.
Sticker required, small lot
Getting there
- Cell signal
- good
Accessibility
- Beach wheelchair
- Not available
- Mobi Mat
- No
- Path from parking
- short walk
Dogs
No dogs in season; allowed off-season on leash.
Rules & activities
What’s allowed
UmbrellasTents / canopies · small onlyAlcoholGrillsFiresDronesSmoking
Activities
Unofficial SUP/kayak launch
Safety & stewardship
Partial plover closure (seasonal)
Photo by Jas B. via Google Places
Today
Water59°F
Sunrise5:06 AM
Sunset8:19 PM
Conditions
WavesCalm water
Water66-72°F (July–Aug)
TidesHigh variance
SharksLow risk
Jellyfishlow
Length~0.2 mi
Facilities
Restrooms
Howes Street Beach — good to know
How much does parking cost at Howes Street Beach?
Howes Street 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 Howes Street Beach?
Dogs are not permitted at Howes Street Beach during the summer season — No dogs in season; allowed off-season on leash.
Does Howes Street Beach have lifeguards?
No — Howes Street Beach does not have lifeguards on duty, so swim with caution.
Are there restrooms at Howes Street Beach?
Howes Street Beach has public restrooms available in season.
What is the water like at Howes Street Beach?
Howes Street Beach is a calm, bay-side beach on Cape Cod Bay. Expect calm, gentle water that's good for young kids and easy swimming. Average summer water temperature is around 66-72°F (July–Aug).
What is Howes Street Beach best for?
Howes Street Beach is especially good for families and quiet.
When is the best time to visit Howes Street Beach?
Low tide for flats; small lot fills fast.
