Activities
Family Friendly Activities
The South Coast of Massachusetts is packed with fantastic spots for families, offering a great mix of maritime history, outdoor adventures, wildlife, and hands-on play. Here is a curated list of family-friendly activities across the region broken down by type of fun:
Public Beaches
1. Somerset & Swansea (Near Fall River)
While Fall River itself is famous for its historic waterfront and battleships, the best sandy swimming spots in the immediate area lie just across the Braga Bridge.
- Pierce Beach & Playground (Somerset): Tucked along the Taunton River, this beach is ideal for families. It features a massive playground, a famous red slide, and a calm river-beach shoreline.
- Swansea Town Beach (Swansea): Located in the Ocean Grove neighborhood, this spot has excellent, updated bathhouse facilities, playground equipment, and shallow, warm water that is perfect for toddlers.
2. Westport
- Horseneck Beach State Reservation: The crown jewel of South Coast beaches. Spanning two miles of open ocean coastline, it features rolling dunes, a great breeze (perfect for windsurfing), and a massive state campground.
- Cherry & Webb Beach: Located just west of Horseneck, this town-owned beach offers a much quieter, pristine experience. Visitors walk down a long sandy path through protected dunes to reach a wide, peaceful stretch of sand.
3. Dartmouth
- Demarest Lloyd State Park: One of the region’s best-kept secrets. Because of its unique geography at the mouth of the Slocums River, the beach is incredibly sheltered, meaning virtually no waves. At low tide, massive, warm-water sandbars stretch out into the bay.
- Jones Beach: Situated on Clark’s Cove. Unlike Dartmouth’s famous Round Hill Beach (which is strictly residents-only), Jones Beach allows the general public to access its sandy shores for a daily parking fee.
4. New Bedford
- East Beach & West Beach: Positioned on opposite sides of the historic Clark’s Point peninsula. East Beach is famous for breezy volleyball courts and views of the Butler Flats Lighthouse, while West Beach features a fully accessible pavilion, bathhouse, and beautiful sunset views over Apponagansett Bay.
5. Fairhaven
- Fort Phoenix State Reservation: This state park uniquely blends recreational swimming with American history. You can swim in the calm waters of Buzzards Bay, walk the historic ramparts of the fort (complete with Revolutionary War-era cannons), and stroll along the massive hurricane barrier. Bonus: Parking here is completely free.
6. Mattapoisett & Marion
- Mattapoisett Town Beach: A small, picturesque sandy beach located right next to Mattapoisett’s historic village center. It features a playground, restrooms, and a local swimming dock.
- Silvershell Beach (Marion): Nestled at the end of Front Street, Silvershell overlooks scenic Sippican Harbor. It is highly regarded for its quiet, calm waters and wonderful views, though parking is heavily geared toward town residents (day passes are available if you are renting locally).
7. Wareham
- Onset Beach: Located in the historic Victorian village of Onset, this is a legendary family beach. The waters of Onset Bay are incredibly calm and protected. Because it is adjacent to the town center, you can easily walk to local ice cream shops, restaurants, and the historic bandstand.
- Shell Point Beach: Directly connected to Onset Beach, Shell Point curves around Sunset Cove and is a prime, quiet spot to watch the sun go down.
A Note on South Coast Beach Parking:
Most town-managed beaches require seasonal parking stickers or collect a daily parking fee from Memorial Day through Labor Day. To avoid a ticket, always look for posted signage or check in with the local town’s natural resources department before setting up your beach chair!
Ferry to the Islands
If you love the idea of visiting Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket but dread the thought of crawling along Route 6 or the Mid-Cape Highway just to reach a ferry, sailing from the South Coast is your perfect alternative. Departing right from historic New Bedford, the seasonal high-speed catamaran gets you to the island quickly, easily, and stress-free.
Other things to do
Whether you are visiting for a weekend or lucky enough to call Buzzards Bay home, the South Coast is packed with hidden gems and legendary landmarks. From monumental maritime history and world-class museums to tranquil coastal trails and family-friendly wildlife encounters, there is an adventure waiting around every bend. Pack your sunscreen, grab your walking shoes, and dive into the best things to see, do, and experience along the bay!
South Coast Almanac
Looking for more local inspiration? To discover even more of what makes this region so incredibly special, be sure to check out the South Coast Almanac.