West Island Beach in Fairhaven
West Island Beach in Fairhaven

5 Greater New Bedford Area Beaches

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West Island Beach in Fairhaven
West Island Beach in Fairhaven

2. Beach on West Island
Location: 36 Bluepoint Road, Fairhaven, MA 02719
Parking Cost: $20 non resident parking, $10 non resident walk in

West Island Beach is a natural beauty.  Located adjacent to a state reservation, this small beach is very remote, peaceful and relaxing.  Being a calm water beach it isn’t ideal for playing in ocean swells, but it is a great swimming spot.  Since the lifeguards offer swim lessons for children here it is safe to say that this beach is a good spot for beginning swimmers of all ages. However, even for the more advanced swimmer there are patches of sand bars that are fun to swim out towards.

West Island is more on the pricey side for parking if you aren’t a Fairhaven resident (it is a town beach) and it doesn’t offer any shower houses or refreshment stands.  However, what it lacks in amenities it makes up for in beautiful views, clear waters and stunning surroundings.  Furthermore, being located in Fairhaven it is a short drive away from typical beach traffic.  This is an ideal beach for packing a picnic, getting in some tanning and doing some leisurely swimming in a location you won’t soon forget.

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About SRyan

The South Coast has been my home since I came to UMD in 2005. I have worked and lived in NB, and now live in Westport. With a Master's in public relations I have worked as a consultant, and as a professor. I love trying new foods, writing, watching movies (and football!), traveling, listening to a wide array of music, and of course, I <3 the South Coast.

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13 comments

  1. Onset Beach has a $2/hour parking fee. Parking on the street is restricted to one hour parking only which is strictly enforced. I know from experience.

  2. Onset Beach – Marc Anthony Pizza is the best around. Located on the corner of Onset Beach.

  3. Thanks for the suggestion Sean!

  4. What are the fees to Ft Tabor? Last time I went,, like 3 years ago, it was a small fee to residents of NB and $15 to non-residents.

  5. The east beach now charges a fee for parking. $5 for residents to get a sticker for the whole season. I think non-residents of New Bedford pay $10 or $15/day

    • From the city website: Seasonal parking passes are $5 for city residents. Greater New Bedford residents in contiguous communities (Freetown, Acushnet, Fairhaven, and Dartmouth) can purchase a seasonal pass for $20.

  6. FORT PHOENIX BEACH IS NOT SAFE FOR CHEMICAL POLLUTION REASONS!! REgardless of the water being tested for bacteria, it is probably still loaded with heavy metals and assorted chemicals from the harbor. How do I know? We were swimming there once and the MASK AND SNORKEL RUBBER started to DISINTEGRATE in the water. NEW items! So DO NOT think swimming here is safe!!

  7. edward s alford

    east beach is not free I was told I would need a permit to park and it would cost fifty dollars for the summer. East or west beach are not worth it no good bathrooms the beaches are messy.
    Edward S. Alford

  8. Elyssa Benedikt

    In 2023 east beach costs $3/hour for non residents.

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