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.
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.
Thanks for the information Lynne, when I tried to inquire it was listed as “no parking fee” but that was clearly inaccurate information. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the info Lynne! I’ve updated the article and added your details. I’m sure you’ll save a lot of people money!
Onset Beach – Marc Anthony Pizza is the best around. Located on the corner of Onset Beach.
You totally missed The Best Beach around here; Roundhill Beach, Dartmouth, Ma.
THAT is the gem of the Southcoast beaches…
Round Hill is $35/season for town residents only.
Thanks for the suggestion Sean!
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.
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.
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!!
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
In 2023 east beach costs $3/hour for non residents.