When booking a vacation rental in the Cape Cod area, you might also consider the South Coast. This area extends from Wareham, which is just over the Bourne Bridge, all the way to Fall River, on the border with Rhode Island, and is full of outstanding beachfront communities to explore.
Most of the South Coast is along Buzzards Bay, so it offers outstanding beachfront rentals in its towns and cities. You’ll also find great boating opportunities throughout the South Coast because it is full of marinas with unparalleled access to the ocean.
Of course, your South Coast vacation rental will be a short drive from Cape Cod, so you can head over the bridge to experience Barnstable County’s amenities.
While on the South Coast, you’ll surely want to visit its beaches and, luckily, there’s no shortage. Here are some of the most popular oceanfront areas on the South Coast of Massachusetts.
Horseneck Beach State Reservation
Perhaps the most popular beach on the South Coast is the Horseneck Beach State Reservation in Westport, Massachusetts. This park is massive, featuring two huge parking lots, two-miles of sand, a bird sanctuary, and numerous hiking trails. The beach is excellent for both swimming and windsurfing, as it gets a decent breeze coming in off Buzzards Bay.
There’s a lifeguard station at Horseneck Beach State Reservation, making it safer for children, in addition to change rooms, showers, and picnic areas. You’ll also find a playground and a basketball court near the water. The one drawback is that parking at the beach is $40 for those arriving from outside of Massachusetts, but only $13 for the state’s residents.
Fort Phoenix State Reservation
The Fort Phoenix State Reservation in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, is more than a beach, as a lot is going on at this location overlooking Buzzards Bay. We’ll start with the beach, however, which is a half-mile long and has a sizable parking lot that is free to use.
Other amenities at the park include a playground, tennis courts, basketball courts, a beach volleyball court, and the remains of Fort Phoenix, which was used during the Revolutionary War. There are picnic tables, benches, hiking trails, and grills available here, too.
Onset Beach
The town of Wareham is home to the Victorian community of Onset, featuring Onset Beach. At Onset Beach, you’ll find a pier, a restaurant, parking, restrooms, and a long stretch of sand that offers plenty of space to relax. The beach sits on a commercial area, as well, so there are plenty of other dining options within walking distance.
If you follow Onset Beach far enough south, you’ll eventually reach Shell Point Beach, a less busy, more secluded option near the heart of Onset Village. Although there is plenty of parking in downtown Onset, the town reserves some of it for locals. Make sure you’re in the right spot and that you’ve paid before leaving your vehicle.
Swansea Town Beach
Swansea Town Beach is a small section of waterfront with white sand and a large parking lot in Swansea’s Ocean Grove neighborhood. The beach was once pretty rustic, but now has bathrooms, a pavilion, foot washing stations, and picnic tables. The water is also quite shallow, and there’s a lifeguard on duty, making it appealing for those with kids.
In addition to the beach, there’s a boat launch at this venue. If you’ve brought a boat with you on your South Coast vacation, you can use the ramp to get your vessel in the water. Both Buzzards Bay and Narragansett Bay are easily accessible from the beach. Parking at Swansea Town Beach is $5 per day during the week, $8 on weekends, and $35 for a season’s pass for non-residents.
Silvershell Beach
At the end of Front Street in Marion Center is Silvershell Beach, a scenic sandy area with a large parking lot and views out to Sippican Harbor and Buzzards Bay. If you have a vacation rental in Marion Center, you can walk to the beach so you won’t have to worry about parking. Otherwise, beach stickers are available for those with short term rentals at the cost of $10 per day.
While Silvershell Beach isn’t packed with amenities, it has a playground and a washroom on-site, providing everything that you’ll need for a day in the sun. The water is warm and shallow, too, making it an excellent destination for families with kids.
Always a Beach to Visit
No matter which city or town you book for your South Coast vacation rental, you’ll be close to an outstanding beach with plenty of amenities. Most of the bays, coves, and rivers offer beautiful views to Buzzards Bay, adding even more appeal to the region.
Reserve your vacation rental close to one of these popular beaches to ensure that you make the most of your time on this often overlooked part of the East Coast.
