East Beach
New Bedford, MA
East Beach is a wide sandy beach on the outer harbor in New Bedford, looking out to Butler Flats Lighthouse. There is an asphalt pier, seasonal restrooms and lifeguards on duty in summer. Big paved lots and street parking handle the crowds, and the water is sheltered enough for easy swimming in the middle of the season.
Big sand, lifeguards and a lighthouse view, but the day fee and summer crowds are real.
How we score beachesThe summer fee is $15 a day from late June to Labor Day, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Resident and neighbor town passes are available, so ask before you pay full price.
Large paved lots and street parking; a $15 daily fee applies in summer.
Paved lots lead to the sand but the beach is not ADA accessible.
No dogs are allowed.
Lifeguard hours make late June through Labor Day the main season. On clear days the lighthouse view across the water is the reward.
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