Fort Phoenix Beach
Fairhaven, MA
Fort Phoenix Beach lies within Fort Phoenix State Reservation in Fairhaven, about a half mile of sand on the outer edge of New Bedford Harbor with a Revolutionary War fort behind it. The 9.3 acre park has three free paved lots, seasonal lifeguards, restrooms, showers and a playground. Beach access mats and floating wheelchairs are available.
Free parking, lifeguards, showers and real accessibility, with a fort to explore, but it is a harbor beach and can get busy on summer weekends.
How we score beachesClimb the fort walls for the harbor view before or after your swim. Dogs are welcome in the park but not on the beach, so plan a leash walk on the grass.
Three free paved lots at the reservation.
Beach access mats and floating beach wheelchairs make this one of the more accessible beaches in the area.
Dogs are allowed in the park but not on the beach.
Lifeguards and full amenities run through the summer season, and the harbor mouth catches a steady sea breeze. On foggy days the fort looks especially atmospheric.
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