West Island Town Beach
Fairhaven, MA
West Island Town Beach is a crescent of sand on the south shore of West Island in Fairhaven, backed by salt marsh and forest. The beach has a wild edge to it, and the ride out across the island is part of the appeal. A large gravel lot handles the crowds and the beach is open dawn to dusk.
A big, natural beach with marsh and forest behind it, but the non-resident season fee is steep.
How we score beachesLate June to late August is fee season: resident $40, seniors $20, non-resident $150 for the season. Off season, leashed dogs are allowed when lifeguards are not on duty.
A large gravel lot. Seasonal fees apply from late June to late August.
Gravel lot to soft sand; not ADA accessible.
Leashed dogs are allowed only in the off season when lifeguards are off duty.
The south shore faces open water, so surf and wind come and go and late summer is the calm window. Off season, the salt marsh and forest make for long empty walks.
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