A peninsula beach at the mouth of East Bay in Osterville, with a choice of calmer bay water or the ocean side, soft sand and dunes running along the walk in.
What to expect
Parking
Permit Resident/taxpayer sticker required; non-residents cannot purchase daily parking here
Swimming
Allowed water tested by the state
Hours
Restrooms/bathhouse open 9am-4:30pm in season; lifeguards 9am-5pm Memorial Day-Labor Day
Accessible
Wheelchair access noted
Dogs
Not a dog-friendly beach
Managed by
Barnstable Recreation Division
508-420-2407 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Permit
CostResident/taxpayer sticker required; non-residents cannot purchase daily parking hereStickerBarnstable resident beach permit
Dowses Beach lot
Details unconfirmed
Access points along this beach
Main bathhouse entrance
off East Bay Road
What's here
Facilities
Restrooms
Shingled Cape Cod-style bathhouse
Common questions
Is Dowses in Barnstable open today?
Open, no advisory on record in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-07-16). MA DPH is the authority. Check the status the morning you go.
Is there parking at Dowses, and what does it cost?
Permit (Resident/taxpayer sticker required; non-residents cannot purchase daily parking here). Dowses Beach lot
Are there restrooms at Dowses?
Public restrooms are listed near the beach. Seasonal hours are common, so they may be closed off-season.
Been here? Help keep it current.
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