The town lists Dowses Beach as a resident/taxpayer only beach in Osterville.
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
From Memorial DaySeason
Staffed Memorial Day to Labor Day; open access year-round
Accessibility
Handicap chairs available in season
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
Dowses Beach lot
CostResident/taxpayer sticker required; non-residents cannot purchase daily parking hereSpacesunconfirmed
Dowses is restricted to residents/taxpayers only, unlike the town's six non-resident beaches
Access points along this beach
Main bathhouse entrance
off East Bay Road
What's here
Facilities
Restrooms
Shingled Cape Cod-style bathhouse
Changing rooms
in bathhouse
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Common questions
Is Dowses Beach in Barnstable open today?
Open, no advisory on record in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-09-13). MA DPH is the authority. Check the status the morning you go.
Is there parking at Dowses Beach, 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 Beach?
Public restrooms are listed near the beach. Seasonal hours are common, so they may be closed off-season.
Can you swim at Dowses Beach?
Yes. Dowses Beach has no swimming advisory in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-09-13). Check again the morning you go.
Are dogs allowed at Dowses Beach?
Not a dog-friendly beach
Is there an entry fee at Dowses Beach?
No, entry is free.
Do you need a beach sticker to park at Dowses Beach?
A beach sticker applies to parking here. Resident/taxpayer sticker required; non-residents cannot purchase daily parking here.