A town-owned, no-fee shoreline spot on Apponagansett Bay across the street from DNRT's Knowles-Padanaram Reserve, good for watching sailboats and shorebirds or beachcombing for oyster shells. Licensed shellfishermen also dig quahogs here, and it's a workable put-in for kayaks headed into Padanaram Harbor.
What to expect
Swimming
Water not monitored by DPH
Dogs
Dartmouth requires dogs in public areas to be leashed, at heel, or otherwise under an owner's direct control at all times. Posted signs at the site take precedence.
Fishing
Allowed year-round
Birdwatching
Allowed year-round
Getting in
Parking
Free lot
Costfree
Roadside pull-offs
Details unconfirmed
Roadside pull-offs
Costfree
Limited to roadside pull-offs, no formal lot
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Common questions
Is Knowles Beach in Dartmouth open today?
open to the public; water quality here is not monitored by MA DPH (updated 2026-08-14). MA DPH is the authority. Check the status the morning you go.
Can I dig for shellfish here?
Yes, with a Dartmouth shellfishing license, Knowles Beach is a popular quahogging spot.
No, it is a free town-owned property, though parking is only roadside pull-offs.
Is there parking at Knowles Beach, and what does it cost?
Free lot (free). Roadside pull-offs
Can you swim at Knowles Beach?
Knowles Beach is town-owned and its water is not monitored by MA DPH, so there is no official swim status. Check conditions posted at the beach.
Are dogs allowed at Knowles Beach?
Dartmouth requires dogs in public areas to be leashed, at heel, or otherwise under an owner's direct control at all times. Posted signs at the site take precedence.