A small, sandy town beach tucked into a residential street-end on Priests Cove, across the water from the much busier Fort Phoenix. Large rocks break up the sand and there is no lifeguard or facilities, just a quiet neighborhood shoreline with clear, sheltered water.
What to expect
Swimming
Water not monitored off-season
Season
Open access year-round, no gate
Accessibility
Not ADA accessible
Managed by
Board of Public Works, Parks and Grounds Division
(508) 979-4031 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Free lot
CostFree
Roadside area off Manhattan Ave.
Roadside area off Manhattan Ave.
CostFreeSpacesSmall, unpaved
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Common questions
Is Pope Beach in Fairhaven open today?
Pope Beach is not monitored right now. MA DPH samples beach water Memorial Day to Labor Day and posts no advisories or all-clears off-season, so there is no swim status to report. Swimming off-season is at your own risk.
Is Pope Beach good for young kids?
It is a calm, sheltered cove with no lifeguard, so it suits confident young swimmers with an attentive adult rather than a supervised toddler beach.
Is there parking at Pope Beach, and what does it cost?
Free lot (Free). Roadside area off Manhattan Ave.
What rules should I know at Pope Beach?
No lifeguard on duty.
Can you swim at Pope Beach?
There is no MA DPH swim status for Pope Beach off-season: the state samples beach water Memorial Day to Labor Day. Swimming off-season is at your own risk; check conditions posted at the beach.
Are dogs allowed at Pope Beach?
Permitted
Is there an entry fee at Pope Beach?
No, entry is free.