A crescent-shaped, 13.8-acre town beach on West Island's southern shore, set next to the salt marshes of the West Island State Reservation. It is Fairhaven's main lifeguarded beach, with clean water good for snorkeling as well as swimming.
What to expect
Parking
Paid lot Season sticker required late June through late August: resident $45, senior resident (62+) $25, non-resident $175 (capped at 150, first come first served), rental-property transferable $275. Buy at the Board of Public Works office, not at…
Free until late JuneSwimming
Allowed water tested by the state
Season
Opens late June, ends Labor Day weekend
Accessibility
Not ADA accessible
Dogs
On leash, off-season only (when lifeguards are not on duty)
Kayak/Canoe/Sup
Allowed year-round
Fishing
Allowed year-round, includes shellfishing
Managed by
Board of Public Works, Parks and Grounds Division
(508) 979-4031 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Paid lot
CostSeason sticker required late June through late August: resident $45, senior resident (62+) $25, non-resident $175 (capped at 150, first come first served), rental-property transferable $275. Buy at the Board of Public Works office, not at…
West Island Town Beach lot
West Island Town Beach lot
CostSeason sticker required late June through late August: resident $45, senior resident (62+) $25, non-resident $175…SpacesLarge gravel lot
Access points along this beach
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Common questions
Is West Island Town Beach in Fairhaven 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.
When are lifeguards on duty?
Late June through late August, 8:45am to 3:45pm.
Is there parking at West Island Town Beach, and what does it cost?
Paid lot (Season sticker required late June through late August: resident $45, senior resident (62+) $25, non-resident $175 (capped at 150, first come first served), rental-property transferable $275. Buy at the Board of Public Works office, not at…). West Island Town Beach lot
Are there restrooms at West Island Town Beach?
Public restrooms are listed near the beach. Seasonal hours are common, so they may be closed off-season.
Can you swim at West Island Town Beach?
Yes. West Island Town 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 West Island Town Beach?
On leash, off-season only (when lifeguards are not on duty)
Is there an entry fee at West Island Town Beach?
No, entry is free.
Do you need a beach sticker to park at West Island Town Beach?
A beach sticker applies to parking here. Season sticker required late June through late August: resident $45, senior resident (62+) $25, non-resident $175 (capped at 150, first come first served), rental-property transferable $275. Buy at the Board of Public Works office, not at….