Bristol Beach is a town beach on Vineyard Sound reached from the parking lot at 30 Menauhant Road. Great Bay Street, a sandy footpath along Great Pond, starts a short walk east of the lot.
What to expect
Parking
Paid lot Sticker only
Swimming
Allowed water tested by the state
Hours
9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week (lifeguarded)
Dogs
Not allowed on the beach or in the parking lot May 1-October 1.
Banned now · back October 1Getting in
Parking
Paid lot
CostSticker only
Bristol Beach lot
Bristol Beach lot
CostSticker onlySpacesunconfirmed
Address 30 Menauhant Road; also used as foot access to Great Bay Street.
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Show the full year
Average water temperature at Bristol 1 Beach by month, in °F| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|
| Water °F | 39° | 37° | 41° | 48° | 56° | 66° | 73° | 74° | 70° | 62° | 54° | 44° |
|---|
Monthly averages from NOAA, Woods Hole (2022 to 2024). Today's reading is in the conditions above.
Common questions
Is Bristol 1 Beach in Falmouth 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 Bristol 1 Beach, and what does it cost?
Paid lot (Sticker only). Bristol Beach lot
Are there restrooms at Bristol 1 Beach?
Public restrooms are listed near the beach. Seasonal hours are common, so they may be closed off-season.
What's the water temperature at Bristol 1 Beach?
Water at Bristol 1 Beach averages about 37°F in February and 74°F in August, based on NOAA readings at Woods Hole from 2022 to 2024. For today's temperature, see the conditions above.
Can you swim at Bristol 1 Beach?
Yes. Bristol 1 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 Bristol 1 Beach?
Not allowed on the beach or in the parking lot May 1-October 1.
Do you need a beach sticker to park at Bristol 1 Beach?
A beach sticker applies to parking here. Sticker only.