A nearly mile-long barrier beach on Canapitsit Neck, the spit reaching east from Cuttyhunk toward Nashawena Island. Fourteen wooden barges buried here in 1949 to stop erosion are re-emerging from the sand, and the walk out from the ferry dock passes cobble, dunes, and open Atlantic views toward Martha's Vineyard.
What to expect
Swimming
Water not monitored by DPH
Season
Open year-round, dawn to dusk
Accessibility
Not ADA accessible. Sand and cobble paths only, no accessible parking or step-free route.
Dogs
Okay off-leash in winter months; posted seasonal limitations apply in summer (exact dates not posted on the manager's page)
Fishing
Allowed year-round
Birdwatching
Allowed year-round
Managed by
Buzzards Bay Coalition
508-999-6363 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Paid lot
Costn/a
No lot on-site
No lot on-site
Costn/aSpaces0
No vehicle parking anywhere near the beach; leave a car at the ferry dock area and walk the vehicle-free path out.
Access points along this beach
Ferry dock path
Only way in; sandy paths lead through the dunes from the ferry/fuel dock area
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Common questions
Is Barges Beach in Gosnold open today?
open to the public; water quality here is not monitored by MA DPH (updated 2026-09-13). MA DPH is the authority. Check the status the morning you go.
Yes. The cobble-and-sand shoreline is open for swimming year-round, but there's no lifeguard on duty.
There's no lot. Cars stay near the ferry dock and visitors walk the rocky, vehicle-free path out to the beach; free beach wagons are available for gear.
Do I need a beach sticker?
No. Cuttyhunk has no parking lots or sticker program at all; every beach here is reached on foot or by boat.
What rules should I know at Barges Beach?
Rusty, sharp metal from the buried barges is exposed in places by ongoing erosion; watch footing near the wrecks. Gosnold's beaches are unguarded; there is no lifeguard at any of them.
Are dogs allowed at Barges Beach?
Okay off-leash in winter months; posted seasonal limitations apply in summer (exact dates not posted on the manager's page)
Is there an entry fee at Barges Beach?
No, entry is free.