Pleasant Bay is Harwich's town beach on the bay of the same name, with a 10-space lot and no amenities listed by the town.
What to expect
Parking
Resident sticker Beach sticker required through Labor Day; no day pass sold here
Swimming
Allowed water tested by the state
Hours
Harwich beaches close midnight to 6am, and beach lots close 10pm to 6am. That's the town default unless posted otherwise.
Dogs
Pets are banned from Harwich beaches, landings, and public ponds May 1 through September 15; leashed dogs are fine the rest of the year. Posted signs at the site take precedence.
Banned now · back September 15Kayak/Canoe/Sup
Allowed year-round, weather permitting
Getting in
Parking
Resident sticker
CostBeach sticker required through Labor Day; no day pass sold hereStickerHarwich beach sticker (day passes sold only at Red River, Earle Road, Pleasant Road and Long Pond)
Bay Road roadside lot
Bay Road roadside lot
CostBeach sticker required through Labor Day; no day pass sold hereSpaces10
Access points along this beach
What's here
Not here
No restrooms
the town's beach brochure lists no amenities here
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Show the full year
Average water temperature at Pleasant Bay Beach by month, in °F| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|
| Water °F | 40° | 39° | 42° | 49° | 55° | 63° | 69° | 68° | 66° | 60° | 50° | 44° |
|---|
Monthly averages from NOAA, Chatham (2022 to 2024). Today's reading is in the conditions above.
Common questions
Is Pleasant Bay Beach in Harwich 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 Pleasant Bay Beach, and what does it cost?
Resident sticker (Beach sticker required through Labor Day; no day pass sold here). Bay Road roadside lot
What's the water temperature at Pleasant Bay Beach?
Water at Pleasant Bay Beach averages about 39°F in February and 69°F in July, based on NOAA readings at Chatham from 2022 to 2024. For today's temperature, see the conditions above.
What rules should I know at Pleasant Bay Beach?
No lifeguard on duty. No dogs on any Harwich beach between Memorial Day and Labor Day; off-season dogs are allowed on the sand. Red River Beach is the only exception, with on-leash dog walking permitted in the parking lot dawn-9am and 4:30pm-dusk in season.
Can you swim at Pleasant Bay Beach?
Yes. Pleasant Bay 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 Pleasant Bay Beach?
Pets are banned from Harwich beaches, landings, and public ponds May 1 through September 15; leashed dogs are fine the rest of the year. Posted signs at the site take precedence.
Do you need a beach sticker to park at Pleasant Bay Beach?
Yes, parking here uses a resident sticker. Beach sticker required through Labor Day; no day pass sold here.