Sand Pond is the family freshwater beach off Great Western Road: calm, shallow water good for kids learning to swim, an 80-car lot, and a walking trail around the pond for afterward.
What to expect
Parking
Free lot free off-season; sticker required Memorial Day-Labor Day (no daily pass sold)
Swimming
Allowed water tested by the state
Accessible
Wheelchair access noted
Kayak/Canoe/Sup
Allowed year-round, weather permitting
Birdwatching
Allowed year-round
Managed by
Town of Harwich
(508) 430-7553 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Free lot
Costfree off-season; sticker required Memorial Day-Labor Day (no daily pass sold)Stickerweekly/2-week/season only
180 Great Western Road lot
Access points along this beach
Great Western Road entrance
What's here
Facilities
Restrooms
at the beach lot
Common questions
Is Sandy Pond Beach in Harwich open today?
Open, no advisory on record in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-07-16). MA DPH is the authority. Check the status the morning you go.
Is Sand Pond good for young kids?
Yes. The shallow, calm water off the main beach is one of the gentlest freshwater swim spots in Harwich, though there's no lifeguard so bring your own supervision.
Is there parking at Sandy Pond Beach, and what does it cost?
Free lot (free off-season; sticker required Memorial Day-Labor Day (no daily pass sold)). 180 Great Western Road lot
Are there restrooms at Sandy Pond Beach?
Public restrooms are listed near the beach. Seasonal hours are common, so they may be closed off-season.
What rules should I know at Sandy Pond 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.
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