The Capt. Nathaniel Wixon Dock is one of only two public access points Harwich has to the Herring River, gifted to the town to preserve commercial fishermen's landing rights; recreational boaters can use it, but only when that doesn't interfere with the fishing fleet.
What to expect
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 15Getting in
Parking
Free lot
CostfreeStickernone
Wixon Dock lot
Details unconfirmed
Wixon Dock lot
CostfreeSpacesvery limited
town has flagged inadequate parking and unstable sandy terrain at this landing; a 2024 pedestrian-access improvement project was completed
Access points along this beach
Wixon Dock / Herring River landing
What's here
Facilities
Dock
commercial fishing landing and small-craft mooring/launch, priority given to commercial fishing boats
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Show the full year
Average water temperature at Wixon Dock 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 Wixon Dock 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 Wixon Dock, and what does it cost?
Free lot (free). Wixon Dock lot
What's the water temperature at Wixon Dock?
Water at Wixon Dock 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 Wixon Dock?
Pleasure-craft use of the dock is allowed only so long as it does not unreasonably interfere with the primary commercial fishing use, per the terms of the original land gift.
Can you swim at Wixon Dock?
No. Wixon Dock's own access rules say swimming is not permitted here (Memorial Day-Labor Day (lifeguarded window)).
Are dogs allowed at Wixon Dock?
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.