A harbor-side beach across the causeway from Devereux, built more for launching small boats than for swimming. A concrete ramp at the head of shallow Ladys Cove makes it the town's main car-top launch for kayaks and prams.
What to expect
Swimming
Water not monitored by DPH
Season
Open year-round; lot follows the same seasonal hours as Devereux
Accessibility
Ramp is built for boats rather than swimmers.
Dogs
Marblehead by-law bars dogs from any public beach, athletic area, playground or park between May 1 and October 1, and from public cemeteries year-round. This site is one of the by-law's named exceptions (Chandler Hovey Park, Crocker Park,…
Kayak
Allowed year-round, tide-dependent
Managed by
Marblehead Recreation & Parks Department
781-631-3350 · WebsiteGetting in
Access points along this beach
Worth knowing
- The Recreation Department also rents kayak and pram rack space here, valid May 15 to Nov 15, resident-only with proof of residency, released first-come first-served the first Monday of May.
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Common questions
Is Riverhead Beach in Marblehead open today?
open to the public; water quality here is not monitored by MA DPH (updated 2026-11-05). MA DPH is the authority. Check the status the morning you go.
Riverhead is used mainly as a boat and kayak launch rather than a swimming beach. It is not one of the town's tested swim beaches, so water quality here is not monitored.
What rules should I know at Riverhead Beach?
Ladys Cove is shallow and largely unusable for boats except around high tide.
Are dogs allowed at Riverhead Beach?
Marblehead by-law bars dogs from any public beach, athletic area, playground or park between May 1 and October 1, and from public cemeteries year-round. This site is one of the by-law's named exceptions (Chandler Hovey Park, Crocker Park, Fort Sewall, Fountain Park, Upper Seaside Park, Riverhead…
Is there an entry fee at Riverhead Beach?
No, entry is free.