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South Pier

OpenOcean beach · New Bedford, MAUpdated Sep 13, 2026

Today's conditions at South Pier

Right now

Safe to swim

water test · MA DPH · latest posting

South Pier is an ocean beach in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

What to expect

Swimming

Allowed water tested by the state

Water

Ocean (salt)

Hours

New Bedford's beach parking is paid 10am to 5:30pm in season, from the last weekend in June through Labor Day, when lifeguards are also on duty; off-season parking at East Beach and Fort Taber is free. That's the town default unless…

From June

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed on New Bedford's public swimming beaches; the city's off-leash Captain Jack Peterson Dog Park is the designated place for dogs. Posted signs at the site take precedence.

Tides & weather

Common questions

Is South Pier in New Bedford 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.

Can you swim at South Pier?

Yes. South Pier has no swimming advisory in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-09-13). Check again the morning you go.

Are dogs allowed at South Pier?

Dogs are not allowed on New Bedford's public swimming beaches; the city's off-leash Captain Jack Peterson Dog Park is the designated place for dogs. Posted signs at the site take precedence.

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BetaDetails are sourced from public agency data and can change through the season. Confirm locally before you go. Swim status from MA DPH; see all MA beaches closed for swimming today. Updated 2026-09-13.