A quiet gravel put-in on the Barley Neck peninsula, tucked between Meeting House Pond and Little Pleasant Bay and screened from the open ocean by Pochet Island. It is a launch point first and a swim spot second: paddlers use it far more than sunbathers.
What to expect
Swimming
Allowed water tested by the state
Hours
Beach parking passes are required 7:30am to 4:30pm from early June through Labor Day (weekends only from late May); the lots are free at all other times.
From early JuneSeason
Open access; not found on the Town's resident-sticker-enforcement landings list
Managed by
Orleans Natural Resources / Parks & Beaches Department
(508) 240-3775 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Free lot
Barley Neck Rd landing (gravel)
Details unconfirmed
Barley Neck Rd landing (gravel)
Spaceshandful (unconfirmed count)
Access points along this beach
Barley Neck Rd gravel put-in
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Show the full year
Average water temperature at Barley Neck 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 Barley Neck in Orleans 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 Barley Neck, and what does it cost?
Free lot. Barley Neck Rd landing (gravel)
What's the water temperature at Barley Neck?
Water at Barley Neck 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.
Can you swim at Barley Neck?
Yes. Barley Neck has no swimming advisory in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-09-13). Check again the morning you go.
Is there an entry fee at Barley Neck?
None confirmed