The Cove Road landing sits beside Orleans Center where Samuel de Champlain is said to have come ashore in 1605, with a public boat ramp and dockage right next to the busy private dock at Goose Hummock's kayak-and-SUP outfitters. It's a launch point and a slice of local history more than a swimming beach.
What to expect
Swimming
Water not monitored off-season
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. Posted hours at the entrance win if they differ.
From early JuneSeason
General town rule: closed to the public 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise
Kayak/Canoe
Allowed year-round
Boat Launch/Dockage
Allowed
Birdwatching
Allowed year-round (swans and nesting ospreys reported near Hopkins Island)
Managed by
Town of Orleans Department of Public Works & Natural Resources (landing/parking); Harbormaster (dockage)
508-240-3790 (DPW & Natural Resources); 508-240-3755 (Harbormaster) · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Resident sticker
StickerOrleans resident sticker required, mid-June to mid-September
Cove Road Town Landing
Details unconfirmed
Cove Road Town Landing
Spaces15-18
Access points along this beach
Worth knowing
- Town Cove is where Samuel de Champlain is traditionally said to have come ashore in 1605, and it was later the landfall for several French transatlantic telegraph cables; the French Cable Station Museum sits just inland.
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Show the full year
Average water temperature at Town Cove 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 Town Cove in Orleans open today?
Town Cove is not monitored right now. MA DPH samples beach water Memorial Day to Labor Day and posts no advisories or all-clears off-season, so there is no swim status to report. Swimming off-season is at your own risk.
Can I launch my own kayak or boat here?
Yes - the Cove Road Town Landing has a public boat ramp and dockage facility onto Town Cove, separate from the private rental dock next door at Goose Hummock Shops.
Is there parking at Town Cove, and what does it cost?
Resident sticker. Cove Road Town Landing
What's the water temperature at Town Cove?
Water at Town Cove 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 Town Cove?
No alcohol, no littering, no open fires (town-wide beach/park rule).
Can you swim at Town Cove?
There is no MA DPH swim status for Town Cove off-season: the state samples beach water Memorial Day to Labor Day. Swimming off-season is at your own risk; check conditions posted at the beach.
Is there an entry fee at Town Cove?
No, entry is free.
Do you need a beach sticker to park at Town Cove?
Yes, parking here uses a resident sticker.