Dead Horse Beach is an ocean beach in Salem, Massachusetts.
What to expect
Parking
Sticker $25 annual sticker per car for Salem residents, $150 for non-residents
Swimming
Water not monitored off-season
Dogs
Salem requires dogs off the owner's property to be leashed and under control; a dog at large on a public beach, park, or mall draws a $50 fine. That's the town-wide default; watch for posted signs here.
Managed by
Salem Park, Recreation & Community Services
978-744-0924 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Sticker
Cost$25 annual sticker per car for Salem residents, $150 for non-residentsStickerSalem Park & Recreation parking sticker
Designated Salem Willows parking across from Dead Horse Beach (newly paved area near the tennis courts)
Details unconfirmed
Designated Salem Willows area across from Dead Horse Beach
Cost$25/yr resident, $150/yr non-resident
Newly paved area near the tennis courts; the sticker does not guarantee a spot
Access points along this beach
What's here
Facilities
Restrooms
Salem Willows Park, not at the beach itself
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Common questions
Is Dead Horse Beach in Salem open today?
Dead Horse Beach 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.
When is the best time to visit?
Go within two hours of high tide. As the water drops, a mud flat is exposed and can make it hard to get back to dry sand.
Is there parking at Dead Horse Beach, and what does it cost?
Sticker ($25 annual sticker per car for Salem residents, $150 for non-residents). Designated Salem Willows parking across from Dead Horse Beach (newly paved area near the tennis courts)
Are there restrooms at Dead Horse Beach?
Public restrooms are listed near the beach. Seasonal hours are common, so they may be closed off-season.
What rules should I know at Dead Horse Beach?
Rocky underwater; water shoes recommended, and no lifeguard on duty.
Can you swim at Dead Horse Beach?
There is no MA DPH swim status for Dead Horse Beach 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.
Are dogs allowed at Dead Horse Beach?
Salem requires dogs off the owner's property to be leashed and under control; a dog at large on a public beach, park, or mall draws a $50 fine. That's the town-wide default; watch for posted signs here.
Do you need a beach sticker to park at Dead Horse Beach?
A beach sticker applies to parking here. $25 annual sticker per car for Salem residents, $150 for non-residents.