
Dowses Beach
Osterville, Barnstable, MA

Yarmouth, Massachusetts · Nantucket Sound
Yarmouth's busiest, most fun day-beach
Sitting at the mouth of Bass River with a fishing pier, snack bar, and boat ramp. Calm water, great views, and a spacious viewing platform. Hosts outdoor movie nights in summer.
Bass River Beach is the busiest beach in Yarmouth and one of the most complete amenity packages on the Cape's south shore. Wedged at the mouth of Bass River where it pours into Nantucket Sound, the beach has a long fishing pier popular with bluefish and striper casters at dawn, a boat ramp on the river side, a snack bar slinging fried clams and burgers, and a spacious viewing platform/picnic area shaded by mature pines. The swim area is calm and shallow on the sound side; the river side has a stronger current and is best for boat-watching. Summer brings free outdoor movie nights on the platform — a beloved Yarmouth tradition. The lot is large and pay-and-display, no sticker required (a rarity on the Cape), which makes this a smart pick for visiting families. Pair with a Bass River cruise on the Lobster Roll cruise boat or dinner at the Riverway Lobster House across the bridge.
Photo spot
Boats threading through the channel from the long fishing pier at sunset.
$25
daily fee
$30
resident sticker / season
$130
non-resident / season
Daily fee, large lot with boat ramp
No dogs Memorial Day–Labor Day.
Photo by Matthew Jennings via Google Places
Late June through Labor Day, 9am–5pm

Osterville, Barnstable, MA

Hyannis, Barnstable, MA

Yarmouth, MA