By Southcoast Hack Published: May 19, 2026
Alright, summer is basically here on the South Coast. If you’re like most of us, you want to hit the beach without getting ripped off on parking or stuck in nonsense. Here’s the real, no-BS 2026 guide for beach passes, prices, and local hacks that actually work.
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2026 Beach Season Dates
Most beaches open Memorial Day Weekend (May 23) and run through Labor Day (September 7). Some let season pass holders in earlier.
All pricing information is current as of May 2026 and was gathered from the following official town and state websites:
2026 Beach Pass Prices by Town
| Dartmouth Resident Sticker: $43.22 (online) Senior Resident (65+): $32.92 Disabled Veteran: Free Covers all town beaches. Dartmouth Beach |
| New Bedford (Fort Taber, East Beach, West Beach) Seasonal Pass: $60 New Bedford Resident: $15 New Bedford Senior: $5 Greater New Bedford Resident: $30 Daily parking available at some spots: $15/day or $3/hour via text. New Bedford Parks & Recreation |
| Westport (Horseneck + Town Beaches) MA Resident Daily: $14 Non-MA Resident Daily: $40 Annual MA Resident Pass: ~$60 Horseneck Beach Website |
| Swansea Town Beach Resident Season Pass: $40 (only 500 available — sells out fast) Non-Resident Season Pass: $70 Daily Pass: $20 Opens June 17th this year. Swansea Beach Committee |
| Somerset – Pierce Beach Resident Season Pass: $40 Non-Resident Season Pass: $80 Senior (62+) & Veterans: Free Daily: Resident $10 | Non-Resident $20 Good family beach with playground and picnic spots. Pierce Beach – Town of Somerset |
Best South Coast Beaches Right Now
- Horseneck Beach (Westport) – Big, wide, and worth the drive
- Dartmouth Town Beaches – Cleaner water, nice vibe
- Fort Taber / East Beach (New Bedford) – Easy access and historic
- Swansea Town Beach – Solid local option
- Pierce Beach (Somerset) – Relaxed and family-friendly
Secret Spots & Less Crowded Areas
- Nubble Beach & Knubble Beach (Westport)
- Demarest Lloyd State Park
- Hix Bridge Landing
Local hack: Hit the big beaches early (before 10 AM) or after 4 PM and you’ll actually find parking.
Money-Saving Hacks Locals Actually Use
- Buy your resident pass as soon as possible — prices go up and some towns sell out.
- Carpool — passes are per vehicle.
- Check if you qualify for senior, veteran, or Greater New Bedford discounts.
- Look for walk-in or bike-in access at certain spots to skip parking fees. If you’re riding an e-bike this summer, make sure you’re up to date with the new rules.
- Sign up for town Nixle alerts for free beach days or storm closures.
What to Bring + Smart Tips
Pack sunscreen, a cooler, chairs, bug spray, and snacks. A lot of these beaches don’t have much food nearby. Respect the dunes, pick up your trash, and check water quality reports after rain.
While you’re out enjoying the beaches, check out this wild story: A Fairhaven guy got busted with $51,000 worth of stolen sunglasses on his bike in Dartmouth.
Parking Enforcement Warning
Towns are getting stricter this year. No pass = quick ticket ($50–$100+) or tow. Don’t try sneaking into resident lots.
Final Thoughts
The South Coast has some of the best beaches in Massachusetts if you know how to do it right. Grab your pass early, use the hacks, and you’ll have a much better (and cheaper) summer.
What’s your favorite beach this year? Drop your tips or go-to spot in the comments — I read every one and we might use the best ones in future posts.
Stay safe, don’t litter, and enjoy the water while it’s still warm.
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