Dowse’s Beach

348 East Bay Road, Osterville, MA 02655
A woman reads a book under a giant umbrella at Dowse's Beach in Barnstable, Cape Cod.

Located on a peninsula at the mouth of East Bay, Dowse’s Beach offers a unique, relaxing experience and amazing views. The coastline stretches in every direction, and the shell lined shore will keep young explorers entertained for hours. The jetty and wooden platform at the north end of the beach are great for fishing and boat watching. The parking lot is limited to residents only, and the road to the beach is tucked into quiet seaside neighborhoods, which helps to keep the crowds light (by Barnstable standards).


Parking: 217 spaces

  • Resident parking only ($50/season)

A Barnstable beach pass or daily fee is required to park at town beaches between the hours of 9am – 3:45pm (7am – 3:45pm at Craigville Beach) year round. Daily fee parking is only available in season, and only at Craigville Beach, Hathaway’s Pond, Kalmus Beach, Keyes Memorial Beach, Sandy Neck Beach and Veteran’s Park Beach.

Resident passes are valid for all Barnstable beaches. Non-resident passes are valid only for Craigville Beach, Hathaway’s Pond, Kalmus Beach, Keyes Memorial Beach, Sandy Neck Beach and Veteran’s Park Beach.

For more information and to purchase passes visit:
townofbarnstable.us/Departments/Recreation/Beach-Stickers.asp

Lifeguards in season
Restroom facilities
Dogs allowed off-season only. No dogs May 15 through September 15.
Moderately crowded
Warm salt water