South Coast Outdoor Activities

South Coast Boating

Buzzards Bay is the South Coast's leading attraction for boating, sailing, and kayaking. Public and private boat ramps and private marinas are scattered along the length of the region's shoreline.

Dockwa is a great online resource for finding and reserving dockage and moorings at Massachusetts marinas. You'll find listings and information for municipal docks, public marinas, private marinas, boatyards, and yacht clubs.

Another helpful resource to explore South Coast boating access is the interactive map provided by the Mass.gov's Office of Fishing and Boating Access.

Local Tip: Many South Coast communities located along Buzzards Bay have public boat ramps. With three public boat ramp, Fairhaven is one example. Check official town websites for information and locations.

South Coast Biking

The South Coast of Massachusetts offers many options for getting outside on two wheels. You'll find bike paths, multi-use paths, country roads, and rail-to-trail paths, and dirt trails for mountain biking.

• Assonet: Freetown-Fall River State Forest. Mountain biking.
• Mattapoisett: Mattapoisett Rail Trail. Paved rail-trail.
• Multiple Communities: South Coast Bikeway. Bike paths, multi-use paths, and bike lanes through Swansea, Somerset, Fall River, Westport, Dartmouth, New Bedford, Fairhaven, Mattapoisett, Marion, and Wareham.

South Coast Fishing

With a long coastline alone Buzzards Bay, fishing is a major recretional activity in the Massachusetts South Coast region. Many communities have pond, lakes, and rivers where anglers can reel in the catch of the day.

One of the best resources to find a place to fish on the South Coast is provided by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.

Licenses are required for both freshwater and saltwater fishing in Massachusetts. Use these links to learn how to get fishing licenses and find places to fish on the South Shore.

• Freshwater Fishing
• Recreational Saltwater Fishing

South Coast Golfing

South Coast golfers can choose both public and private courses,

including courses that boast spectacular settings along Buzzards Bay. Here's a selection of some public and private courses to explore.

• The Bay Club, Mattapoisett. Private. Part of the Bay Club gated community. 18-hole championship level course designed by PGA Tour Professional Brad Faxon in conjunction with golf course architect Brad Booth.
• Kittansett Golf Club, Marion. Private. 18-hole oceanside course with dramatic views of Buzzards Bay. Redesigned by Gil Hanse in 2003, 2014, and 2019.
• Rochester Golf Club, Rochester. Public. 18 holes.
• Whaling City Golf Course, New Bedford. Public. 18-hole Donald Ross championship course.

South Coast Hiking

Hiking enthusiasts will find South Coast hiking trails along beaches and rivers and in state forests and conservation areas.

Three trails to explore are:

• Agawam River Trail, Wareham. A 8.5-acre riverfront preserve in East Wareham that offers birdwatching along a scenic woodland path along the Agawam River.
• Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Wareham. Carriage road trails through pine forests offer views of marshes and the Cape Cod Canal at this 219-acre preserve.
• Ricketson’s Nature Trail, New Bedford. One of three nature trails maintained by the City of New Bedford. Located in Brooklawn Park, this trail winds through woodlands once walked by Henry David Thoreau.

South Coast Kayaking

Buzzards Bay provides a spectacular setting for sea kayaking along the South Coast. Many communities along Buzzards Bay provide boat ramps where residents can park and launch their kayaks courtesy of a resident sticker obtained from the local government.

Or explore these South Coast kayak rental locations.

• Acoaxet Kayak Rental, Westport. Located at Carey's Boat Yard. Kayak rental by the hour.
• Nemasket Kayak Center, Wareham. Guided tours, rentals, and instruction.
• Osprey Sea and Surf Adventures, Westport. Located at the head of the East Branch of the Westport River. Kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddleboard rentals, kayak tours, and kayak and SUP instruction.