North Water Street Beach
A Scenic Shoreline in the Heart of Onset
The North Water Street Beach property offers quiet public access to the scenic waterfront of Onset Bay. This sandy shoreline stretches from the iconic Stone Bridge to Cove Street, providing open space for sitting, strolling, and enjoying some of the best sunset views in Wareham.
Located just steps from Onset Center, this property is owned and managed by the Wareham Land Trust and preserved for passive recreation and community enjoyment. While high tide may cover much of the beach, visitors can still enjoy the grassy edges and panoramic views across the bay.
Why This Place Matters
North Water Street Beach is an essential public space in a neighborhood with limited waterfront access. It offers a peaceful location to sit by the water, watch boats drift through the channel, or enjoy the bay's beauty. Protecting this shoreline ensures that Onset offers shared places for people to connect with the coast, regardless of property ownership or season.
This site also helps preserve a portion of Onset’s historic and natural character, contributing to the neighborhood’s unique sense of place.
What to Expect
-
A sandy beachfront that appears at low tide and is often obscured at high tide
-
Grassy areas are ideal for sitting, relaxing, or watching the water
-
Stunning sunset views over Onset Bay
-
Informal access with no developed trails or facilities
This property is not maintained for swimming and does not have restrooms, lifeguards, or designated picnic areas. It is a simple, open shoreline meant for quiet enjoyment.
How to Visit
Location:
The beach is located on North Water Street, just east of the Stone Bridge in the Onset neighborhood of Wareham.
GPS Coordinates:
Latitude: 41.7438
Longitude: -70.6533
Directions:
Follow Onset Avenue toward Onset Center. Turn onto North Water Street, located on the east side of the Stone Bridge. The beach runs between the bridge and Cove Street.
Parking:
Parking is available along North Water Street and nearby neighborhood streets. Please note that parking regulations in Onset are subject to change. Some areas may require resident parking stickers, especially during the summer season. Always check posted signs before parking.
Visitor Guidelines
-
Open from dawn until dusk
-
Dogs must be leashed and cleaned up after
-
No trash receptacles on site — carry out what you carry in
-
Respect surrounding homes and private property boundaries
Preserving Public Shoreline Access
The Wareham Land Trust protects this parcel to ensure that public access to Onset Bay remains available to residents and visitors alike. Small properties like this play a vital role in community conservation by offering simple ways to connect with the land and water in meaningful, everyday moments.
How You Can Help
-
Become a Wareham Land Trust member to support shoreline stewardship
-
Help keep the area clean during your visit
-
Share the story of this place and its role in maintaining public access to Onset’s coast
North Water Street Beach is a quiet, scenic treasure where the water meets the neighborhood. Whether you stop by for a sunset or take a moment to watch the tide roll in, this spot invites reflection, relaxation, and appreciation of the natural world right in the heart of Onset.
For more information on the Resiliency Project and Study of the Seawall, click here.
