East Horseneck Beach

Near East Horseneck Beach, there are several excellent dining options. Bittersweet Farm Restaurant and Tavern offers upscale American cuisine in a rustic setting, complete with a cozy tavern. The Galley Grille is another popular choice, serving American and seafood dishes in a casual, family-friendly environment. For a taste of Portugal, Portas Da Cidade offers steaks and Portuguese specialties with a lovely patio. The Bayside Restaurant is known for its local seafood, providing a homey atmosphere with outdoor seating. Lastly, The Back Eddy is a riverside favorite for creative seafood dishes.

For accommodations near East Horseneck Beach, the Hampton Inn Fall River/Westport is a convenient choice. This modern hotel offers free breakfast, an indoor pool, and sports courts, making it suitable for both leisure and business travelers. Another option is the Fairfield Inn & Suites Somerset, located a bit further away but still within driving distance. Additionally, Best Western Dartmouth-New Bedford provides a more budget-friendly option with standard amenities.

Horseneck Beach State Reservation offers a range of amenities to enhance visitor experiences. The reservation includes restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and a playground for children. There are also concessions available for snacks and refreshments. For campers, the site provides tent and RV sites with access to water and electric hookups. Additionally, the beach offers lifeguard services during peak seasons, ensuring safety for swimmers.

The area is also equipped with accessible facilities, including wheelchair-accessible restrooms and picnic areas. However, beach wheelchairs are not available, and access to the water may be limited due to cobblestones and surf conditions.

Visitors can enjoy bird watching and hiking on the trails that wind through the marshlands and dunes, providing a glimpse into the local wildlife and natural beauty.

East Horseneck Beach offers a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Swimming and sunbathing are popular pastimes, while the nearby waters are ideal for fishing and boating. Non-motorized boating, such as kayaking or paddleboarding, is also a great way to explore the coastline. For those interested in land activities, there are trails for walking and biking, as well as a playground for children.

The beach is also a prime spot for bird watching, with its marshlands and estuary providing a habitat for numerous bird species. During peak seasons, lifeguards are on duty to ensure safety for swimmers.

Camping is another major attraction, with a 100-site campground available at Gooseberry Neck, offering both tent and RV sites with electric hookups.

Horseneck Beach State Reservation offers several accessibility features to ensure that all visitors can enjoy the area. The beach provides a beach mat to facilitate access to the sand, and beach wheelchairs are available, although their use may be limited by surf conditions. The reservation also includes accessible restrooms, picnic areas, and trails, making it easier for visitors with disabilities to navigate the site.

Additionally, the campground at Gooseberry Neck offers accessible campsites, allowing everyone to enjoy the camping experience. However, due to the natural terrain, some areas like the sand dunes are not accessible.

Overall, the reservation strives to provide an inclusive environment for all visitors.

Parking at Horseneck Beach State Reservation is convenient, with large designated lots available near the beach. A daily parking fee applies from late May to mid-October, with Massachusetts residents paying $14 and non-residents $40. The fees are determined by the vehicle's license plate. Mobile payments are accepted via the YODEL app, making it easy to manage parking without cash.

The parking areas are well-maintained and offer easy access to the beach and other facilities within the reservation. However, during peak summer months, the lots can fill quickly, so arriving early is recommended.

For campers, parking is included with campsite reservations, providing a convenient place to park RVs or trailers.

East Horseneck Beach has a fascinating history, with the name 'Horseneck' possibly derived from the Algonquin word for 'a house made of stone.' The area was once home to many summer residences, but these were largely destroyed by hurricanes in the mid-20th century. Today, the beach is part of a large state reservation, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

The beach is known for its unique wildlife, including a variety of bird species that inhabit the marshlands. Visitors can enjoy bird watching and learn about the local ecosystem through guided tours or self-guided exploration.

Historically, the area was also home to Allen's Pavilion, a popular spot in the early 20th century that offered surf bathing facilities, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Near East Horseneck Beach, there are several attractions worth exploring. The beach itself is part of the larger Horseneck Beach State Reservation, which includes Gooseberry Neck, a barrier island connected by a causeway. This area offers stunning views of Rhode Island Sound and Buzzards Bay.

For those interested in history, the nearby town of Westport has a rich past, with historical sites and museums available to visit. Additionally, the Westport River offers scenic boat tours and fishing opportunities.

The area is also close to the city of Fall River, which features attractions like the Fall River Heritage State Park and the Battleship Cove, offering a mix of history and entertainment.