Buzzards Bay, MA

Buzzards Bay is a small village located in the town of Bourne, Massachusetts, on the western edge of Cape Cod. Its name comes from the body of water it borders, Buzzards Bay, which is an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean.

The area that is now Buzzards Bay was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Wampanoag people. They relied on the bay's abundant resources for fishing and gathering food.

European settlers began to arrive in the late 17th century, establishing small fishing and farming communities in the area. However, the village's development was greatly influenced by the construction of the Cape Cod Canal, a man-made waterway that connects Cape Cod Bay and Buzzards Bay.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, plans to construct a canal through Cape Cod were being discussed. The Buzzards Bay village became a hub of activity during the canal's construction, leading to a significant increase in population and economic growth. The Cape Cod Canal officially opened in 1914, creating a crucial shipping route and attracting more industries and businesses to the area.

During the 20th century, Buzzards Bay continued to grow as a popular summer destination and a year-round residential community. The village is known for its scenic beauty, charming waterfront, and its proximity to Cape Cod's numerous attractions.

Today, Buzzards Bay is a thriving coastal community that offers recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and beachgoing. It is also home to several educational institutions, including the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, which trains students for careers in the maritime industry.

In addition, Buzzards Bay has a rich maritime heritage and is home to various historical sites and museums, including the National Marine Life Center and the Aptucxet Trading Post Museum, which showcases the area's Native American and colonial history.

Overall, the history of Buzzards Bay is closely intertwined with the development of the Cape Cod Canal and the maritime industry, shaping it into the charming village it is today.

National Marine Life Center

A marine animal hospital and science education center where visitors can learn about and observe marine wildlife.

Massachusetts Maritime Academy

A college for maritime education offering tours of the campus and maritime museum.

Bourne Scenic Park

A campground and recreational area with swimming, picnicking, and sports facilities.

Mass Audubon's Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary

A nature preserve with trails for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife observation.

Aptucxet Trading Post Museum

A historic museum showcasing a recreated 17th-century trading post and exhibitions on early American history.

The Buttermilk Bay Conservation Area

A scenic natural area with walking trails, wetlands, and opportunities for fishing and boating.

Buzzards Bay Coalition Discovery Center

A visitor center and educational facility that focuses on preserving and protecting the Buzzards Bay ecosystem.

Gray Gables Market

A historic marketplace featuring local vendors, shops, and eateries.

Local beaches

Buzzards Bay is home to several beautiful beaches like Monument Beach and Onset Beach, where visitors can relax, swim, and enjoy water activities.

Cape Cod Canal

A man-made waterway offering biking paths, walking trails, and fishing spots along its shores.

The climate of Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts is classified as humid continental. It experiences four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter.

Spring in Buzzards Bay starts relatively cool, with temperatures gradually warming up. Average temperatures in this season range from the low 40s Fahrenheit (around 5 degrees Celsius) in March to the low 70s Fahrenheit (around 20 degrees Celsius) in May. Spring can be quite rainy, with precipitation occurring on around 8 to 9 days per month.

Summer is warm to hot in Buzzards Bay, with average temperatures ranging from the upper 60s to upper 70s Fahrenheit (around 20 to 25 degrees Celsius) in June, and reaching the upper 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (around 25 to 28 degrees Celsius) in July and August. The area experiences a fair amount of humidity in summer. Rainfall is relatively moderate, occurring on around 6 to 7 days per month.

Fall in Buzzards Bay is mild and pleasant, with temperatures gradually cooling down. September sees average temperatures in the upper 60s to low 70s Fahrenheit (around 20 degrees Celsius), while October ranges from the upper 50s to upper 60s Fahrenheit (around 15 to 20 degrees Celsius). November becomes colder, with average temperatures in the upper 40s to low 50s Fahrenheit (around 5 to 10 degrees Celsius). Fall is also a relatively wet season, with precipitation occurring on around 8 to 9 days per month.

Winter in Buzzards Bay is cold, with average temperatures ranging from the upper 30s to low 40s Fahrenheit (around 3 to 5 degrees Celsius) in December and January, and dropping to the upper 20s to low 30s Fahrenheit (around -2 to 0 degrees Celsius) in February. Snowfall is common in winter, with an average of 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) per month. Overall, winter sees lower precipitation compared to other seasons.

Buzzards Bay, being located along the coast, is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. This maritime influence helps moderate the temperatures throughout the year, making winters milder and summers cooler compared to inland areas. However, it also means the area can experience coastal storms, which can bring strong winds and heavy precipitation.

Buzzards Bay is a small village located in the town of Bourne, Massachusetts. While it is a relatively small area, there are a few distinct neighborhoods within Buzzards Bay:

Main Street

This is the heart of Buzzards Bay, where you will find a variety of businesses, restaurants, and shops. Main Street also extends towards the coast, offering beautiful ocean views.

Bournedale

Located to the north of Buzzards Bay, Bournedale is a residential neighborhood known for its natural beauty. It is home to the Bournedale Elementary School, several parks, and ponds where residents can enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing or kayaking.

Swifts Neck

Situated on a peninsula jutting out into Buttermilk Bay, Swifts Neck is a prestigious neighborhood known for its waterfront properties and stunning views of the bay. The area also offers private beach access and a yacht club.

Monks Cove

Located to the south of Buzzards Bay, Monks Cove is a tranquil neighborhood with a mix of residential homes and vacation properties. It is bordered by the Cape Cod Canal and offers easy access to recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and biking along the canal.

The Villages at Brookside

A newer development in Buzzards Bay, The Villages at Brookside offers contemporary townhomes and apartments. It features amenities such as a golf course, tennis courts, swimming pools, and fitness centers. The community is popular among retirees and those seeking maintenance-free living.

Gray Gables

Just east of Buzzards Bay, Gray Gables is a charming neighborhood with an old New England vibe. It is known for its historic homes, tree-lined streets, and proximity to Gray Gables Beach on Cape Cod Bay.

These neighborhoods each offer their own charm and unique characteristics, contributing to the vibrant community of Buzzards Bay. Whether you prefer waterfront living, close-knit residential areas, or modern amenities, Buzzards Bay has something to offer for everyone.