Set on a narrow causeway along the sparkling waters of Sippican Harbor in Marion, Planting Island Beach’s rugged, rocky shoreline offers sweeping views of Buzzards Bay. Over on the calm cove side of this town beach, residents can launch a kayak to explore the salt marshes of Planting Island Cove.

In summer, Planting Island Cove is an excellent destination for kayakers.

Planting Island Causeway is a unique spot because it has two distinct faces. On one side, the waters of Sippican Harbor lap against a narrow, rocky beach. This southwest-facing beach is a great place for residents to catch a spectacular sunset over the harbor.

On the other side, quiet Planting Island Cove awaits paddlers who launch from the muddy, marshy shoreline by the parking areas. From here, you can kayak around Planting Island Cove, Blankenship Cove, and the islands of Sippican Harbor.

Planting Island Beach is located in outer Sippican Harbor, near its mouth at Buzzards Bay. The rocky beach is decorated with shells from quahogs, bay scallops, and oysters. As you comb the beach for interesting finds, look up for gulls, terns, and ospreys soaring above the waves.

Along Planting Island Cove, the shores are lined with salt marshes and woods. Egrets and herons stalk these marshes for small fish, and crabs crawl among the rocks in the mud.

Parking is limited to residents with parking stickers.