Heading to Orleans this season? Whether you’re planning to bask at Nauset, harvest a basket of quahogs, or stroll Skaket with your pup at sunset, knowing the town rules up front saves you headaches and fines.
We've put together a one-stop, simplified breakdown of the three regulations people ask our chatbot about most: beach-parking stickers, recreational shellfishing permits, and dog-leash requirements.
Beach Parking Stickers + Daily Passes
Key 2025 enforcement dates
- Weekend enforcement: May 24 - June 13 (Saturdays and Sundays)
- Daily enforcement: June 14 - September 1
- Stickers go on sale May 5 (online and at the Sticker Office, 40 Giddiah Hill Rd.).
Sticker & pass prices (per vehicle)
- Resident/real-estate taxpayer (valid through 6/30/26) $25 Sticker Office or online
- Daily parking pass $32.50 Gatehouse at Nauset or Skaket on enforcement days
- Weekly sticker (7 consecutive days) $165 Online, Sticker Office, or Nauset Administration Building (9 a.m. -1 p.m. from June 14)
- Season sticker non-resident $420 Online or Sticker Office (from May 5)
Free ways in: Pedestrians and cyclists pay nothing. Park off-site, walk or ride in, and lock bikes at the racks (just remember that riding inside the lot is prohibited).
Resident-only landings: Cove Road, Doane Road, Portanimicut Rd 141, Mill Pond, Priscilla, River Road, Snow Shore, Tonset, and Wildflower Ln restrict parking to resident-sticker holders June 15 - September 15.
Shellfishing Permits and How to Get One
Family-permit options and fees
- Permit Resident / Eastham resident: $20
- Age 65+ (Resident) Non-resident: $10
- Family recreational (annual): $70
- Commercial licenses are also available (ages 16-69: $200; age 70+: $50).
2025 sales calendar
- Family permits available March 3, 2025 (online and in person).
- Non-residents should review parking restrictions at shellfish landings before buying.
Practical tips
- Bring photo ID and proof of residency if applying in person.
- Harvest only in areas posted “OPEN” by Natural Resources.
- Keep a shellfish gauge and measure every clam. Undersized catch is confiscated and fines start at $50.
- Display your permit on request; wardens perform random tidal-flat checks.
Dog-Leash and Beach Access Rules
Orleans separates dog policy by location and season. The headline: summer restrictions are strict.
Nauset Beach Corridor
- April 1 – Labor Day: Dogs are prohibited north and south of the main parking lot down to Trail #1.
- South of Trail #1 to Chatham Inlet: Dogs allowed on a leash up to 30 ft.
Skaket Beach and Rock Harbor
- Friday before Memorial Day – Labor Day: No dogs at all.
Fresh water beaches (Crystal & Pilgrim Lakes)
- June 15 – Labor Day: Dogs prohibited.
Year-round leash basics
In any area within 300 ft of Skaket, or at 70 Willie Atwood/Wildflower Lane, dogs must be leashed with a lead no longer than 30 ft unless the animal is at least 300 ft seaward of the high-tide line. The 9 a.m.–5 p.m. dog-free window is strictly enforced.
Failure to leash
Typical fines start at $50 for a first offense and climb rapidly. Rangers can also escort you off the beach.
How to Buy Everything in One Trip
- Head to 40 Giddiah Hill Road between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. (Mon–Fri, May 5–Aug 29) or use the town’s online portal.
- Bring your vehicle registration (parking stickers) and photo ID (shellfishing permits).
- Pay by credit/debit; checks are accepted in person.
- Stickers and permits are non-transferable: one vehicle or household only.
Can’t make it in? Online purchases ship within a week; print the email confirmation for up to seven days of temporary access while you wait for the sticker.
Fines & Enforcement
- Parking without a sticker $50 citation plus tow at owner’s expense
- Fishing without a permit Confiscation of catch and gear plus $100 minimum fine
- Dog violations $50 first offense, $75 second, court summons thereafter
Enforcement officers patrol daily during high season. Orleans treasures its beaches, shellfish beds, and dog-friendly culture, but that works only when visitors play by the rules. Grab the right sticker, keep your clam gauge handy, and double-check the leash before you step onto the sand.
6. Quick FAQ
Do I need a permit to walk the beach at sunrise? Only if you park in the lot during enforcement hours; pedestrians enter free.
Can I share my shellfish bucket with friends? One permit covers your immediate family; friends need their own.
Are service dogs exempt from leash rules? ADA-recognized service animals are allowed but must follow leash length limits.
What if the beach lot is full? Even with a sticker you’ll be turned away. Arrive early or use a shuttle.
Sources
- Town of Orleans Beach Regulations & Sticker Fees - town.orleans.ma.us (updated 2025)
- Town of Orleans Shellfish Department, Recreational Shellfishing Permit Information - town.orleans.ma.us (updated 2025)
- Town of Orleans Animal Control, Dog Regulations & Leash Laws - town.orleans.ma.us (updated 2024)
- Town of Orleans Natural Resources, Shellfish Opening/Closure Notices - town.orleans.ma.us (2025 postings)
Last updated April 29 2025. Always verify details on town.orleans.ma.us before traveling; regulations can change with little notice.