Covehead Harbour

• Harbour activity: moored boats, traps, floats and buoys stacked along the wharf.
• The channel: a narrow tidal gap with the shifting sand spit and dunes on either side, and open water beyond.
• The lighthouse view: the small square wooden tower with its square lantern sits in the dunes just east of the bay entrance, visible from the harbour area and easily reached from the parkway.
• Marsh and wetland edges along this stretch of shore are known as productive ground for bird watching, so bring binoculars if that interests you.

The lighthouse and the sandy Covehead Lighthouse Beach are listed separately, and Stanhope Beach, Covehead Beach and Dalvay-by-the-Sea are their own destinations. This entry is the wharf and harbour mouth itself, which is about boats and channel views rather than a serviced swimming beach. The harbour is not a supervised beach, and the nearby sand access has no lifeguards and no public washrooms on site.

• Reached from the Gulf Shore Parkway near 1530 Gulf Shore Parkway, Stanhope.
• Parking is limited at the nearby beach access, and reaching the sand involves walking through soft sand.
• Bring sun protection, water, footwear you do not mind filling with sand, and a wind layer, since the harbour mouth is exposed.
• Park rules generally do not allow pets on national park beaches from April 1 to October 15; check current signage before bringing one.

It is a small, functional place rather than a developed viewpoint. Expect working equipment, vehicles and little shade, no facilities at the beach access, and tight parking during busy summer hours. Stay clear of moorings, gear and any active work areas.