What You'll Find at Burgess Park and Hamblin's Pond in Marstons Mills, MA

Marstons Mills is one of Barnstable's quieter villages, mainly because the community is mostly inland. Therefore, it doesn't have any oceanfront beaches to attract crowds when temperatures rise.

However, Marstons Mills offers access to North Bay, Mystic Lake, Middle Pond, Long Pond, Shubael Pond, and Hamblin's Pond, to name a few water bodies in the area. These ponds are popular with locals because they're quiet, secluded, and laidback.

Hamblin's Pond is perhaps the most accessible water body in Marstons Mills, as it has a beach and boat launch that make swimming or boating a breeze.

If you decide to buy a home in the Marstons Mills area, there's a good chance you'll spend some time at Hamblin's Pond or the neighboring Burgess Park.

Here's a look at what you'll find when exploring these two popular facilities on Cape Cod.

The Disc Golf Course

We'll start at Burgess Park, a popular venue known for its disc golf course. While not overly long, this 18-hole facility provides a technical challenge because there are plenty of trees to contend with when teeing off.

The holes wind their way through the entire park, and some of the course's northernmost areas overlook Hamblin's Pond. There are trails to explore and a playground for the kids, too.

Additionally, the course features Blue pro tees, White recreational tees, and Red kiddie tees, making Burgess Park a place where the entire family can go to try this rapidly growing sport.

There's plenty of parking at Burgess Park, and it's easily accessible from Route 28 via Cotuit Road. Note that the course gets busy on weekend afternoons but tends to clear out by the early evening.

The Burgess House

Right beside the park is a historic building called The Burgess House, an 1823-built structure that is now the Marstons Mills Village Association's headquarters.

The building hosts meetings for members of the Marstons Mills community on the first Tuesday of every month, giving residents the chance to get involved in the village's future and discuss important issues.

There are also events held throughout the year at Burgess House, both inside and outdoors in the building's expansive yard.

You'll likely find yourself at Burgess House at some point after buying a home in Marstons Mills because it's an indispensable venue in the village.

Hamblin's Pond Beach

There's a turnoff on Cotuit Road just before you reach Burgess Park that will take you to Hamblin's Pond Beach.

Once at the beach, you'll find a large parking lot and a sandy area that's great for kids because of its calm, shallow water. The swimming area is roped off, too, adding a layer of protection, but it's important to note that there aren't any lifeguards on duty. 

There's a brand new washroom facility at the beach, making it even more convenient for families, and the Town of Barnstable holds swimming lessons at the pond in the summer.

The beach doesn't get too busy, even in the warmest months, because it's relatively hidden from the Cape's visitors and seasonal residents. The result is an excellent place for residents to cool off without having to fight the crowds.

Remember that you'll need a resident beach sticker to park there, which will cost you $45 for the year as a Marstons Mills local.

Boat Launch

After you pass Burgess Park on Cotuit Road, you'll come to a cartop boat ramp where you can put a canoe or kayak in Hamblin's Pond. You'll have to carry the boat from your car to the water, as there's nowhere to back it down the ramp, so it's only useful for small boats.

However, there's a small parking area at the ramp, and paddling in this pond provides hours of fun and some of Marstons Mills' best fishing.

Hamblin's Pond is stocked annually with Rainbow, Brook, Brown, and Tiger trout and is also home to Yellow Perch, Smallmouth Bass, Banded Killifish, American Eel, and Golden Shiner.

The trout fishing is excellent at Hamblin's Pond, as you can troll the shoreline while enjoying the scenery or sit in the pond's deepest water, just north of the ramp.

Once you spend a day fishing at Hamblin's Pond, you're sure to return day after day.

Living in Marstons Mills

Cape Cod is full of vibrant communities in which to buy a home, with each having unique characteristics. In Marstons Mills, you'll find a historic downtown and a collection of small ponds that offer excellent places to spend your summertime afternoons.

Deciding on where to buy a home on Cape Cod will take some serious thought, but Marston Mills is worth considering because of its quiet atmosphere and abundance of activities for the entire family.