The Great Outdoors

PUBLIC BEACHES

ON MARTHA’S VINEYARD there’s a beach for everyone, whether you like big surf and endless sand, or calm waters and easy parking. Some beaches on the Island are private; to avoid confusion, what follows is a list of beaches open to the public. Be aware that parking may be limited in spots; beaches are less crowded in early morning and late afternoon. Take note of all posted signs at beaches and remember to carry out what you bring in.

AQUINNAH

LOBSTERVILLE BEACH This two-mile beach off Lobsterville Road faces calm Vineyard Sound and is also a popular fishing spot. It can be rocky in some places and parking is limited.

AQUINNAH PUBLIC BEACH

(Moshup Beach) This surf beach off Moshup Trail extends to the beginning of the spectacular Gay Head Cliffs. Parking is $30/day in the summer and a short walk from the beach.

CHILMARK

MENEMSHA PUBLIC BEACH Gentle Vineyard Sound surf and epic sunsets make this an all-day favorite. Located next to Menemsha Harbor, parking spots are limited and sunset viewers are encouraged to move on quickly after sunset.

WEST TISBURY

LONG POINT WILDLIFE REFUGE This barrier beach just east of Tisbury Great Pond offers both fresh and salt water swimming. Owned by The Trustees of Reservations. Parking prices vary by membership and day of purchase and must be bought in advance. You can rent kayak and standup paddleboards on the pond.

EDGARTOWN

STATE BEACH (Bend-in-the-Road) This family-friendly two-mile stretch between Edgartown and Oak Bluffs faces Nantucket Sound on one side and Sengekontacket Pond on the other. Waters are calm and there’s plenty of accessible parking. The beach is also on the bicycle path.

LIGHTHOUSE & FULLER STREET BEACH Both are on Edgartown Harbor at Starbuck Neck, just off North Water Street. Find the lighthouse and you’re there. Calm water and a view of the harbor. Street parking is at a premium, so leave your car elsewhere.

SOUTH BEACH (Norton Point/Katama) This three-mile barrier beach has Atlantic Ocean surf on one side with a protected salt pond and Katama Bay on the other side. Three miles west from the center of Edgartown, it's the classic go-to beach for college kids. Only vehicles with over-sand permits are allowed on marked dune trails. Daily passes are currently not available due to the pandemic. Street parking available on Atlantic Avenue.

CHAPPAQUIDDICK

CAPE POGUE & WASQUE (East Beach) This beautiful stretch of east-facing coast is owned by The Trustees of Reservations. At

the legendary fishing point, Wasque, there are also trails along the bluffs overlooking Wasque Point and Poucha Pond. Be mindful of strong currents.

OAK BLUFFS

OAK BLUFFS TOWN BEACH

(Includes the Inkwell) On Nantucket Sound, this calm beach begins near the Steamship Authority dock and ends at the first jetty on the road to Edgartown, just past the breakwater. The beach picks up again about one mile east of the inlet, which flows into Sengekontacket Pond, and ends where the Joseph Sylvia State Beach begins.

JOSEPH SYLVIA STATE BEACH Gentle surf, car access (parking along State Road) and easy access from the bike path make this two-mile beach a very popular spot for families. Fishing and crabbing are popular along the jetties. Go early in the day for best parking spots and beach spots. EASTVILLE POINT BEACH A quiet spot on the Oak Bluffs side of the drawbridge on Beach Road. Parking is limited.

VINEYARD HAVEN

OWEN PARK BEACH On the harbor, off Main Street and within walking distance of the ferry terminal and downtown, this small sandy beach near the Steamship Authority has an adjacent play area.

TISBURY TOWN BEACH At the end of Owen Little Way off Main Street, this public beach is next to the Vineyard Haven Yacht Club on the harbor.

LAKE TASHMOO TOWN BEACH You can swim in Vineyard Sound or in Lake Tashmoo from this out-of-the-way beach at Herring Creek. Clamming (by permit) is allowed and the jetty is a popular fishing spot.