Marthas Vineyard Beaches

Located just off of Moshup Trail, Aquinnah Public beach was named one of the best walking beaches in America by The Travel Channel, situated by the red clay cliffs of Gay Head. Often hilighted as the most picturesue of all Vineyard beaches, Aquinnah Public beach features trails, surf, a historic lookout post, smooth sandy dunes, and the legendary clay cliffs. The historic clay cliffs are full of vibrant naturall colors, supplemented by the cool scenery of the ocean and surrounding dunes. A trail runs from the lighthouse, to the parking lot ($15 parking fee during summer), to the beach's entrance, and back to the restaurants at the top of the cliffs, where you can sample the local island fare while enjoying one of the most spectacular views the island has to offer.

On the island of Chappaquiddick, East Beach is one of the finest on Martha’s Vineyard. The surf is calm, and the scenery peaceful. Vehicle access is available either by way of Chappy's On-Time ferry, or by oversand drive from one of Martha's Vineyard's two drive-on beaches (permit required). East Beach is also close to the Norton Point Breach that leads into Edgartown Harbor, a recent and popular phenomenon frequented by fishermen and sightseers alike. East Beach is open to all, but is subject to the regulations of The Trustees of Reservations, who perform general upkeep  and maintenence of the beach.

At the bridge between Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven, Eastville Beach is a quiet, calm, public beach, ideal for watching the sailboats and ferries come and go. Located on the outer rim of the harbor, Eastvile Beach provides an isolated view of Vineyard Haven Harbor and its shipyard, as well as the peaceful Lagoon Pond, which is easilly accessible directly behind the beach. Eastville Beach and it's nearby Lagoon Pond are perfect sheltered spots for tubing, boating, fishing, clamming and more. The beach has drive-up parking just feet from the jetty and shore, which makes for a quintessential barbeque spot.  Beachgoers will be exposed to all aspects of typical Martha's Vineyard life at this central, easy to reach central location.

Fuller Street Beach sits in the heart of Edgartown at the end of Fuller Street. It is located a safe distance away from the bustle of harbor activity, yet still close enough to admire the passing harbor goers. Calm water makes it a great spot for families and kids while the nearby Eel Pond provides a sheltered spot for those seeking an alternative beach experience. Access by foot or bicycle is recommended due to limited parking.

Joseph Sylvia State Beach stretches along two miles of clear, mild beach between Edgartown and Oak Bluffs (the Edgartown portion is often called Bend-in-the-Road Beach). Calm surf and soft sand make State Beach an ideal destination for families with small children. For older children there is the option of jumping off Memorial Bridge, of one of two bridges spanning the gaps between the beach and Sengekontacket Pond. Sengekontacket Pond is located directly behind the beach and is ideal for wind and kite surfing as well those seeking a safe area to jet ski. On street parking is available (although quickly fills during peak summer months), as well as access by bike path from Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

Lake Tashmoo Town Beach is a quiet, peaceful venue at Herring Creek on Lake Tashmoo, where salt and fresh water meet.  Open to all who desire, Lake Tashmoo offers more than just a fresh water lake and a quaint harbor horizon; Tashmoo is home to many popular quahogging grounds that populate its inner shores. With a small and isolated feel, Tashmoo provides a tranquil and personalized getway experience, without the hassle of being a private beach. Tashmoo is also an ideal place to catch a Vineyard sunset, whether from the jetty that borders the inlet or from the beach itself.  You can even drive up and watch from the parking lot. The road to Tashmoo Beach gradually turns from pavement to dirt, to beach sand, passing through scenic wooded areas as it brings you closer to an authentic Vineyard experience.

Considered by many to have the finest sand and clearest blue water on the north shore, Lambert's Cove Beach is one of Martha's Vineyard's most scenic, yet spacious beaches. The entrance to Lambert's Cove Beach is just off of the main road, where beachgoers have ample parking. Lambert's Cove features two shallow inlets, ideal for children to play and perfect for a relaxing walks. With some of the more picturesque dunes on the island, Lambert's Cove Beach is great for soaking in both sun and  scenery. The beach offers enough space to spread out and relax, and is perfect for scenic walks along the cliffs. Open to West Tisbury residents and renters only. 

An Edgartown harbor beach at the juncture of Starbucks Neck and North Water Street, just a short walk to downtown. Lighthouse Beach, with its famous lighthouse and calm water, is the perfect venue for taking in nearby bustle of harbor activity. The comings and goings of local fishermen as well as the frequent trips of the Chappy's On-Time ferry are just a few of the sights to be had from the beach. This historic beach is perfect for relaxing and taking in the view after an afternnon or evening on the town, and an ideal place to fish from the shore into the depths of the harbor. The lighthouse itself is one of five located on the island and, when coupled with the harbor, completes a picturesque backdrop worthy of any photo opportunity. Access by foot or bicycle is recommended due to limited parking.

Lobsterville beach lays over two miles of beautiful beach stretched along the Vineyard Sound, with striking dune land along Lobsterville Road.   Lobsterville Beach includes a seagull nesting area, and is a favorite fishing spot for Martha's Vineyard locals and visitors. The beach is open to all, but parking is prohibited on Lobsterville Road.

Long Point Beach offers swimming in the fresh water of Long Point Pond as well as the lively ocean at South Beach. An excellent choice for families with children of varying ages- older children and adults can play in the rolling South Beach surf, and small children are safe to enjoy the shallow water at Long Point Pond. A short walk down the beach is a breach into Tisbury Great Pond where people can ride the surf from the ocean, through the gap, and into the pond itself. Long Point Beach has several convenient changing areas, public restrooms, and an area equipped with a water spigot for washing off before returning to your car. Summer access  to the beach parking lot is via Waldron’s Bottom Road. The facilities are maintained by the Trustees of Reservations and are open to all with payment of a small admission fee.

Lined by striking red cliffs, Lucy Vincent Beach is a surf beach on the Chilmark section of Martha’s Vineyard’s south shore. Lucy Vincent's cliffs are just a short walk from the beach, and can be enjoyed for as far as the eye can see. A secluded and less frequented spot than it's public counterparts, Lucy Vincent gives beachgoers the clay cliff experience without the typical summer crowds. Good for surfing and swimming, Lucy Vincent is an ideal Martha's Vineyard beach locale. Open to Chilmark residents and renters only.

Situated next to the quaint and colorful Menemsha harbor, Menemsha Public Beach is known for its calm surf and dramatic, picturesque sunsets. Menemsha Public beach is a short walk from many locally owned and operated restaurants, perfect for grabbing a quick bite to eat before catching the sunset. In addition to plenty of parking just behing the beach, there are several public restroom facilities. Menamsha Public Beach is an ideal spot for fisherman of all ages; with the jetty extending far into the harbor and out towards the ocean, the beach offers plenty of room to fish for all those who desire. Stroll from the harbor to the nearby cliffs and take in the scenery.  Get takeout from The Bite, sit in the sand, and applaud as Menemsha's fameous sunset dips below the horizon. Menemsha Public Beach is truely unique and picturesque island experience.

Oak Bluffs Town Beach begins near the Steamship Authority dock and terminates at the first jetty on Beach Road (toward Edgartown). The beach continues again about one mile southeast of the small inlet flowing into Sengekontacket Pond, and ends at Joseph Sylvia State Beach. Featuring calm water, the beach is ideal for small children, or anyone seeking a peaceful place to sit while waiting for the ferry. Oak Bluffs Town Beach is a short walk from the center of town, Ocean Park and Circuit Avenue. Parking is available all along the edge of the beach, and surronding Ocean Park.

A Vineyard Haven harbor beach just off Main Street, near the center of town. Owen Park Beach is conveniently located, and perfect for watching the hustle and bustle of the harbor’s boating activity. For those with children Owen Park is only feet from the beach, and a great alternative for children less inclined to the water. Owen Park Beach is suprisingly secluded for being so close to town; the beach is generally calm and sparsely occupied. There is a small dock for kids to jump off into the harbor, and for adults to take a brief stroll.

Philbin Beach is a private beach located just slightly east of Aquinnah Public Beach. Dramatic views, strong surf, and unpopulated surroundings make Philbin Beach a preferred destination for Aquinnah beachgoers.  Aquinnah residents only.

South Beach stretches three miles of south shore barrier beach, with big surf at one end, and a protected salt-pond at the other. As Edgartown’s largest and most popular beach, crowds are often found surfing, sunbathing, and people watching. South Beach has a large main parking lot, and ample roadside parking that span its length. The beach also has plenty of changing stations situated at most entry junctures. South Beach is one of two island beaches permitting oversand driving (permit required) and is perfect for those wanting to visit the popular breach at Norton Point, an ideal fishing and scenic spot extending to the Edgartown Harbor.

Squibnocket is located alont the Chilmark section of Martha’s Vineyard’s south shore and is regarded by many as an ideal surf beach. Squibnocket is a small, quintessential island beach, with smooth sand and quaint rolling dunes. The beach is also ideal for those seeking an unpopulated surf spot, one with more waves and less people. Open to Chilmark residents and renters only.

Tisbury Town Beach sits at the end of Owen Little Way, adjacent to the Vineyard Haven Yacht Club.  A harbor beach with calm surf.  Open to all.