Beaches

The beaches of Martha’s Vineyard are some of the most popular vacation spots on the East Coast. Whether you are looking for a family friendly beach with calm surf, a majestic view of the sunset, or the exhilarating waves of the Atlantic Ocean, the beaches of Martha’s Vineyard offer an escape for everyone.

Some of the island beaches are private or only open to residents or rental guests of the town. Some are owned by conservation organizations such as the Trustees of Reservations and require permits or a fee. But many of the islands beaches are free and open for all to enjoy.

In Edgartown, Bend-in-the-Road Beach (Joseph Sylvia State Beach) is a very popular beach for families, particularly with young children. Here you’ll find two miles of calm beach along Beach Road between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. There are lifeguards at the beach in season (from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend).

Also in Edgartown, MA there are three miles of barrier beach on the South Shore at the end of Katama Road, known as South Beach. The surf can be rough, and is often favored by surfers, body boarders and beach volleyball lovers. Lifeguards are on duty in season at this popular Martha’s Vineyard beach.

By taking a short one-minute ferry ride to the Island of Chappaquiddick, also known as Chappy, one can find breathtaking beaches and nature walks throughout this quiet little island. Chappaquiddick’s East Beach is the home to the Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge and Wasque Reservation as well as the Cape Poge Lighthouse, owned by the Trustees of Reservations. A daily fee or over-sand vehicle permit is required for access to this remote beach at the tip of the island. Tours of the lighthouse and beach are also available through the Trustees of Reservations.

One of the most loved island beaches is Long Point Wildlife Refuge Beach, located off Edgartown-West Tisbury Road. This beach requires a daily parking and entrance fee. It combines the best of both worlds with the surf of the Atlantic on one side and a calm fresh water pond on the other with beautiful barrier beach in between. It is perfect for families with kids of all ages and is a great way to spend the day on the island of Martha’s Vineyard.

Here is a list of all beaches by town.

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– Gay Head Cliffs and Beach
– Gay Head Public Beach (Moshup Beach): Surf beach off Moshup Trail.
– Lobsterville Beach: Two miles of beautiful Vineyard Sound beach and dune land along Lobsterville Road. Includes a seagull       nesting area, and is a favorite fishing spot.
– Philbin Beach: Surf beach off Moshup Trail. Gay Head residents only.
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– Lucy Vincent Beach: Surf, bluffs.
– Menemsha Public Beach: Next to Menemsha Harbor. A gentle beach with the clear, bright water that is typical of the North Shore.
– Squibnocket Beach: A surf beach.
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– East Beach (Cape Pogue Wildlife Refuge and Wasque Reservation): Located on Chappaquiddick Island. One of our best.
– Fuller Street Beach
– Katama Beach (South Beach): Fine surf on one side salt-pond on the other.
– Lighthouse Beach: A harbor beach at Star-buck’s Neck, off North Water St. Walking distance from center of Edgartown.
– Norton Point Beach: Norton Point Beach is the only island beach permitting oversand driving. Get your oversand permits here.
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– Eastville Beach
– Oak Bluffs Town Beach: Calm, shallow water.
– Joseph Sylvia State Beach: Two miles of clear, mild beach along Beach Road between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown.
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– Lake Tashmoo Town Beach: At Herring Creek on Lake Tashmoo. Open to all.
– Owen Park Beach: A harbor beach off Main St., near the center of town. Open to all.
– Tisbury Town Beach: End of Owen Little Way, next to the Vineyard Haven Yacht Club. Open to all.
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– Lambert’s Cove Beach: Considered by many to have the finest sand and clearest water on the North Shore.
– Long Point Wildlife Refuge Beach
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