Beaches on Martha’s Vineyard

The unspoiled charm of Martha’s Vineyard is probably best exemplified by its scenic beaches. Beaches vary from protected, shallow, clear-water stretches on the northern and eastern sides of the Island to expanses of rumbling surf along the south side.

Some beaches are open to the public without restriction, while others are reserved for residents and summer visitors who are staying in the towns where the beaches are located. To use these town beaches, one needs a parking and/or beach permit. Permits can be obtained through the local town hall.

There are also guidelines related to pets on Martha’s Vineyard Beaches. Dukes County Beach Rules and Regulations state that:

• Between January 1 and March 31 there are no pet restrictions.
  From April 1 to May 14, dogs and pets are prohibited within 100 yards of posted nesting habitats by federal and state regulation.
• From May 15 through August 30, pets are prohibited within 100 yards of posted nesting habitat by federal and state regulation, and pets are prohibited on all beaches between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
• From September 1 through September 15, pets are prohibited on all beaches between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
• From September 16 through December 31 there are no pet restrictions.

Beaches in Aquinnah

• Gay Head Cliffs and Beach
  This beach is off-limits. The Gay Head Cliffs are a national landmark and are seriously endangered by climbing on the cliffs and removal of clay.

• Aquinnah Public Beach (Moshup Beach)
  Surf beach off Moshup Trail. The beach is approximately a ten-minute walk from the parking lot on a cleared trail. There is a $15 parking fee in summer.

• 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. The beach is open to all, but parking is prohibited on Lobsterville Road.

• Philbin Beach
  Surf beach off Moshup Trail. Aquinnah residents only.

Beaches in Chilmark

• Lucy Vincent Beach
  Chilmark section of south shore. Open to Chilmark residents and renters only.

• Menemsha Public Beach
  Next to Menemsha Harbor, a gentle beach with the clear, bright water. Open to all.

• Squibnocket Beach
  Chilmark section of south shore, a surf beach. Open to Chilmark residents and renters only.

Beaches in Edgartown

• East Beach (Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge and Wasque Reservation)
  (One of our best - located on Chappaquiddick Island. Open to all; however, subject to regulations of The Trustees of Reservations.)

• Fuller Street Beach
  At the end of Fuller Street near Lighthouse Beach. Open to all.

• Katama Beach (South Beach)
  Three miles of barrier beach on the south shore at the end of Katama Road. Fine surf on one side, protected salt-pond on the other. Open to all. Vehicles with permits allowed on marked trails.

• Lighthouse Beach
  A harbor beach at Starbuck’s Neck, off North Water Street near the center of town. Open to all.

• Beaches in Oak Bluffs

• Eastville Beach
  At the bridge between Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven. Open to all.

• Oak Bluffs Town Beach
  Calm, shallow water. The beach begins near the Steamship Authority dock and terminates at the first jetty heading toward Edgartown, at the end of the breakwater, marked by a fence. The beach continues again about one mile southeast of the small inlet flowing into Sengekontacket Pond, and ends at Joseph Sylvia State Beach. Open to all.

• Joseph Sylvia State Beach
  Two miles of clear, mild beach along Beach Road between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. (The section in Edgartown is called Bend-in-the-Road Beach.) Accessible by bicycle path. Open to all.

Beaches in Vineyard Haven

• Lake Tashmoo Town Beach
  At Herring Creek on Lake Tashmoo. Open to all.

• Owen Park Beach
  A harbor beach off Main Street, 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.

• Beaches in West Tisbury

• Lambert’s Cove Beach
  Considered by many to have the finest sand and clearest water on the north shore. West Tisbury residents and renters only.

• Long Point Beach (at Wildlife Refuge)
  Offers swimming in Long Point Pond and at south beach. Summer access via Waldron’s Bottom Road. Trustees of Reservations. Admission fee.