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How to Create the Ultimate Martha’s Vineyard Beach Picnic

Morning Glory Farm Store (photo by Marnely Murray)

There is something undeniably special about a picnic on Martha’s Vineyard. The Island’s fresh ocean breeze, the soft sand beneath your feet, and the endless blue of the Atlantic create a setting that feels worlds away from the ordinary. Whether you are visiting for just one day or enjoying an entire summer by the sea, a beach picnic is the perfect way to combine the Island’s flavors with its natural beauty.

The key to an unforgettable Vineyard picnic is not just the location, but the quality and charm of what you pack. This is the time to embrace the art of shopping local, filling your basket with fresh produce, artisan bread, cheeses, and sweet treats from Island farms, bakeries, and specialty shops. The experience begins long before your toes hit the sand. It starts in farm stands lined with ripe tomatoes, in bakeries where the scent of warm bread lingers, and in quaint markets where locals greet you with a smile.

This guide will walk you through planning a picnic that is delicious, beautiful, and filled with the character of Martha’s Vineyard.

photo by Marnely Murray

Step 1: Pick the Perfect Beach

Choosing the right beach sets the tone for your picnic. Martha’s Vineyard offers an incredible variety of shoreline experiences, from peaceful coves to wide open stretches of sand.

State Beach
 Located between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, State Beach is a classic choice for families and anyone who enjoys calm waters and soft sand. Its gentle shoreline is ideal for swimming, and the Beach Road bike path offers a scenic route for those who want to arrive on two wheels.

South Beach in Katama
 For a more energetic setting, head to South Beach in Katama. Here, the waves roll in strong, the sand stretches endlessly, and there is plenty of space for frisbee, volleyball, or simply lounging in the sun. If you want your picnic to have the soundtrack of crashing waves, this is the place.

Menemsha Beach
In the town of Chilmark, Menemsha Beach is known for its beautiful vistas, calm waters, and stunning sunset views.  With fresh seafood shops and restrooms nearby, it’s the perfect spot for an evening picnic.  Parking can be limited, so take advantage of the Menemsha Sunset Bus (Route #12) that runs during the Summer, between 5:45 p.m. and 9:05 p.m.

Lambert’s Cove Beach
 Often considered one of the most picturesque beaches on the Island, Lambert’s Cove in West Tisbury is beloved for its white sand and calm, turquoise waters. It feels almost like a tropical hideaway, though access between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. is restricted to West Tisbury residents and their guests during the summer season.

Morning Glory Farm (photo by Marnely Murray)

Step 2: Gather Fresh Local Ingredients and Snacks

One of the best parts of planning a Vineyard picnic is the shopping itself. This is your chance to explore the Island’s vibrant network of farm stands, gourmet shops, and bakeries. Not only will you leave with delicious food, but you will also have the satisfaction of knowing you have supported local businesses that are part of what makes Martha’s Vineyard so special.

Fresh Produce and Artisan Finds

  • Morning Glory Farm in Edgartown is a must-visit for perfectly ripe tomatoes, sweet corn, and a variety of baked goods. Their colorful displays of fresh fruits and vegetables will inspire your picnic menu instantly.

  • North Tisbury Farm in West Tisbury offers seasonal produce, freshly cut flowers, and a small but tempting selection of pastries.

  • The Grey Barn in Chilmark is known for its award-winning artisan cheeses, fresh bread, and beautiful pastries that look almost too perfect to eat.

  • Ghost Island Farm in West Tisbury sells certified organic greens, vegetables, and snack items that are ideal for a picnic basket.

Fresh-Baked Bread and Pastries

  • Scottish Bakehouse in Vineyard Haven is beloved for its rustic breads, hearty muffins, and prepared foods made with Island-grown ingredients.

  • 7a Foods in West Tisbury is home to the famous Liz Lemon sandwich and also offers a rotating variety of muffins, cookies, and other baked treats.

  • Back Door Donuts in Oak Bluffs is famous for apple fritters and warm donuts. While the evening lines can be long, visiting in the morning can be a quieter and equally delicious experience.

Menemsha Fish Market (photo by Marnely Murray)

Pre-Made Picnic Perfection
 If you prefer to skip chopping and cooking, the Island offers plenty of ready-to-eat options that still deliver that fresh, local quality.

  • Waterside Market in Vineyard Haven offers sandwiches, vibrant salads, and daily specials made with care.

  • Rosewater Market in Edgartown serves elegant sandwiches, prepared salads, and snack options that feel a little more elevated than standard picnic fare.

  • Tigerhawk Sandwich Co. in Oak Bluffs creates bold, flavorful sandwiches that are easy to pack and hold up well at the beach.

  • MV Salads in Oak Bluffs makes colorful, fresh, and beautifully presented salads perfect for a light but satisfying seaside meal.

  • Black Sheep in Edgartown offers a gourmet selection of cheeses, charcuterie, sandwiches, and specialty snacks that elevate any picnic spread.

Step 3: Grab a Sweet Treat

A picnic without dessert is like a Vineyard beach day without the ocean breeze, it is simply incomplete. The Island’s sweet shops range from old-fashioned candy counters to artisanal ice cream parlors, and each one offers a little taste of joy.

  • The Good Shoppe in Oak Bluffs is a charming little store filled with nostalgic candies and unique sweets you will not find anywhere else on the Island.

  • Back Door Donuts in Oak Bluffs deserves a second mention here;  if you skipped the fritters earlier, this is your chance to make it right.

  • Murdick's Fudge has locations in Edgartown, Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven, so you won’t have to go far to get a taste of their scrumptious fudge, caramel & cheese corn, taffy and brittle.

  • Enchanted Chocolates in Oak Bluffs carries delicious hand-made chocolates, caramels, lollipops, and more in their storefront overlooking the harbor.

Step 4: Pack the Essentials

The right gear will make your picnic comfortable and stress-free. Bring:

  • A sturdy picnic blanket or beach mat

  • A small cooler or insulated bag

  • Reusable plates, cups, and utensils

  • Cloth napkins or eco-friendly paper towels

  • Trash bags so you can leave the beach as beautiful as you found it

  • Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat

  • A small folding table or tray to keep your food off the sand

If you find yourself missing something at the last minute, you can pick up supplies at Stop and Shop in Edgartown, Tony’s Market in Oak Bluffs, or Cronig’s Market in Vineyard Haven.

Step 5: Time It Right

The time of day you choose for your picnic will completely shape the experience. Mornings are peaceful and quiet, with fewer people and gentle sunlight. Late afternoons can be ideal for cooler temperatures and golden light. If you are aiming for romance or simply want a memorable view, plan for an evening picnic timed with sunset. Lobsterville Beach in Aquinnah and Menemsha Beach are both outstanding for watching the sky transform into shades of pink, orange, and gold.

Step 6: Savor the Moment

Once your picnic is set, take a moment to truly enjoy it. Feel the sand under your feet, breathe in the salty air, and listen to the sound of waves rolling in. Taste the sweetness of berries picked just days ago, the richness of cheese made from Island dairy, and the flaky perfection of a croissant baked that morning. These flavors are more than just food;  they are the essence of Martha’s Vineyard itself.

A Vineyard beach picnic is more than a meal. It is a celebration of the Island’s land and sea, its farmers and bakers, its fishermen and artisans. It is a way to connect with friends, family, and the natural world around you. Whether it is your first or your fiftieth picnic here, it is always worth slowing down, savoring the flavors, and letting the Island work its quiet magic.

Make It Effortless with Martha’s Vineyard Picnic

If you love the idea of a perfectly styled, stress-free beach picnic but don’t want to handle all the details yourself, Martha’s Vineyard Picnic can make it happen. This local company specializes in creating beautiful, turnkey picnic experiences for any occasion; romantic date nights, family gatherings, birthdays, or proposals. They handle everything from chic décor and comfortable seating to delicious locally sourced food and beverages, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy. Picture plush blankets, decorative pillows, fresh flowers, and a thoughtfully arranged spread set against the Island’s stunning shoreline; it’s the ultimate way to elevate your Vineyard beach day into an unforgettable celebration.

 

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