BEaches of Martha's vineyard

L.A Brown

Martha’s Vineyard is an island, so we’ve got beaches a-plenty! From the calmer waters of the northern shores to the rumbling surf of the south shores, there’s a beach for every type of visitor.

There are numerous public beaches, but not all beaches are open to the public. Some require permits issued through town halls to residents and visitors of specific towns. And all beaches are Carry In, Carry Out – so be sure to take your trash with you!

Bossman

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                    Aquinnah

​Gay Head Cliffs and Beach
Off-limits. The Gay Head Cliffs are a national landmark and are seriously endangered, so this beach is completely off limits.

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​Aquinnah Public Beach (Moshup Beach)
Visitors enjoy views of the Gay Head Cliffs from this beach, which includes a convenient drop-off point along Moshup Trail (the actual street name!) for beach gear and then a scenic 10-minute walk along a cleared path from the parking lot. Open to the public, full restrooms at parking lot, and portable restrooms at beach entrance. There is a daily parking fee in summer. Contact Aquinnah Town Hall for current price, 508-645-2300.

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​Lobsterville Beach
Two miles of beautiful Vineyard Sound beach and dunes along Lobsterville Road. Includes a seagull nesting area, and is a favorite fishing spot. The beach is open to all, but there is limited parking and parking is prohibited on Lobsterville Road.

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​Philbin Beach
South-shore surf beach off Moshup Trail, open to Aquinnah residents only by permit. 

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Chilmark                                

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

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

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

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                  Oak Bluffs

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

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​Oak Bluffs Town Beach
Calm, shallow water. The beach begins near the Steamship Authority dock and ends at the first jetty heading toward Edgartown, which is also where the handicap accessible ramp is located 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.

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​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.

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                   Vineyard Haven

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

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​Owen Park Beach
A harbor beach off Main Street, near the center of town. Open to all.

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​Tisbury Town Beach
Owen Little Way, next to the Vineyard Haven Yacht Club. Open to all.

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                  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.

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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.

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​                    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.

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

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​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.

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

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