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.
BEACH INFO FOR PETS
Dukes County Beach Rules and Regulations:
January 1-March 31: No restrictions;
April 1-May 14: Dogs and pets are prohibited within 100 yards of posted nesting habitat by federal and state regulation;
May 15-August 30: Dogs and pets are prohibited within 100 yards of posted nesting habitat by federal and state regulation; dogs and
pets are prohibited on all beaches between 9 am and 5 pm;
September 1-September 15: Dogs and pets are prohibited on all beaches between 9 am and 5 pm;
September 16-December 31: No restrictions.
Dog and pet excrement must be picked up and disposed of properly. There is a $50 fine for violations.
AQUINNAH
Gay Head Cliffs and Beach
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
