Martha's Vineyard Beaches
1. Moshup Beach
Aquinnah
This boulder strewn, western most Atlantic Ocean Beach affords beautiful views of the colorful Gay Head Cliffs and the islands around the Vineyard. It’s a short walk from an off site parking (attendant/fee) area at the base of visitor center. Public bathrooms, restaurant and souvenir shops are all nearby
2. Lobsterville Beach
Aquinnah
Crescent shaped north facing, pebbly beach placed by the Town of Aquinnah, in conservation; “No Parking” along the entire road makes accessibility difficult though not impossible. The result is less crowding; excellent of north shore fishing; and, from the parking facilities at the end of the road a tiny (non-vehicle) ferry crosses Menemsha Pond channel, ferrying pedestrians and bikes to and from this picturesque and quaint fishing village
3. Gay Head Beach
Aquinnah
Resident Town Atlantic Ocean Beach, permit required for all property owners and their tenants.
A short walk from the parking area crosses over the low lying wetlands, over steep powdery white sand dunes from which you’ll enjoy the view of Noman’s Island in the not too far distant.
4. Lucy Vincent Beach
Chilmark
This much revered and beloved Chilmark Town Beach is envied by all who do not have a beach sticker or pass; a necessity to gain access in summer. Ample parking is just a short walk from the breathtaking beach. Looking both East and West the landscape is dominated by towering cliffs. Large glacial boulders enhance and typify the shoreline. Rent in Chilmark and you’ll be here!
5. Menemsha Harbor
Chilmark
Absolutely great family beach, lots to see, do and enjoy. Convenience store and parking right at the beach, stroll the harbor front landing and piers, view the docked fishing fleet and enjoy a tasty bite of “Chowda” at one of several fish markets featuring the freshest in local seafood. This beach has Lifeguards on duty, calmer waters and breathtaking vistas of Vineyard Sound and the island chain from Cuttyhunk to Woodshole. The nearby Home Port Restaurant (BYOB) offers the best in seafood dinners and sunset views.
6. Squibnocket and Stonewall Beach
Chilmark
Narrow, rocky Town of Chilmark beach; sticker / pass required. Gorgeous Easterly views across the entire length of Martha’s Vineyard south coast. If you don’t rent in Chilmark this will only be a photo shoot stop. Attendant on duty.
7. Dyke Bridge
Edgartown
Gateway to Chappaquiddick’s easterly most beach, made infamous by Ted Kennedy, this beach runs from Cape Poque to Wasque Point. Take a full day to explore this difficult to reach, remote region of Martha’s Vineyard. Access begins with crossing the Edgartown Harbor channel on the “On Time” ferry; travel further on both paved and unpaved roads to different points of interest, including My Toi Gardens and Wasque, all part of “the Trustees of Reservation”. Enjoy a guided nature tour or purchase a permit for overland beach drives. Many excellent fishing spots can be found along the turbulent shores at Wasque and, as expected the beaches are much less crowded.
NOTE: Chappaquiddick is exclusively a residential area therefore you should stock your cooler and fill up on gas before you go.
8. Fuller Street Beach
Edgartown
This In-Town Edgartown Beach at the end of one of Edgartown’s most prestigious streets fronts the outer harbor; another quiet out of the way beach that is superb for young children with its shallow entry, lack of currents and tide. Enjoy looking at the magnificent historical homes that line the waterfront or enjoy watching the many boats and vessels as they cruise by. Walk into Town for a quick bite
9. Lighthouse Beach
Edgartown
See # 8, an extension of Fuller Street Beach but more right at the Lighthouse, standing guard at the mouth of bustling Edgartown Harbor; a perfect spot to catch the action of every type of watercraft.
10. South Beach
Edgartown
Unquestionably the island’s most famous beach stretching a mile along Edgartown’s southern shore area called Katama. Become familiar with the term left fork and right fork. Most young adults and teens like to hang out at the right fork while the left fork is convenient to restaurant services and the off road SUV access to Norton Point and Chappaquiddick.
11. Owen Park, Vineyard Haven.
Vineyard Haven
Wonderful for families with little children who don’t mind enjoying a beach at the harbor; hang out at the harbormasters headquarters featuring deluxe bathrooms with showers to accommodate those on the hundreds of boats at anchor; watch the coming and going of the island ferries and a sandwich, ice cream or soda is only a minute’s walk away.
12. Ocean Park, Sea View Ave and the Inkwell Beach
Oak Bluffs
The wonderful thing about a beach right in-town is just that, you’re right in Town. There’s always something for everyone in your party to do. Overlooking the calmer waters of Nantucket Sound this roadside beach is a favorite. Stroll down nearby Circuit Ave, take in a ride on the Flying Horses or just enjoy the Victorian Campground cottages and buildings denoting a by-gone era.
13. The Lagoon access at Barnes Road:
Oak Bluffs
Great for launching a canoe, kayak or sunfish; the old girl scout camp (Sailing Camp Park) now owned by the Town of Oak Bluffs features sailing lessons for the young and many other activities from art classes to square dancing,
14. Joe Silva State Beach
Oak Bluffs
Ranks in the top five by my measure as it is the single longest stretch of beach the Vineyard has to offer running from Oak Bluffs all the way to Edgartown and again, just great for families young and old. Overlooking beautiful Nantucket Sound to the East and bordered by the shallow waters of Sengekontaket Pond to the West, this beach offers views, to Chappaquiddick and Cape Poque in the distance. Park anywhere along the road and enjoy yourself. On the Edgartown side there’s a lifeguard station; toward Oak Bluffs’ side one can enjoy frozen lemonade or a hearty hot dog. Sengekontaket Pond is also a wonderful spot to take the family clamming.
15. Lake Tashmoo Beach
Vineyard Haven
Not quick to find if you are unfamiliar with its access but a sweet little gem none-the-less. This tiny little beach borders the entrance to Lake Tashmoo and typically is a quiet spot with gorgeous views toward Falmouth, Woodshole and the entire Elizabeth Island chain to the West.
16. Drawbridge Beach
Vineyard Haven
Marking the mouth of Vineyard Haven harbor with its huge stone jetty, this pebble rocky beach is a broad peninsula doubling as a bird sanctuary. Enjoy vistas toward the Cape and the activity of sailors maneuvering their vessel as they continuously traverse the outer harbor waters.
17. West Chop Lighthouse
Aquinnah
Private Association Beach though a great stop over during a sightseeing tour of the Chop
18. Lambert’s Cove Beach:
West Tisbury
Off Lambert’s Cove Road a short wooded path leads you to West Tisbury’s immaculate gem on the North Shore. Bordered by fresh water streams that happily spill out into the bay, this crescent shaped beach is remarkably uncharacteristic for the otherwise rocky north shore with its silk-like sand. NOTE: Town Beach (permit required) Attendant on duty at the parking lot
19. Long Point Beach:
West Tisbury
Managed by the Trustees of Reservation, this beautiful south shore beach is set in over 600 acres of wildlife refuge. Limited parking acts like crowd control affording those there a more pleasurable experience. The beach straddles the pounding surf of the Atlantic on one side and the ripple less calm of an ancient inlet on the other; becoming the perfect playground for infants and toddlers while the adult crowd cavorts in the pounding surf. Become a member of the Trustees and get in free or pay a small fee and enjoy. Nature kayak and canoe tours are offered here as well.
West Chop Contemporary
Many prime weeks still available for 2006!
RENTALS
QUICK SEARCH
Advantage Real Estate