🌊 Martha's Vineyard Beach Guide (2024)
beaches organized by parking availability and town, labels for bathrooms/lifeguards, dog and kid-friendly options
Martha's Vineyard is renowned for its stunning beaches, but they vary in accessibility to visitors and islanders alike. From parking fees to pet policies, navigating these differences can sometimes be tricky. We've compiled this comprehensive guide to help you find the perfect beach, with the latest updates on dog-friendly spots and parking details.
What Surprises Visitors about Martha’s Vineyard Beaches:
Lifeguards are rare on beaches
Most beaches are free
Most beaches don’t have trash cans
Very few restrooms or changing areas
Private beaches outnumber public ones
Most beaches require you to walk a decent distance from car to the beach
Two beaches allow cars to drive on them after purchasing an OSV permit
Beaches can randomly be closed due to wildlife endangerment
There can be highly dangerous ticks on beaches
Food is rarely sold on or near the beach
Some more general beach tips are at the bottom, but always check for signage upon arrival! No Jaws shark sightings (lately 😉).
Free Public Beaches
Ample Parking Year-Round 🚗
South Beach/Katama, Edgartown 🚽⛑️🚗
Free public access with plenty of parking and accessible via bike paths. Features higher waves and deeper waters with smooth sand. Facilities include port-o-potties (a bit of a walk, Herring creek side), and lifeguards are on duty during high summer.State Beach/Joseph Sylvia Beach, Oak Bluffs/Edgartown 👶🚗⛑️
Another free public access beach, but with shallow, calm water. Extending between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, accessible via bike paths. Features picnic tables at Bend-in-the-Road Beach, enhancing its appeal for families. No on site facilities. Lifeguards are on the Edgartown side.Inkwell Beach, Oak Bluffs 🚽👶🚗
A popular spot in-town public access beach with easy parking access and public restrooms nearby (near ferry terminal). Renowned as a spot on the African American History Trail of Martha’s Vineyard.
Free Public Beaches with Limited Parking In-Season 🚗
Owen Park Beach, Vineyard Haven 🐕🚽👶
Dog- and kid-friendly with public restroom facilities available, close to the parking lot and views of the ferry and boats.Tisbury Town Beach, Vineyard Haven
Just outside Owen Park Beach is Tisbury Town Beach, also limited parking but calm waters.
Lake Tashmoo Beach, Vineyard Haven
Down a long, bumpy road so beware of that obstacle. Smaller parking lot, ideal for quick visits rather than all-day stays.Eastville Beach, Vineyard Haven 👶
Features calm waves with views of Vineyard Haven harbor. Not recommended for swimming due to boat traffic and strong currents, limited parking but great for sunsets.Jetty Beach, Oak Bluffs
Popular among locals for its scenic views and proximity to town amenities, parking can be tricky. AKA Marinelli Beach, adjacent to the East Chop Beach Club.Oak Bluffs Town Beach 👶
Calm, shallow water. The beach begins near the Steamship Authority dock and ends at the first jetty heading toward Edgartown
Lighthouse Beach, Edgartown 👶🐕
Very limited parking available. Dogs are welcome with restrictions.Fuller St Beach, Edgartown
Located near Lighthouse Beach, offering easy access to explore multiple beach areas within walking distance.
Lobsterville Beach, Aquinnah 🐕
Dog-friendly with very limited parking, a public up-island option.Menemsha Beach, Chilmark
Permits not required for short-term parking, but all-day parking for the beach would be tricky. Lifeguard on duty 9-5. No dogs.East Beach (Edgartown, on Chappy)
This beach is known for its quiet and unspoiled landscape - while you don’t have to pay to go on the beach/no permit, it is on Chappy (requires you to pay to take the ferry to get there).
Private Beaches with Permit or Paid Parking
Paid Entry 💵
Norton Point Beach, Edgartown
Vehicle entry fee applicable. Offers extensive shoreline perfect for fishing, over sand permits and picnics.Long Point Beach, Edgartown
Accessible by paid entry and ability to drive your vehicle onto the sand, strong tides and surf, no lifeguard, no OSV, reservations through the Trustees.Moshop Beach, Aquinnah
Requires paid entry during the peak season but is open to the public from September 6 to June 14. Down a ~10 minute walking path. There is a nude section to the far right near the cliffs. No lifeguard or restrooms.
Town Permit Required- Off Limits in Summer but Available Off-Season to the Public 🚫
Lambert’s Cove, West Tisbury 🐕
One of MV’s most beautiful beaches, dog friendly before 10am. A bit of a walk from the parking lot to the beach. [Opens to the public from September 6 to June 14.]Lucy Vincent Beach, Chilmark
An iconic, beautiful MV beach with picturesque clay sand dunes. Designated nude beach areas. [Access without a permit from September 16 to May 31.]Squibnocket Beach, Chilmark
A bit of a rockier beach. Requires a town permit during peak season. No dogs, no lifeguard
Philbin Beach, Aquinnah
A bit of a drive, a gorgeous sandy beach. Requires a town permit during the peak season [Open to the public from September 6 to June 14.]Gay Head Cliffs and Beach, Aquinnah
Off-limits. The Gay Head Cliffs are a national landmark and are seriously endangered, so this beach is completely off limits.
TLDR: We suggest visitors to MV go to State Beach or South Beach due to the parking restrictions and access.
If you don’t need parking or are staying in town, consider Lighthouse Beach (Edgartown), Inkwell Beach (Oak Bluffs), or Owen Park Beach (Vineyard Haven).
What You Need to Know Before Going:
Parking Options
Parking at Martha's Vineyard beaches varies from ample and free to limited and fee-based. Some beaches, like Lake Tashmoo Beach, are accessed via rough dirt roads which can challenge some vehicles, particularly after inclement weather.
Lifeguards
Lifeguard presence varies by beach. For instance, South Beach and parts of State Beach (specifically Bend-in-the-Road Beach) have lifeguards on duty during the summer months. However, many areas do not offer lifeguard services, so visitors are urged to remain cautious and supervise children closely.
Permits and Access
Access to certain beaches requires a town permit, obtainable at local town halls or specific online portals, often with associated fees. For example, Menemsha Beach requires a parking permit during high season. Beaches like Lambert’s Cove and Lucy Vincent are open to the public without a permit only in the off-season, from early September to mid-June.
Trash Regulations
Please remember that all island beaches follow a "carry on/carry off" policy, meaning there are no trash cans available. Visitors are expected to take their trash home.
Where dogs are allowed, they must generally be leashed, and portions of the beaches are occasionally cordoned off for wildlife preservation.
Tick Warning
Ticks are on beaches, especially those close to grassy areas. Please always check yourself and your towel for ticks regularly while on Martha’s Vineyard - which has an elevated risk for tick-borne illnesses.
A Note on Hotels that have Pools
Public Pool: Indoor Pool at the YMCA (day passes available)
Hotels with Pools: Winnetu, HarborView, Faraway, Edgartown Commons, Island Inn, Mansion House, Harborside Inn, Lambert’s Cove Inn
FAQs
Which beach is most kid-friendly? 👶
State Beach is highly recommended for families, with gentle waves and a long, shallow entry.
Which beach allows nudity?
Parts of Lucy Vincent and Moshop Beaches (far right sides) are designated for nude sunbathing.
Which beach has restrooms? 🚽
South Beach has port-o-potties, while Town Beach OB has public restrooms within walking distance.
Are there lifeguards? ⛑️
Rarely - see the above descriptions. Those that do have lifeguards only do so between ~Memorial Day and ~Labor Day. Swim at your own risk.
Are there any Splash Pads?
There are no splash pads on the island
Why might some beaches be closed?
Environmental Conservation Efforts - beaches like those managed by The Trustees of Reservations could include seasonal restrictions to protect bird habitats or efforts to maintain the natural landscape.
What is a Key Beach?
A private beach you can not access with a town permit. There are 12 key beaches - mostly in Edgartown, Chilmark and Aquinnah. Quansoo, Hancock and Black Point Beaches are in Chilmark. Goff Beach, Dogfish Bar, the 538 Association and Oxcart Road are in Aquinnah. You must be granted access by a key-holder to enter.
How do I drive my car onto the beach?
You will need a car with 4 Wheel Drive, that has a registration on Martha’s Vineyard, and to purchase an OSV permit for the day or summer.
📌 Reference Graphics
Enjoy Your Visit! We hope this guide enhances your beach visits on Martha's Vineyard. Remember to respect the island's natural beauty, follow local regulations, and most importantly, enjoy the sunshine!