🧺 MVacay's Picnic Guide: 10 Best Picnic Spots on Martha's Vineyard

best beaches and spots to have a picnic, best picnic food options and suggestions

Eating outdoors is one of the best simple joys of Summer, and Martha’s Vineyard has plenty of places to bring your meal al fresco. We’ve rounded up our tips, picturesque options, and places to grab provisions below. Enjoy!

A perfect picnic setup by MV Picnic on State Beach

5 Beach Picnic Spots

The best beach picnic spots are public beaches close to parking so you’re not lugging a cooler too far, they are sandy so you aren’t setting a blanket on rocks, and a reasonable walking/biking distance from restrooms or takeout restaurants.

1. State Beach/Joseph Sylvia Beach, Oak Bluffs/Edgartown: Navigate to Bend in the Road near the lifeguard stand for a sandy, convenient, gorgeous picnic spot that's easily accessible.

2. Menemsha Public Beach: Located in a fishing village up-island, this popular picnic spot offers a stunning sunset view over the water each evening. Though parking can be tricky, it's within walking distance of public restrooms and takeout restaurants.

3. Inkwell Beach: Conveniently located in Oak Bluffs, this beach is close to restaurants and restrooms, and you can watch the ferry come and go.

4. Edgartown Lighthouse Beach: This beach, situated beneath a lighthouse, offers views of passing boats, is surrounded by water, and is an easy walk from nearby amenities.

5. Owen Park Beach: Walking distance from Vineyard Haven, this beach has a few picnic benches, close access to restrooms and parking, and you can see the ferry come in and out.

For more beach options, check out our beach guide below:

🌊 Martha's Vineyard Beach Guide (2024)

5 Picturesque Picnic Table Spots

Forgot your blanket? Have something you’d rather eat with a fork? These picnic spots are also close to parking with stellar views.

1. In Oak Bluffs Next to the VTA Bus Stop in Ocean Park

2. In Vineyard Haven Next to Beach Road Restaurant

3. In Aquinnah Next to the Cliffs Overlook

4. At the Entrance to Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary

5. Under Edgartown Memorial Wharf near the Chappy Ferry

Best Picnic Food

Favorite Grab + Go / Order at the Counter Options:

• Waterside Market

• Black Sheep Mercantile

• Mo’s Lunch

• Winston’s Kitchen

• MV Salads

Favorite Markets with Great Snack Selections:

• Great Harbor Market

• Katama General Store

• Morning Glory Farm

• Tony’s Market

• Edgartown Meat + Fish Market

• Chilmark General Store

• Gay Head Store

🍔 Prepared Food Options on Martha's Vineyard (2023)

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MVacay Picnic Tips

• Outsource your picnic setup! Martha’s Vineyard Picnic has various options for any number of people or location. Juliana personalizes the setup based on your style or occasion. You can show up and have an unforgettable setup with no hassle and tons of memories!

• Bringing Kids with you? Go to a playground and use one of the picnic tables there so you can eat and then kids can play immediately after. Playgrounds with picnic tables:

  • Edgartown Playground (By Edgartown School behind Boys and Girls Club)

  • Niantic Playground

  • West Tisbury Playground

  • Owen Park Beach

• No Parking at Menemsha? In season, there is a parking lot located at 59 Tabor House Road where a free shuttle will take you to sunset and then back to your car after.

• Bring a trash bag! It is rare that there are trash cans at the picnic spots we suggested, as most MV beaches and picnic areas are are “carry in/carry out” which means you are responsible for your own trash.

Enjoy this gorgeous summer weather!

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