🌅 Where and How to See the Best Sunrises and Sunsets on Martha's Vineyard (2024)
14 favorite spots across the island, a guide to Menemsha and other helpful suggestions
“There’s always a sunrise and always a sunset and it’s up to you to choose to be there for it - Put yourself in the way of beauty.” - Cheryl Strayed (Wild).
Martha’s Vineyard has some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets around. Let me help you make the most of them!
First - when preparing, look up the time of sunrise or sunset on your weather app. A good rule of thumb is to arrive 30 minutes before the sunrise or sunset time listed, and stay 15 minutes after for the brilliant backlight colors.
How do you know if a sunset is going to be good? I recently learned that some people use an app to predict how good a sunrise or sunset will be. There are several free golden hour trackers designed for photographers. Who knew?! In general though, weather-wise look for: partly cloudy, low humidity, calm winds and high altitude clouds.
Now, where should you go!?
⬆️ Our Favorite Sunrise Spots
Sunrises are best on the eastern side of the island - Oak Bluffs or Edgartown are where you can see the sun rise over the water.
Oak Bluffs Fishing Pier (Oak Bluffs) - plenty of benches, a fun area to walk around within view of sunrise
Inkwell Beach (Oak Bluffs) - convenient, close to lots of breakfast spots for after
Jetty Beach (Oak Bluffs) - a quieter option with a short walk to get to the beach
Jaws Bridge (Edgartown/Oak Bluffs Line) - anywhere along State Beach will have a fantastic view
Edgartown Wharf (Edgartown) - from the top deck watch the Chappy Ferry, great view of the lighthouse
Edgartown Lighthouse - quiet, great view, leashed dog-friendly
Vineyard Haven Harbor - can also be gorgeous from most locations
In the post below I list which restaurants are open 7am or earlier in case you’d like to grab a coffee after sunrise:
⬇️ Our Favorite Sunset Spots
Sunsets are best on the western side of the island - in some parts of Vineyard Haven, West Tisbury, Chilmark or Aquinnah.
East Chop (Vineyard Haven) -limited parking, a great down-island beach option
Eastville Beach (Vineyard Haven) - also limited parking, down-island and leashed-dog friendly
West Chop (Vineyard Haven) - difficult parking, a small viewing area near West Chop Club best used in the off-season
State Beach over Sengekontacket Pond (Oak Bluffs) - a down-island alternative
Lambert’s Cove Beach (West Tisbury) - limited parking in-season but a great option
Menemsha (Chilmark) - the most famous, memorable sunset on island. Difficult parking, bu has nearby takeout food options. Many people BYOB and bring a picnic. More info below.
Aquinnah Cliffs (Aquinnah) - a must-see, limited parking
Nearby Outermost Inn is a fantastic restaurant with sunset views
If you’re hoping to bring a picnic for dinner- definitely check out my top suggestions for takeout:
🚗 Guide to Menemsha Sunset
Menemsha Sunsets have varying levels of crowds depending on when you decide to go. In July and August, plan to arrive early to get a spot on the beach. Make a day of it.
Parking is hit or miss. There is a remote parking lot off Tabor House Road and a free shuttle bus that will bring you to the beach and back to the lot. If you do park near the beach, only use legal spaces.
It is common (but not legal necessarily) to BYOB - there is nowhere to buy alcohol near the beach. For food, Larsen’s, HomePort, Galley and Menemsha Fish Market are all walking distance and accept phone orders. If you chose to dine-in up-island after sunset remember to BYOB as well.
Pro-Tip: Some fishing boat charters also offer Sunset Cruises
Enjoy and Tag us if you take any beautiful pictures! I will never tire of a sunrise or sunset view!