The unspoiled charm of Martha's Vineyard is probably best exemplified by the many scenic beaches located here. The 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 with proof of residency.

Public Beaches

Aquinnah Public Beach (Moshup Beach)
Off Moshup Trail. Ten minute walk from parking lot on cleared trail. Paid parking only in summer. The Aquinnah Cliffs are a National Landmark and are seriously endangered by climbing on cliffs or removal of clay (both prohibited by law).

Moshup Beach Makes Travel Channel's Top 10 "Best Beaches" List

East Beach (Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge and Wasque Reservation)
On Chappaquiddick. Access from Dike Bridge and Wasque. Open to all, but subject to the regulations of The Trustees of Reservations. Fee charged for non-members.

Eastville Beach
At the bridge between Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven.

Fuller Street Beach
At the end of Fuller Street near Lighthouse Beach in Edgartown.

Joseph Sylvia State Beach
Two miles of mild beach along Beach Road between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. Owned by the state and maintained by Dukes County. The Edgartown end of this beach is known as Bend-in-the-Road Beach. Edgartown has lifeguards in season.

Lake Tashmoo Town Beach (Herring Creek Beach)
End of Herring Creek Road on Lake Tashmoo in Vineyard Haven.

Lighthouse Beach
A harbor beach at Starbuck's Neck, off N. Water Street near the center of Edgartown.

Long Point Wildlife Refuge Beach
Summer access via Waldron's Bottom Road. Winter access via Deep Bottom Rd. Ocean beach and freshwater swimming in Long Cove Pond. Beach is open to the public 9 to 5, year-round. There is a parking fee in the summer. Beach passes and memberships to The Trustees of Reservations are available.

Menemsha Public Beach
Next to Menemsha Harbor. Gentle beach typical of the north shore.

Norton Point
Three miles of barrier beach on the south shore in Edgartown at the end of Katama Road. Surf on one side with protected salt pond on the other.

Oak Bluffs Town Beach
Adjacent to town wharf and Steamship Authority dock.

Owen Park Beach
Harbor beach off Main Street in Vineyard Haven, near business district.

South Beach State Park
One mile between Herring Creek Road and Katama Road. State owned, managed by Edgartown. Rough surf, lifeguards in season.

Tisbury Town Beach (Owen Little Way Town Beach)
Owen Little Way, next to the V H Yacht Club.

Restricted Town Beaches

Use of these beaches is limited to residents of the respective towns. Property owners and renters with a copy of their leases can obtain beach permits through the local Town Hall.
Head of the Pond Beach - Aquinnah (no public parking facilities)
Lambert's Cove Beach - West Tisbury
Lobsterville Beach - Aquinnah (no public parking)
Lucy Vincent Beach - Chilmark
Philbin Beach - Aquinnah
Squibnocket Beach - Chilmark

Conservation Beaches

A number of Land Bank & Trustees of the Reservation properties include wonderful beach access. These locations often limit use by offering only a small number of parking spaces and may charge entrance fees. See the Conservation area of this site for more information on the many conservation properties on Martha's Vineyard.