Martha’s Vineyard is chock-full of beaches that provide every opportunity for the perfect sun-soaked outing. Still, when you’re in search of some waterfront R&R or fun things to do in Martha's Vineyard, it’s important to know which beaches are open to the public and what activities are permitted. For example, some beaches are better for swimming than surfing, while others are best reserved for beachcombing and taking in picturesque sunset views. Read on to learn more about the best beaches on Martha’s Vineyard.
1. Moshup Beach (Aquinnah Beach)
Moshup Beach, also known as Aquinnah Beach, is most known by locals as “the cliffs beach” due to the natural bluffs that rise dramatically from the sloping sand. Once located beneath the ocean, the cliffs are considered a national landmark and are owned and protected by the Wampanoag, a tribe of Native People who have continuously inhabited Martha’s Vineyard for more than 10,000 years.
2. Lobsterville Beach
3. Oak Bluffs Town Beach
4. Joseph Sylvia State Beach
With a gradual slope into deep water and typically small waves, Joseph Sylvia State Beach is a two-mile beach popular with owners of Martha’s Vineyard homes who have young children. You’ll want to get to this beach early in the day, as parking spots during the high season are often filled up by 10 a.m. This is a great beach for bird watching, as it supports a diverse array of nesting birds including the piping plover, least tern, and American oystercatcher.
5. South Beach
Located about four miles south of Edgartown, Katama Beach is considered one of the best public beaches on Martha’s Vineyard. Relatively rough surf makes this a popular spot for visitors and owners of Martha’s Vineyard property who love surfing. There are lifeguards around the beach to help visitors to the beach determine if the waters are safe to enter. If the waters are too rough, there’s a second part of the beach that offers a protected salt pond.
Unlike other beaches around Martha’s Vineyard, Katama Beach is relatively secluded and located away from food vendors and restaurants. There is a general store on the way to the beach if you’d like to pick up your own food and drinks to enjoy during your day at the beach.
6. East Beach (Leland Beach)
7. Long Point Beach
Long Point Beach, part of the 600-acre Long Point Wildlife Refuge, features a barrier beach with surf on the Atlantic Ocean side and warm salt- and freshwater ponds on the other. If you want a break from lounging on the beach, you can go birdwatching or hike the scenic trails in the area. From mid-June to mid-September, Trustees Members and children get free access, and basic-level members receive a half-price discount on vehicle parking. This beach is ideal for walking, swimming, and fishing.
8. Lambert's Cove Beach
Lambert's Cove Beach in West Tisbury is a peaceful haven known for its calm waters, white sand, and serene atmosphere. During the summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day), the beach is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm exclusively for West Tisbury residents and their guests, keeping it uncrowded and perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. Off-season (Labor Day to Memorial Day), the beach is open to everyone, making it an ideal spot for peaceful walks, birdwatching, and enjoying beautiful sunsets. What makes Lambert's Cove Beach special is its serene atmosphere, calm waters, family-friendly environment, and local charm. Surrounded by natural beauty, it's a perfect escape from daily life. The beach’s unique local charm and welcoming community make it a must-visit spot on Martha's Vineyard.
9. Lucy Vincent Beach
Some of Chilmark's finest beaches are private, requiring a town-issued beach pass for summer access. Lucy Vincent Beach, an iconic spot past Allen Farm on South Road, is one such beach accessible to town residents or those with a pass. Known for its striking sand and gravel formations shaped by coastal erosion, it's a favorite among photographers, especially at sunrise.
Lucy Vincent Beach has been a town beach for nearly fifty years, but it was previously private property. For about thirty years, access was only possible by crossing through a woman’s yard. Many visitors would simply rush past her house to reach the beach. After her passing, the town named the beach in her honor, recognizing her long-standing guardianship of the area.
10. Squibnocket Beach
Squibnocket Beach, located in the town of Chilmark, is a favored spot for both surfers and striped bass fishermen. At high tide, the beach area is mostly confined to the space near the parking lot, but it extends significantly as the tide recedes. The beach is characterized by large rocks and cliffs on the up-island side, adding to its scenic beauty and appeal.
These are just some of the many beaches on Martha’s Vineyard. There are so many beaches to visit that you may consider buying a home in the area for the chance to explore them all!
