EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO ACCESS MARTHA’S VINEYARD’S BEAUTIFUL BEACHES 

A three-mile stretch of pristine sand, South Beach is the perfect beach for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. South Beach is a barrier beach between Katama Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, with surf on one side and a protected pond on the other. The beach is also adjacent to the famous Katama Airfield, where visitors can watch small planes take off and land. 

Cost: Free and open to the public. Parking is located at the right fork (Herring Creek Road) and left fork (Katama Road). Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. No dogs are allowed on the beach at any time.

One of the most unique beaches on the island, Norton Point Beach is a barrier beach on the South Shore that stretches from Norton Point to nearby Chappaquiddick Island and is known for its stunning views, natural beauty, and strong surf. Visitors can purchase over-sand vehicle (OSV) permits and drive onto the beach at designated access points – a fun and exciting way to explore this popular beach.

Cost: Free for pedestrians. There is a small parking area near the entrance to the beach. The purchase of an over-sand vehicle (OSV) permit is required for OSVs. 

For more information, visit dukescounty.org or call the Beach Access Hotline: 508.627.8390 for information on how to purchase OSV permits

Fuller Street Beach is located at the end of Fuller Street in downtown Edgartown, which runs parallel to the coastline. A great destination with typically calm and shallow waters, perfect for swimming, kayaking, and fishing.

Cost: Open to the public at no cost. Fuller Street Beach is easily accessible by car or bicycle. Parking is limited and located at the end of Fuller Street. 

Lighthouse Beach, named for the nearby Edgartown Lighthouse, is a popular beach located downtown on the outer harbor making it a great spot for watching the boats and ferries pass by. The Lighthouse is open from 10 am to 4 pm from the end of June through Labor Day and weekends after Labor Day through Indigenous Peoples Day.

Cost: The beach is open to the public at no cost. There may be parking available nearby on North Water Street, but availability can vary depending on the season and time of day.

Known for its soft sand and gentle waves, this two-mile stretch of beach runs between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown and offers plenty of opportunity for outdoor activities with kayak and paddleboard rentals on the pond side of the beach so you can explore Sengekontacket Pond or explore Vineyard Sound.

Cost: Free and open to the public. Parking is located at the lifeguard stand and along Beach Road. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer month. No campfires or kites are allowed on the beach.

In the heart of Oak Bluffs and located near a variety of shops, restaurants and some of Oak Bluff’s most famous attractions such as the Flying Horses Carousel and Gingerbread Cottages. This stretch of beach offers calm waters, shallow water, and pristine white sand. The beach is also equipped with picnic tables, restrooms, and outdoor showers, making it a convenient spot for a day at the beach.

Cost: Free and open to the public. Parking is located along Seaview Avenue.

A small public beach overlooking Vineyard Haven harbor, Owen Park Beach is a popular destination for visitors and offers stunning views of the harbor. Surrounded by picturesque and historic homes, and with amenities such as benches and a playground, this beach is just a short distance from downtown shops and restaurants, making it a great place to spend a summer day.

Cost: Free and open to the public. Limited Parking.

A hidden gem, this beach is located on the North Shore and offers visitors the option of swimming in Vineyard Sound or in the warm waters of Lake Tashmoo, a saltwater estuary, known for excellent snorkeling. 

Cost: Free and open to the public. Parking is free but is limited.

Wasque, on the southeastern tip of Chappaquiddick Island is a beautiful and secluded beach located within Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge. To reach the beach, visitors must take the Chappy ferry and drive or bike a short distance to reach the Wildlife Refuge.  Known for its natural beauty and as a Saltwater Angler’s paradise, it is a unique experience where beachgoers can enjoy fishing or exploring the nearby trails. 

Cost: Gatehouse Hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit thetrustees.org. Admission and fees are as follows: Trustees Members: Free Nonmembers: $5; Children (15 and under): Free Parking: $5

Long Point beach is a beautiful beach on the South Shore with a barrier beach facing the Atlantic Ocean and a pond-side with calmer waters that is also accessible for swimming and kayaking. Long Point offers visitors access to explore hiking trails of nearby Long Point Wildlife Refuge which encompasses more than 600 acres of protected dunes, forests, and wetlands.

Cost: Mid-June to mid-September, daily passes can be purchased online at thetrustees.org or by calling the Trustees of Reservations at 508.693.7662. Mid-September to mid-June: Free to all

Lambert's Cove Beach is situated in a cove surrounded by tall grassy dunes with views overlooking the Elizabeth Islands. Known for its natural beauty and crystal-clear water, this white-sand beach is a serene spot for walking and enjoying the natural beauty of the island.

Cost: Mid-June to mid-September: Beach stickers are available for purchase by West Tisbury residents and renters only. Tickets are available at the Parks & Recreation Shed at the West Tisbury School starting mid-June. 

A beautiful stretch of beach that runs along the Atlantic Ocean on the South Shore of the island. Surrounded by spectacular cliffs and rocky outcroppings, the beach is also known for its stunning sunsets, which can be enjoyed from the sand or from the top of the nearby bluffs.

Cost: Mid-June to mid-September: Beach stickers are available for purchase by Chilmark residents and renters only. Full Season: $100. Vehicle Stickers and Walk-On Passes are sold to access Lucy Vincent Beach between June I and September 15. Before and after these dates a sticker or pass is not needed to access the beach. Beach passes and additional information are available at the Chilmark Town Hall or on the Chilmark Town website www.chilmarkma.gov

A picturesque beach with a rocky coastline and some of the best surf on the island, Squibnocket Beach is known for its rugged beauty and undeveloped surroundings and is also a great spot for fishing or exploring the scenic overlooks in the surrounding dunes and cliffs.

Cost: Mid-June to mid-September: Beach stickers are available for purchase by Chilmark residents and renters only.

Vehicle Stickers and Walk-On Passes are sold to access Squibnocket Beach between June I and September 15. Before and after these dates a sticker or pass is not needed to access the beach. Beach passes and additional information are available at the Chilmark Town Hall or on the Chilmark Town website www.chilmarkma.gov

A beautiful beach on the North Shore, Menemsha Beach is a popular spot for sunsets, as it faces west and is known for its calm waters and sandy shore. Menemsha Beach offers visitors access to a variety of seafood restaurants and fish markets in the nearby fishing village of Menemsha.

Cost: Free and open to the public. There is a small parking area near the entrance to the beach.

A secluded beach situated on the north shore of Martha's Vineyard, Lobsterville Beach is known for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. It offers great views of Menemsha harbor and is a great spot for walking and beachcombing. With two miles of shoreline, this peaceful beach is also a popular spot for fishing.

Cost: Free and open to the public. Limited Parking.