Oak Bluffs
Oak Bluffs Town Beach — This beach is easily accessible from the town of Oak Bluffs. It stretches from the Steamship Authority dock to the first jetty on Edgartown road and faces Nantucket Sound.
Joseph Sylvia State Beach — A favorite spot for families. This 2 mile long beach with ample parking and easy bike access makes for a great summer outing.
Eastville Point Beach — Near the lagoon pond drawbridge and the hospital, this harbor side beach has limited parking but great views and good swimming.
Vineyard Haven
Owen Park Beach — This small sandy beach near the Steamship Authority pier has a children’s playground in the park.
Tisbury Town Beach — This public beach is next to the Vineyard Haven Yacht Club.
Lake Tashmoo Town Beach — At Herring Creek on Lake Tashmoo. Swim in Vineyard Sound or in the lake. Parking is limited.
Aquinnah
Aquinnah Public Beach (Moshup Beach) — Fabulous for long beach walks. This surf beach off Moshup Trail extends to the beginning of the spectacular Gay Head Cliffs. Paid parking from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Plan to get there early or late in the day.
Edgartown
South Beach (Norton Point/Katama) — This Atlantic beach is famous for its surf and scenery. Watch for grey seals in the water (sometimes followed by great white sharks). Stop at the Katama general store for supplies.
State Beach (Bend-in-the-Road) — This 2 mile stretch between Edgartown and Oak Bluffs faces Nantucket Sound on one side and Sengekontacket Pond on the other.
Lighthouse & Fuller Street Beach — Visit the lighthouse and this lovely stretch of sand at the entrance to Edgartown harbor.
Chilmark
Menemsha Public Beach — Visit the charming fishing village of Menemsha and it’s easily accessible Vineyard Sound beach. Family friendly surf and crabbing for children make this a destination for everyone. Stay for epic sunsets over the Elizabeth Islands.
West Tisbury
Long Point Wildlife Refuge — This south shore beach and fresh water pond offer swimming possibilities for the brave and less brave. Owned by The Trustees of Reservations (pay parking). Kayaking and stand-up paddle boarders will enjoy exploring the nearby ponds.
Chappaquiddick
Cape Poge & Wasque (East Beach) — Take the On Time ferry over to “Chappy” to access these east shore beaches. Managed by Trustees of Resevations (paid access). Wasque is a favored surf fishing spot and there are hiking trails above the bluffs too.
Martha’s Vineyard’s five lighthouses are all worth visiting. Experience the island’s maritime past at each unique site…
East Chop Lighthouse
5 min walk from Quailwood Cottage.
Site of an original telegraph signal tower, the lighthouse was built on the same spot. Great views of Nantucket Sound and a wonderful place to take in sunsets. Open to the public on Sunday evenings in the summer ($).
West Chop Lighthouse
Views of both Vineyard and Nantucket Sounds. Watch the island’s ferries from here! Not open to the public.
Gay Head Lighthouse
Located at the Island’s westernmost point in Aquinnah.
This red brick lighthouse was moved further inland in 2015 to escape the eroding bluffs below. Great spot for beautiful pictures with the Gay Head Cliffs and beach. Visit the inside of the lighthouse too ($).
Cape Pogue Lighthouse
Located on the extreme end of Chappaquiddick,
This remote lighthouse has been built and rebuilt several times. 4X4 Oversand tours are available ($).
Edgartown Lighthouse
This lighthouse is located near town just off North Water Street and offers views of Edgartown Harbor and Chappaquiddick across the channel. The original lighthouse was destroyed in the violent hurricaine of 1938 and the present one moved here afterwards. A poignant Childrens’ memorial surrounds the base.
Quailwood Cottage 