The 7 Best Martha's Vineyard Beaches
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1. Moshup Beach
C. S. Imming Great for:- Fishing
- Surfing
Located on the exclusive barrier island of Martha's Vineyard, Moshup Beach aka Aquinnah Public Beach is a gem. It's also known as Gay Head or referred to by locals as "the cliffs beach" as that's what it is.
The cliffs are multicolored providing a stunning and dramatic backdrop to the beach. These cliffs are so special they are a National Landmark and are owned and protected by the Wampanoag Tribe of… read more »
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2. Lucy Vincent Beach
N. Friedler Great for:- Surfing
Located near Chilmark on the island of Martha's Vineyard, Lucy Vincent beach is a beautiful stretch of golden sand that runs along the Atlantic coast. Sadly, unless you are a resident or renting a house in town, you cannot access this beach from June 1 through September 15. Beach passes are required during that time.
The beach was originally owned by the town librarian, Lucy Vincent, and upon her death… read more »
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3. Lighthouse Beach
Massachusetts Office Of Travel & Tourism Looking out over the Edgartown Outer Harbor toward Chappaquiddick Island, Lighthouse Beach has warm waters in the summer and splendid views. One of the main attractions is the Lighthouse, which many people come to see. The beach is otherwise pretty quiet and a great spot to enjoy the views of sailboats in the harbor and the ocean.
The lighthouse itself is one of five on the island of Martha's Vineyard.… read more »
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4. Gay Head Town Beach
Many continue to call Gay Head Town Beach by its original name, although Gay Head Town has been known formerly as Aquinnah (meaning ‘land under the hill') by its population of 440 since 1997. At the end of Massachusetts' famed island of Martha's Vineyard, the beach is best known for its dramatic cliffs and the ocean views they deliver.
Designated a National Natural Landmark by the US National Park Service, Gay… read more »
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5. Joseph Sylvia State Beach
MáVëRíC Great for:- Family
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Kitesurfing
This glorious Joseph Sylvia State Beach has soft white sand and shallow water and is one of the most popular public beaches on Martha's Vineyard (many of the beaches are privately owned or for residents only).
Stretching 5 miles between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, this easterly facing beach is on a spit, accessed across a bridge. It's a local landmark and popular for jumping off into the Nantucket Sound waters below.… read more »
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6. Menemsha Beach
N. Friedler Great for:- Fishing
Located on the exclusive island of Martha's Vineyard, Menemsha Beach is northeast of Menemsha Pond between Aquinnah and Chilmark. It is home to the local US Coastguard Station and featured in the filming of Spielberg's epic movie, Jaws.
This public beach is one of the white sandy beaches that the island is known for. It overlooks the channel of ocean known as Vineyard Sound with views to Gay Head Lighthouse and… read more »
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7. South Beach
William Waterway Great for:- Fishing
- Swimming
- Surfing
Beautiful South Beach (also known as Katama Beach) is a free public beach in the Katama area of Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard. Washed by the Atlantic waves, the 3-mile beach is on a barrier island with rolling surf on one side and calm pond waters on the other. The surf is good for body surfing but youngsters are safer swimming in the pond.
The wide expanse of unspoilt sand has lifeguards… read more »
