The beaches of Martha’s Vineyard are some of the most beautiful in the country. These beaches attract everyone from celebrities to weekend warriors. Here are our picks for the 5 Best Beaches on Martha’s Vineyard:
East Beach
Located on the island of Chappaquiddick, this remote beach receives less traffic than many of the other beaches on the island but it is definitely worth the trip. East Beach offers gorgeous views of the Atlantic, big waves and plenty of privacy. It is also great for bird watching. This beach is accessible by car, bike or the Chappy Ferry out of Edgartown (see ferry info here). Beach admission is $5 for adults and free for ages 15 and under.
Katama Beach (South Beach)
South Beach is one of the most popular beaches on Martha’s Vineyard – and for good reason! This three-mile long barrier beach is about 4 miles south of downtown Edgartown at the end of Katama Road. The waves here are typically pretty large, making South Beach great for surfing. You easily can drive to South Beach and there is plenty of parking, or you can take the Vineyard Transit Authority bus from Oak Bluffs and Edgartown.
Joseph Sylvia State Beach
More commonly known as simply “State Beach,” this 2-mile stretch of soft sand runs along Beach Road between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. State Beach is popular for families, especially with young children, thanks to its calm, warm waters and free parking. There is lifeguard coverage on the Edgartown end of the beach. This beach is famous as the setting for many of the beach scenes in Jaws.
Menemsha Public Beach
This north-island beach is located in the historic fishing village of Menemsha, which still receives fresh deliveries of locally caught seafood every day. Menemsha Beach faces the calm waters of Vineyard Sound, which gives beach-goers beautiful views of the Cuttyhunk and the other Elizabeth Islands. This is one of the absolute best places on the island to catch a sunset!
Menemsha Beach has limited parking and public showers and restrooms. It is a short walk to great restaurants, shopping and fish markets.
Moshup Public Beach
Aquinnah’s public beach is arguably the most scenic on the island, thanks to its views of the stunning Gay Head Cliffs, a national landmark. At times, Moshup has very large waves, making this a popular surf-spot on the southern end of the island. Moshup tends to have smaller crowds because it is located “up-island,” which is more rural than the down-island towns of Edgartown, Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven.
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