Martha's Vineyard has a long history of being the ideal summer vacation spot for tourists all over the globe. Tourists flock to their favorite Martha's Vineyard beach every year.
The Wampanoag indigenous Americans named the island Noepe, meaning "land amid the streams". Land amid the steams it is---with 124 miles of coastline, Martha's Vineyard has dozens of beaches and inlands for the perfect beach vacation.
Keep reading for our list of the best beaches on Martha's Vineyard.
Martha's Vineyard Beaches
Martha's Vineyard has more than 120 miles of coastline, and as a result, the island has dozens of beaches to choose from. Each beach is unique and has something special to offer. Below are some of the can't-miss beaches on Martha's Vineyard.
Lighthouse Beach
One of the most popular beaches on Martha's Vineyard, Lighthouse beach is located on the far eastern point of the North Shore, near to Edgarton. This beach is perfect for relaxing, swimming, walking, and fishing.
Be sure to take a walk to see the so-named lighthouse, Edgartown Harbor Light. The lighthouse offers picturesque views of the New England coastline, and is a staple sight of Martha's Vineyard.
If you are an early bird, this beach offers wonderful views of the sunrise.
The close proximity to town allows for easy access to restaurants and cafes. This beach is perfect for a day out with the family.
Menemsha Beach
On the other side of the island is Menemsha Beach. This beach faces out toward the Vineyard Sound, which divides Martha's Vineyard and Naushon Island.
This is the perfect place to watch the iconic Martha's Vineyard sunset. Relax and watch the boats sail through the sound.
This beach is a great spot for relaxing and listening to the gentle lull of the waves.
For dinner, consider stopping by the Menemsha Fish Market for their amazing fresh seafood take out.
Joseph Sylvia State Beach
For family vacations, Joseph Sylvia State Beach is ideal due to its long, sandy coastline and small waves. The water is relatively shallow and gets deeper very gradually, so it is a safe spot for younger kids to play.
It is also just down the road from the town of Edgartown---simply take Beach Road to get to and from the town.
This beach's Eastern location gives it the perfect vantage point for watching the sunrise. Well known for its soft, white sand, this is a great beach to walk or lounge.
This scenic beach has one more claim to fame---it was the filming location of the film Jaws! Several locations from the movie are clearly recognizable, but fear not, shark attacks are very unlikely in these shallow waters. For an extra fun day at the beach, jump off the Jaws Bridge into the clear waters below.
Edgartown South Beach
If you would like to visit Martha's Vineyard south beach, be sure to visit Edgartown South Beach. Located directly south from Joseph Sylvia State Beach, you will find Edgartown South Beach. This beach stretches out past Norton Point.
Located out at the tip of Martha's Vineyard Norton Point, this beach is surrounded by water on all sides. To the North, you will have magnificent views of Katama Bay, and to the South, the unobstructed Atlantic Ocean.
This beach is a bit off the beaten path, but the beach is quiet and has free parking. If you like listening to the waves, this beach is a great spot. Boogie boarding and some small surfing are popular here too.
For dinner, swing by The Dunes restaurant, located at the base of the land bridge that Edgartown South Beach is situated on. This restaurant is known for its tasty upscale new American fare, and boasts amazing ocean views.
Lobsterville Beach
Lobsterville Beach is known for being a calmer, warmer stretch of beach on the Northern part of Martha's Vineyard. This beach is popular for paddleboarding, windsurfing, and kayaking.
Lobsterville Beach is a good swimming spot for families thanks to its calmer surf. Take note though, while there is parking available, spots go quickly!
Oak Bluffs Town Beach
If you'd like to spend the day in a beach town, Oak Bluffs Town Beach is a must-see destination. Packed with activities and restaurants, the town backs directly up to the beach, which is sandy and calm.
Be sure to take advantage of one of the best Martha's Vineyard waterfront rentals. Stop by Islands Spirit Kayak to rent kayaks and paddleboards, and take advantage of the calm waters.
In addition to equipment rentals, they also offer glow paddleboard tours at night. This truly one-of-a-kind experience lets you watch the marine life as you have never seen before! This outing is perfect for all ages and includes all equipment needed.
This town has no shortage of restaurants available for you to choose from. Try out The Sweet Life for an incredible meal. Everything is seasonal and will be sure to leave you very satisfied.
For the perfect ending to a perfect day in Oak Bluffs, get ice cream at Mad Martha's Homemade Ice Cream shop. With nearly 30 homemade flavors to choose from, this shop is sure to have something for everyone.
Lucy Vincent Beach
This beach, located on Martha's Vineyard's Western South Shore, is a true beauty.
This sandy beach is dotted with magnificent rock formations. Though you need a pass from the town of Chilmark to visit in the summer months, starting in September this beach opens up to the public.
The town of Chilmark itself is a quaint and charming New England town, with water lining two of its sides. The Chilmark Tavern is a great lunch stop during the summer months.
This beach is ideal for listening to the surf, as it can get relatively wavy at times. This beach is definitely a must-see during the off-season.
Lake Tashmoo Town Beach
This barrier beach between Lake Tashmoo and the Vineyard Sound is at the far West end of Martha's Vineyard.
Visitors can take a long stroll along the rocky breakwater and watch the sailboats go by. The lake is ideal for swimming, as it is relatively shallow and warm, and is great for families to visit. Free parking is available for visitors, and during the summer a lifeguard is on site.
Facing to the West, this beach is a perfect place to relax and watch the sunset.
Eastville Point Beach
One of the less touristy beaches on Martha's Vineyard is Eastville Pointe Beach. Located on the Northern part of the island, this beach is just North of Joseph Sylvia State Beach and very near to Oak Bluffs.
Eastville Point Beach is known for its drawbridge and expansive views of Vineyard Haven Harbor. Boats and water activities can be observed from the shores.
This beach is also well known for its sunsets and calm waters. There is free parking, but it is limited, so be sure to arrive early during peak season!
Lambert's Cove Beach
Located in the town of West Tisbury, this beach is facing full West, which provides spectacular views of the sunset. Important note: this beach requires passes from the town of West Tisbury during the peak season.
You will have to take a short hike over the sand dune to reach the main beach, but it is well worth it.
One of the most incredible beaches on Martha's Vineyard, Lambert's Cove Beach offers a wide stretch of white sand beaches. Bring a picnic basket and some beach chairs for this almost tropical beach.
One bonus feature is that dogs are allowed at the beach, but only before 10 am. This beach is a great place to take a long walk.
For a unique dining experience, be sure to stop at the Woods at Lambert's Cove Inn. This restaurant is packed with greenery and offers an award-winning menu made with sustainably-sourced island ingredients.
Inkwell Beach
Located adjacent to Oak Bluffs, Inkwell Beach is a historically African-American resort. Beginning in the late 1800s, this resort community was one of few that was open to black visitors and residents on Martha's Vineyard.
The name "Inkwell" comes from a derogatory nickname for the beach, but today has been embraced by the families who live here. Black families from all over the East coast converged on the Inkwell community and built beautiful cottages, which have been passed down through the generations.
The beach itself is sandy and warm, and the beautiful blue waters face directly east uninterrupted, making this the perfect spot to catch the sunrise. Behind the beach is Waban Park, an open green park facing the water, the perfect spot for a picnic.
Be sure to stop by this amazing historical community while on Martha's Vineyard.
Martha's Vineyard Nude Beach
Moshup Beach (also called Gay Head Beach by the locals) is the only public nude beach on the island. If nudity isn't your thing, the other end of the beach is bathing suit-required.
Moshup beach is one of the furthest West points on Martha's Vineyard, and the sunset views are incredible.
The beach backs up to the Gay Head Cliffs and offers amazing views of the water. The cliffs are a fiery copper orange color and give the beach a totally different feel from the rest of the island's many beaches.
This is a great beach for getting that even tan, walking, or swimming.
Visit the Many Beaches of Martha's Vineyard Today!
Plan a trip to see Martha's Vineyard beach spots---every beach on Martha's Vineyard has something unique to share. No matter which beach you go to, your vacation is sure to be filled with fun in the sun. With so many different beaches to choose from, rent one of our luxury island villas today and see them all!
To learn more about staying at Martha's Vineyard, visit us today.
