4 Favorite Spots to Watch a Martha’s Vineyard Sunset

There’s no need to boost the saturation in these vacation snapshots — nature’s paintbrush gifts us sunsets that are nothing short of vibrant. You only have so long to enjoy the show, so if you have your heart set on catching this classic island photo op then you need to be in the right place at the right time. Whether that place is perched atop a lighthouse or out on the water, these Martha’s Vineyard sunset spots are guaranteed to set your sights ablaze on either side of the island.  

Four Ways to Set Your Sights on a Martha’s Vineyard Sunset

Menemsha Public Beach

Between a charming village vibe and unobstructed water views, Menemsha is easily the most favored haven for enjoying end-of-day colors between locals and visitors alike. Stop by Larsen’s Fish Market or Menemsha Fish Market to grab some succulent seafood to-go before you claim your front-row seat on the shoreline. No matter how many people begin to pack up, be sure to stick around after the sun sinks below the horizon. Trust us, this is when the most vivid colors show their cards and you won’t want to catch them from your rearview mirror.

Aquinnah Cliffs

An already Instagram-famous photo location by day, the red clay Aquinnah Cliffs are even more beautiful when a blue sky is swapped out for a multicolored one. For one fail-proof vantage point, head to the Aquinnah Cliffs Overlook for a full sunset viewing package of the water, cliffs, and lighthouse. If you happen to swing by on a Thursday evening, opt for an even better view overlooking the beach from within the Gay Head Lighthouse itself.

East Chop Lighthouse

If you can’t squeeze a trip to the Wild West (as far as the Vineyard is concerned), stick closer to our corner for equally pleasing Martha’s Vineyard sunset sightings. Pay a visit to our neighbor, Oak Bluffs, to watch the colorful gradient from the East Chop Lighthouse. Sunday evening visitors have the advantage of viewing the sky from the lighthouse interior, but the views are just as grand if you’re watching them surround the stoic structure.

By Water on Edgartown Harbor

To truly feel like you’re right in the center of the action, set sail on a sunset cruise with Plan Sea. Bring aboard supper on-the-fly from your favorite Edgartown restaurant — this crew happily invites you to pack a snap and drink of your choosing. While you watch the purples, pinks, and oranges reflect off the water, the chatty cruise crew will drop fun facts and tales about the buildings and scenic views that the boat passes by.

Want to catch the sunset but only have five minutes? For Vineyard Square Hotel guests, it’s as easy as running up to our shared fourth-floor harbor view veranda for an exclusive viewing of the radiant sky set above Edgartown’s rooftops. Be sure to swing by the front desk for even more sunset spot secrets or to share your own discoveries. We never get sick of a good sunset photo on this island!