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Martha's Vineyard Events

When the weather is nice enough to merit a visit to the beach, prepare yourself for a vast number of choices:  this island has over 125 miles of coastline. Don’t let the sheer amount of options leave you feeling underwater, though.  When it comes to Martha’s Vineyard beaches, there’s plenty to go around and lots of different atmospheres to enjoy.

 

South Beach, Martha's Vineyard
South Beach on Martha’s Vineyard | Photo: Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism via flickr (CC BY-ND 2.0)

 

South Beach (Edgartown)

If you enjoy people watching and don’t mind being around a crowd, South Beach is sure to please. This slice of sandy paradise is on the Atlantic coast, just south of Edgartown (it’s also our main beach).  Lifeguards are on duty July and August, but caution is always advised as the surf can be quite rough and take you by surprise (especially important to remember for kiddos in tow).  South Beach is popular with younger visitors and residents of the Island, so if you’re under 30, this is the place to hang (or if you’re over 30 and want to pretend, that works too).  If people watching isn’t your thing, there’s always sandcastle building! South Beach is such a great spot for constructing architectural masterpieces that the Edgartown Board of Trade now sponsors a Sand Sculpting contest each August, so grab a pail and shovel and get practicing!

 

State Beach (Edgartown/Oak Bluffs)

For a quieter pace, with lifeguards and excellent swimming, head to State Beach. It’s accessible by bike path and located between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. It’s a great choice for family visits, as there’s always kids building sandcastles, splashing, and generally raising a ruckus.  The water here is calm enough that the local kids even have their swimming lessons here.

 

Lighthouse Beach (Edgartown)

Edgartown Lighthouse - Martha's Vineyard
Lighthouse Beach in Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard

If you want to hunker down and read in peace and quiet, bring your bookish bundle to Lighthouse Beach in Edgartown.  As the name suggests, it’s just beside the lighthouse.  The fact that there is very little parking means that this beach is generally quite quiet and it’s really nice to watch the sailboats glide in and out of the harbor. It’s only a few minutes walk from our front door, so it is very convenient but remarkably underused.

 

Chappaquiddick Beaches

Get your steps in and experience true peace and quiet on a journey to our neighboring island of Chappaquiddick.  The beaches here are pristine but require a bit more legwork than the average sandy spot. Just make sure you prepare in advance — there are no stores over on Chappy, so pack a lunch to enjoy on-the-go!

 

Can’t decide which Martha’s Vineyard beaches to visit during your trip? Don’t be shy — swing by our front desk and we’ll tell you all about the up-Island gems and down-Island coves.

Explore Haunted New England History on Martha’s Vineyard
Visit Local Farms on Martha’s Vineyard
The Best Things to Do in Martha’s Vineyard for Solo Travelers
What to Know about the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival
Plan a Visit to the Martha’s Vineyard Food and Wine Festival
Where to Get the Best Pizza on Martha’s Vineyard Near Edgartown
Explore Memorable Things to Do & See in West Tisbury
Spend a Day at the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest

Evelyn

Walk around the Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs and see the Gingerbread Cottages but be sure to look for Eleanor.  She’s well past ninety, a wealth of Martha’s Vineyard info, and she may even ask you to sign her visitor’s book.  She will be on her porch waiting for you to come by.

Oak Bluffs is a nice bike ride from Vineyard Square Hotel in Edgartown

Michael

Pack some snacks in Edgartown then drive, bike or bus up to Chilmark and explore the Great Rock Bight Preserve. (Top left hand corner, mouse over the #34 for info and directions.) After a hike, swim out to the Great Rock. (Bring some water-shoes! The barnacles are sharp!)

Vincent

Take the 13 bus up to Oak Bluffs and grab a slice of pizza from Giordano’s. Now take that delicious slice to Ocean Park, grab a bench, and enjoy your lunch; and one of the best views on the island.

Lane

To truly relax on your Martha’s Vineyard vacation, walk around the Lagoon, from Oak Bluffs to Vineyard Haven and back, at low tide. (There’s no beach at high tide!) No crowds, and the peaceful sound of the waves lapping on the sand is better than an hour of meditation.

Joanne

Stroll down the street from our Martha’s Vineyard hotel and hop on the harbor launch for a half hour ride around Edgartown harbor – “It’s only an island if you look at it from the water” (small fee)

Janice

Looking for a great Edgartown restaurant for seafood? Look no further than the Square Rigger Restaurant which has the best lobster in town. You can hop onto the #11 Park and Ride from Mayhew Lane at no cost and don’t have to worry about drinking too much for dinner.

Rob

I love going to the bar at Détente for an early dinner. Between 5:30 and 6:00 everything on the menu is half price. They have an often changing and always interesting selection of wines by the glass. This is one of the best deals on the Island.

CJ

Grab a lobster roll at Grace Church on Friday afternoon (voted “best lobster roll” on the island in “Best of the Vineyard” past five years) and head to your favorite Martha’s Vineyard beach for a picnic.  Evenings are a great time of day to enjoy the beach and cool off without the crowds!

 

Explore Haunted New England History on Martha’s Vineyard
Visit Local Farms on Martha’s Vineyard
The Best Things to Do in Martha’s Vineyard for Solo Travelers
What to Know about the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival
Plan a Visit to the Martha’s Vineyard Food and Wine Festival
Where to Get the Best Pizza on Martha’s Vineyard Near Edgartown
Explore Memorable Things to Do & See in West Tisbury
Spend a Day at the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest