Beaches

Rip currents, tidal channels, sharks, bacteria closures, wartime ordnance and cold water: the Martha's Vineyard beach safety guide, with the 2026 incidents (the Long Point drowning, the Norton Point possible shark bite, the Lucy Vincent sighting), which beaches have lifeguards and when they leave, how to escape a rip, and where the hospital is.

Which Martha's Vineyard beaches are open to visitors, which need stickers or permits, and what everything costs in 2026: town by town, gate by gate.

Complete guide to all 20 Martha's Vineyard beaches: parking costs, lifeguard schedules, dog rules, swimming safety, sticker requirements, and ADA access.

Every Martha's Vineyard beach ranked by vibe for 2026: family picks, best surf, sunset spots, quieter sands, parking, access, and dog policies.

State Beach on Martha's Vineyard is known for calm waters and a family-friendly atmosphere. Activities, amenities, and tips for a perfect beach day.

South Beach (Katama Beach) is Martha's Vineyard's top Atlantic surf beach: free parking, lifeguards, a long stretch of sand and powerful waves in Edgartown.

Sengekontacket Pond in Oak Bluffs is a 745-acre coastal pond on Martha's Vineyard and a favorite spot for kayaking and birding.

The Inkwell in Oak Bluffs: a century of Black summer history, the Polar Bears at 7:30 every morning since 1946, and the practical page for visiting well.

Lambert's Cove Beach: Caribbean-white sand, calm water, residents-only in summer, free off-season. Access rules and parking tips.

An evening walk at Vineyard Haven Beach on Martha's Vineyard: pink and purple skies after sunset over calm harbor water.

Menemsha fishing village guide: the sunset crowd, Larsen's lobster, Dutcher Dock, Jaws spots, and tips for parking and dining.

Owen Park in Vineyard Haven: a calm, free harbor beach by the bandstand and town pier, 600 feet from the ferry. Beach, pier, concerts, parking and history.