Chappaquiddick Day Trip Guide: Martha's Vineyard's Wild Island (2026)
Plan a Chappaquiddick day trip: the On Time Ferry, Mytoi Japanese garden, Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge, Wasque Beach, and biking routes on Martha's Vineyard.
At the end of North Water Street in Edgartown stands one of Martha's Vineyard's most iconic landmarks — a 45-foot conical cast-iron lighthouse with a history spanning nearly two centuries, two locations, and one devastating hurricane.
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The Original Lighthouse (1828–1938)
Congress approved $5,500 on May 23, 1828 for building a light at the entrance to Edgartown Harbor. The original was a two-story wooden Cape Cod-style keeper's dwelling with a glass lantern room, built on wooden pilings on a small artificial island offshore. The first keeper was Jeremiah Pease, who rowed to reach the light. In 1830, Congress approved $2,500 for a 1,500-foot wooden walkway connecting the lighthouse to shore — this causeway became known as the "Bridge of Sighs," reflecting the emotions of islanders watching whaling ships depart for voyages of up to five years.
The Great Hurricane of 1938 inflicted severe structural damage, and the US Coast Guard demolished the buildings in 1939.
The Current Lighthouse
The present tower was originally built in 1881 as a rear range light on Crane's Beach in Ipswich, Massachusetts. Its light was discontinued in 1932 because sand shifting had moved the shoreline over 1,000 feet away. In 1939, the tower was disassembled and barged to Edgartown. It shows a flashing red light every six seconds. A spiral staircase replaced the original near-vertical ladder during 2007 renovations funded by $250,000 from Edgartown's Community Preservation Act.
In 2014, the Town of Edgartown purchased it from the US government for $1 under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act. The Martha's Vineyard Museum remains the steward.
Visiting Information
Located about a 10–15-minute walk from downtown Edgartown along North Water Street. Admission: $5 adults; children 12 and under free; MV Museum members free. Typically open weekends from late May through early October, with additional weekday hours in July and August. Check mvmuseum.org for current hours. From the top: panoramic views of Edgartown Harbor, Chappaquiddick, Cape Cod, and the Atlantic.
The Children's Memorial
Created in 2001, inspired by Rick Harrington after his 16-year-old son Ricky was killed in a car accident. Over 1,000 families from around the world have had their child's name carved into granite cobblestones placed into the lighthouse's foundation. An annual Ceremony of Remembrance is held each September — the 2026 ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, September 12 at 1:00 PM.
Lighthouse Beach
Sand has accumulated since 1939 around the stone causeway, creating Lighthouse Beach at the base — a popular spot with views of the harbor and Chappaquiddick. For the complete Edgartown experience, see our Edgartown Town Guide (2026).
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
📅 Island Tip of the Day — Seasonal
Memorial Day weekend marks the official season start — busy but noticeably less intense than July/August. The week after is even quieter and everything's open.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for general guidance only and was accurate at the time of writing. Beach conditions, hours, prices, lifeguard schedules, ferry fares, and business operations change frequently and without notice. Ocean swimming carries inherent risks including rip currents, undertow, and cold water shock. Always verify current conditions with official local sources before your visit. MV Vacation assumes no responsibility for any loss, injury, or inconvenience resulting from the use of this information. Swim only where lifeguards are on duty, supervise children at all times near water, and follow all posted safety signs.
