Martha's Vineyard Jaws Tour: Walk the Real Amity Island with a Local Guide
Take a guided Jaws tour of Martha's Vineyard with local guide Mike Currid. Walk the real Amity Island in Edgartown and book the "Amity" Walking Tour.
Owen Park Beach at 19 Owen Park Way in Vineyard Haven is one of Martha's Vineyard's best-kept secrets — a free public beach on the inner harbor, approximately 600 feet from the Steamship Authority ferry terminal. It's the first beach you can reach after stepping off the ferry.
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The Beach
A small, sandy harbor beach with calm, sheltered, shallow water — protected by the harbor and a large breakwater. Free of big waves, with good crabbing. Excellent for families and young children. Watch the Steamship Authority ferries and sailboats come and go. Beautiful sunsets. Close enough to stroll to the Black Dog Tavern (about 100 yards along the waterfront). The beach has a public town dock, an offshore swimming float, and is ADA accessible.
The Bandstand and Concerts
Above the beach sits a bandstand — home to the Vineyard Haven Band, established in 1868 (the oldest continuous nonprofit cultural organization on Martha's Vineyard). Free concerts on Sunday evenings during July and August at 7:30 PM. The band plays American classics — military marches, patriotic tunes, and popular fare. They also perform for Illumination Night and July 4th.
First Friday Events
Owen Park is also a venue for First Friday events (June–October plus December), with live music and food trucks starting at 5 PM — part of Vineyard Haven's monthly community celebration.
Facilities
Free parking (fills up), public restrooms, beach shower, playground with swings, benches. No entrance fee or beach sticker required — one of the rare free public beaches on Martha's Vineyard.
History
Named after William Barry Owen (1860–1919), son of a whaling captain, who established subsidiaries of the Gramophone company across Europe. His widow donated the property to the Town of Tisbury after his death. The park was gifted in 1924. A flagpole — a mast from a grounded schooner — was installed in 1929 with a plaque honoring war veterans.
Owen Park is steps from downtown — see our Vineyard Haven town guide for shops and restaurants, or plan your trip with the car-free travel guide.
⛴️ Island Tip of the Day — Ferry
The Island Queen from Falmouth to Oak Bluffs is just $20 one-way (35 min). Reservations are now required — book at islandqueen.com. Passengers only, no cars.
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.
