Chilmark keeps its drama low and wide: a boardwalk bending through wind-killed trees, the Atlantic waiting flat and grey at the end of it.
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Chilmark is a rural, up-Island town on the western side of Martha's Vineyard. The English-speaking community here dates to the 1600s, though the land has been home to the Wampanoag people for thousands of years. Today, Chilmark is known for preserved farmland, rolling hills, secluded beaches, quiet landscapes, and a tight-knit population of roughly 1,200 residents.
This guide was written and photographed by MV Vacation, based on extensive on-island filming, documentation, and field research.
We respectfully acknowledge the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) as the original stewards of this land.
Chilmark sits between West Tisbury and Aquinnah, forming the quiet, rural heart of the island's up-Island region. Its landscapes flow into neighboring towns, making it an ideal base for visitors exploring the western side of Martha's Vineyard.
Finding Chilmark
Beetlebung Corner
The center of Chilmark life sits at Beetlebung Corner, where South Road, Middle Road, and Menemsha Crossroad intersect. Visitors will find a small but essential collection of community favorites:
The Essentials
The essentials in Chilmark
03 STOPSA BYOB restaurant known for local ingredients and relaxed, upscale comfort food.
A community hub offering pantry items, prepared foods, sandwiches, pizza, and beach essentials.
Seasonal tennis, camps, film nights, lectures, and public events.
If you are exploring more up-Island food destinations, consider visiting nearby West Tisbury, home to additional farmstands, markets, and scenic conservation lands.
The Farms
Chilmark is one of the Vineyard's most agricultural communities, with active farms supplying produce, dairy, breads, and meats across the island.
A
B
CA: the General Store porch, the town's year-round hub; B: the handwritten price board at the Mermaid Farm dairy shed; C: the herd at Native Earth Teaching Farm.
Trails and Ponds
Chilmark features some of the most dramatic and peaceful scenery on Martha's Vineyard. With access to both Vineyard Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, the town is ideal for hiking, photography, and coastline exploration.
Where the moor gives out: sand cliffs, stairs and Atlantic surf on Chilmark's south shore.
Chilmark's beaches are among the most beautiful (and restricted) on the island:
The Beaches
Beaches in Chilmark
02 BEACHESDramatic cliffs and Atlantic surf. Summer access requires a Chilmark resident or renter permit.
Secluded shoreline with protected dunes. Also resident-permit-only in summer.
The sea stack at golden hour. Permit-only in summer, and worth the winter walk.
For coastal views and sunset photography, don't miss Menemsha and the public Menemsha Beach, located just a short drive away.
Menemsha
Located on Chilmark's north shore, Menemsha is one of the island's last traditional fishing villages. Features include:
- Two family-run fish markets
- Public beach with famous sunset views
- Docks, lobster boats, and working waterfront
- Boutiques and small seasonal shops
Menemsha Town Beach is open to the public and is widely considered the best sunset spot on Martha's Vineyard.
For real-time harbor conditions and coastal scenery, visit our Island Live Webcams.
Moored boats going still at dusk: the up-Island evening that empties the roads and fills the ponds with colour.
Know Before You Go
Know before you go
Lucy Vincent Beach and Squibnocket Beach require a Chilmark resident or registered-renter permit in summer. Menemsha Town Beach is open to the public year-round.
Chilmark is accessible by car, bike, and the Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA). The most direct routes are via South Road or Middle Road from West Tisbury.
Visitors using public transit take VTA Route 5 along South Road or Route 4 along North Road, both reached with an easy change at West Tisbury from the Vineyard Haven and Edgartown buses.
Questions
Questions about Chilmark
What makes Chilmark unique?
Chilmark is defined by rolling farmland, preserved open space, elevated ocean views, and quiet living. It is one of the most peaceful regions on Martha's Vineyard.
Can visitors access Chilmark's beaches?
Lucy Vincent Beach and Squibnocket Beach require a Chilmark resident or registered-renter permit in summer. Menemsha Town Beach is open to the public year-round.
What are popular activities?
Hiking Menemsha Hills, exploring farms, kayaking Quitsa Pond, photographing Lucy Vincent Beach, dining at Chilmark Tavern, and visiting Menemsha Harbor.
For visitor rules, beach access details, and seasonal information, check our comprehensive Martha's Vineyard FAQ.
The Record
Fun Facts about Chilmark
For more planning tips, beach info, and up-Island attractions, explore the Chilmark section on MV Vacation.
Chilmark on Film
From Our LensThe up-Island quiet, in every light.29 photographs · View the Chilmark gallery
+25Chilmark Photos
More photos: our Chilmark gallery. View more island visuals in our full Photo Galleries.
For the full 2026 guide with restaurants, events, and practical tips, read our Chilmark and Menemsha Complete Guide (2026).
Keep Reading
Keep reading
Chilmark on film
Exploring Menemsha Hills: Bicycle Ride through the Woods on Martha's Vineyard
Menemsha Hills Golden Hour – Relaxing Ocean Sounds at Sunset (2 Minutes)
Lucy Vincent Beach Walking Tour on Martha's Vineyard
Menemsha Beach 4K | Sunset Vibes & Fishing Village – Martha’s Vineyard
Lucy Vincent Beach Martha's Vineyard 2024 Spring
Lobsterville Beach, Martha’s Vineyard – Hidden Gem Near Menemsha