Three miles of open Atlantic surf, rough on some days.
Plate 01
South Beach, located in the Katama district of Edgartown, is the best-known beach on Martha's Vineyard: Atlantic surf, soft sand, dunes, and three miles of open shoreline.
This guide was written and photographed by MV Vacation, based on years of on-island filming, drone coverage, and field research across Katama and the South Beach coastline.
It is a flat three miles south of Edgartown through Katama, an easy bike ride or a short hop on the seasonal beach bus.
Know Before You Go
Before you go in the water
South Beach faces the open Atlantic. Waves and undertow can be powerful. The lifeguarded zones, when staffed, are the place to swim, and children are safest within arm's reach.
The US Army Corps of Engineers posts warnings here: military ordnance from a former training range has been found along this shore. If you find something suspicious, do not touch it; leave the area and call 911.
On duty during the summer months at designated swimming areas.
Finding South Beach
On the Sand
What to do at South Beach
05 WAYSStrong Atlantic waves draw surfers, with lifeguarded areas in summer.
Only when conditions allow; undertow can be powerful.
Miles of open shoreline running toward Norton Point.
Sunrise over the dunes, sunset over the ocean.
Food and drinks come with you; there are no restaurants on the beach itself.
A 
B 
C A: the wide sandy stretch on a gentle day; B: a sand fence throwing shadows across a snow-dusted dune; C: footprints and eroded dune faces along the shore.
Amenities and what's nearby
South Beach is kept natural on purpose, and there's little in the way of amenities, so it's worth bringing water, sunscreen, snacks and shade.
Nearby
Near South Beach
04 STOPSBiplane rides from a grass runway.
Upscale dining and beach access paths.
The over-sand beach that continues east from the lots: free on foot, a town permit to drive.
Evening at South Beach, with only a few people left on the sand.
Know Before You Go
Tips for visiting South Beach
Parking lots fill fast in peak season.
Lifeguarded zones are the place to swim when they are staffed.
No stores or restaurants directly at the beach.
The VTA Route 8 bus runs from Church Street in Edgartown to South Beach, free through June 30, 2027. From October 4 to April 15 it makes four loops a day, at 8:00 and 11:00 AM and 2:00 and 5:00 PM (the 8:00 skips Sundays and holidays from December 27 to March 7), reaching the beach about 10 minutes later, so a visit means riding out on one loop and back on the next. In summer it runs far more often. Biking or driving over from Edgartown works too.
Sunrise for the dunes, sunset for ocean horizons.
Questions
Questions about South Beach
Is there parking available?
Yes. There are large lots, but they fill quickly during July and August.
Are there lifeguards?
Yes, during the summer season, in marked areas.
Is South Beach family-friendly?
Yes, but waves and undertow can be strong, so young swimmers need close watching.
Is South Beach the same as Katama Beach?
Yes. Locals use both names interchangeably.
Can I walk from South Beach to Norton Point?
Yes, the shoreline is continuous, though tides affect walking conditions; our Norton Point guide covers the permit, the breach and the rules.
Disclaimer: Conditions can change daily. For accurate and up-to-date information, verify directly with local authorities or official sources.
The Record
A few facts about South Beach
+17 View more island visuals in our full Photo Galleries.
South Beach on film
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