10 Best Beaches on Martha's Vineyard

Aquinnah Public Beach is known primarily for the Gay Head Cliffs that offer stunning views of the water. After just a short hike, you'll reach the top and see why the site brings in so many travelers from all over the world. Of course, the beach itself features soft sands and calm waters that the whole family can enjoy. You'll even find several pristine fishing spots if you're looking to cast out and see what the local catch can offer.

Lambert's Cove Beach draws in all kinds of visitors just for the sights alone, as it offers a taste of the Caribbean with its tropical scenery. This cove is unique on Martha's Vineyard in that it manages to mimic what it's like to be in a Caribbean cove despite being more than a thousand miles away. When you visit, you can get a taste of that tropical majesty while enjoying the refreshing and relatively calm waters. The cove itself faces west, so it's also a popular place to watch the sunset as orange and red colors take over the environment before nightfall arrives.

Squibnocket Beach is a relaxing and fascinating beach known for its surf and impressive rock formations. You can take your board out into the waves or simply enjoy the geological masterpieces found here, though the beach is also a great spot if you're just looking for a place to relax. Keep in mind, however, that this beach is closed to everyone but Chilmark residents during the summer. The rest of the year, though, it's open to locals and visitors alike.

Edgartown Beach is a free barrier beach, making it one of the most popular beaches on the island. On the side of the beach facing the Atlantic, you'll find some pretty intense waves, so you can venture out on a board. The waves and general choppiness mean it's not all that suitable for kids. Fortunately, the other side of this barrier beach borders a calm pond that's perfect for children to play safely without having to worry about intense waves or riptides.

Menemsha Public Beach is popular among visitors to Martha's Vineyard because it's open to the public year-round and boasts calm, clear waters that lend extra beauty to your beachgoing experience. Additionally, you'll notice quite a bit of sea life along the shore, with plenty of crabs to be found along with pristine shells in the sand. If you're looking to catch a sunset, head to the part of the beach that faces Vineyard Sound for that picturesque sight to complete your day at the beach.

East Beach is a notably long beach on Chappaquiddick that doesn't get all that much traffic, so you can enjoy some quiet time on its shores. The beach stretches several miles, so one of the most popular activities to take part in here is going for a stroll. With waves crashing on one side and the end of the beach approaching, your stroll will bring you to a spot where you feel as if you've reached the edge of the world.

Long Point Beach is a popular destination for families because it offers both adventurous waters for adults and calmer shores more suited for small children. The Atlantic waves crashing on the white sands can be as relaxing as they are alluring, but the lake side of the beach has much to offer in its own right, with calm and inviting waters for the whole family. You'll even find opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding. Don't forget to check out the nearby wildlife refuge as well.

Lake Tashmoo Town Beach offers all sorts of experiences that adults and kids alike can enjoy, including adventurous waters and calm waters available in equal measure. You can either set up along the coast of the sound or on the Tashmoo Lake side. Along the sound, the waves tend to be more intense, so they're perfect for watersports. Opt for the lake side, however, and you'll find much calmer waters. Of course, you can always swap between them if you like. Just keep in mind that you'll have to venture down an unpaved road to reach the beach, and there's very limited parking. Biking is typically the best method for access unless you snag a parking spot early.