At the bridge between Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven is, a small beach area, just about a half-mile outside of Oak Bluffs downtown area. It's good for swimming or fishing.

Francis Street Beach
Francis Street
Nantucket (on the island of Nantucket), MA 02554

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Short walk from center of town. Calm harbor waters; no lifeguard. Kayak rentals. Restrooms.

Fuller Street Beach
End of Fuller Street near Lighthouse Beach
Edgartown (on the island of Martha's vineyard), MA O2539

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Gay Head Public Beach (also called Moshup Beach or Aquinnah Beach)
off Moshup Trail
Aquinnah (on the island of Martha's Vineyard), MA

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A 10-minute walk from the parking lot ($15 per day). This beach extends from Philbin Beach to just before the Gay Head Cliffs. A very appealing stretch of coastline.

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Aquinnah Beach (also known as Moshup Beach or Gay Head Public Beach)
Off Moshup Trail
Aquinnah (on the island of Martha's Vineyard), MA 02535

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Ten minute walk from parking lot on cleared trail. Backed by the majestic Aquinnah Cliffs. Parking fee in the summer. Climbing on cliffs is not allowed.

Bend in the Road Beach (on the island of Martha's Vineyard)
Beach Road
Edgartown, MA

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Lifeguards are on duty. Parking is free.

Brant Point (on the island of Nantucket)
Easton Street
Nantucket, MA

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Nice beach near town for viewing boats and the Brant Point Lighthouse. Beware of currents.

Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge, Wasque Reservation, East Beach
Dike Road (on Chappaquiddick Island adjacent to Martha's Vineyard)
Edgartown, MA 02539
Phone: 508-627-7689
Fax: 508-627-3659

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Chappaquiddick Island’s eastern edge is a barrier beach that extends for seven miles from Wasque Point past the Cape Poge Lighthouse to the Gut. The refuge offers 14 miles of beachfront and oversand vehicle and walking trails. Facilities include picnic tables, bike rack, restrooms, which are open May 30 to October 30. Fresh water is available by hand pump at the Wasque and Mytoi parking areas. Annual over-sand vehicle permits available for qualified vehicle owners. Tours include a natural history tour, a wildlife kayak or canoe tour, a fishing discovery tour, and Cape Poge Lighthouse tour. Entrance fee May 30 to October 15; free to pedestrians off season. Open year-round, daily, 24 hours. Gatehouse open May 30-October 15, daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Chappy Point Beach
Chappaquiddick (adjacent to the island of Martha's Vineyard), MA 02539

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Just across the harbor from Edgartown is with 705 feet of sand and splendid views of the harbor. Take the Chappaquiddick ferry to gain access to the beach.

Children's Beach
North Shore
Nantucket, MA 02554

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Located on the harbor, close to town. Just right for small children, offering parks, playground, picnic tables, and bandstand. Lifeguard, restrooms, food, parking, showers.

Cisco Beach
South Shore
Nantucket (on the island of Nantucket), MA 02554

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End of Hummock Pond Road. Heavy surf. Lifeguard; parking.

Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge
Wauwinet Road
Wauwinet (on the island of Nantucket), MA 02554
Phone: 508-228-5646

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Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge is known for its historic lighthouse, white sand beaches, and world-class fishing. Rolling maritime dunes cover more than 200 acres. Refuge includes 16 miles of over-sand vehicle and walking trails and beach front. Gray and harbor seals feed in the Great Point riptide. Facilities include public restrooms between the Wauwinet Gatehouse and Great Point Lighthouse and at the lighthouse. Both are open May 1 to October 31. Bike rack at the Wauwinet Gatehouse. Seasonal tours of the Great Point Lighthouse and the natural wonders of the refuge. Hours: Year-round, daily, 24 hours (10 p.m.-5 a.m. - fishing access only). Cost: Free to all pedestrians and boaters.

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Siasconset Beach
East Shore
Nantucket (on the island of Nantucket), MA 02554

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Regular shuttle service, private bus service, or 6-mile ride on paved bike path. Shuttle service. Surf can be heavy. Near the village of 'Sconset. Lifeguard, food, restrooms, parking.

Squibnocket Beach
Martha's Vineyard, MA 02535

A lovely stretch of sandy beach, located on the south shore.

Surfside Beach
Surfside Road
Nantucket, MA 02554

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End of Surfside Road. Two miles from town on a paved road / bike path. Shuttle in summer, Amenities include picnics, kite flying, beach games. Surf can be heavy. Lifeguard, restrooms, food, parking, showers, handicap accessible.

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Swimming Holes

Swimming holes can be found in or near rock quarries, streams, gorges, and waterfalls. Most are pristine, uncrowded, and surrounded by beautiful woods and forests. For details, see the web site www.SwimmingHoles.info

Tisbury Town Beach (Owen Little Way Town Beach)
Owen Little Way
Vineyard Haven (on the island of Martha's Vineyard), MA 02568

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Just moments away from Vineyard Haven, this small stretch of shorefront is nice for swimming and sunbathing. There's limited parking, but it's right next to town, with access from Main Street. Located next to the Vineyard Haven Yacht Club.

Wasque
Wasque Road
Edgartown (Chappaquiddick Island, near the island of Martha's Vineyard), MA 02539
Phone: 508-627-7689
Fax: 508-627-3659

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One-half mile of over-sand vehicle trails and 4.5 miles of walking trails and sandy roads in upland area. Bird watchers can observe many species, including ospreys. Facilities include public restrooms, picnic tables, bike rack, soda machine at Wasque Gatehouse. Fresh water by hand pump in the parking area. Limited handicapped-accessible transportation; call 508-627-3255 for details. Natural history tours are offered by expert guides.

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Jetties Beach
Bathing Beach Road
Nantucket (on the island of Nantucket), MA 02554

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Popular with families. Facilities include changing rooms, playground, tennis courts, volleyball nets, showers, and a boardwalk. Windsurfing, sailboat, and kayak rentals. Lifeguard, restrooms, food, parking, showers, handicap accessible.

Joseph Sylvia State Beach
Seaview Avenue
Edgartown (on the island of Martha's Vineyard), MA 02539
Phone: 508-627-6145

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Two miles of mild beach along Beach Road between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. Gentle waves and sandy bottom. Popular with families and young children. The Edgartown end of this beach is known as Bend-in-the-Road Beach. Lifeguards in season.

Katama Beach (also known as South Beach)
Katama Road
Edgartown (on the island of Martha's Vineyard), MA 02539

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Three mile barrier beach with heavy surf on one side and a quiet saltwater pond on the other. Soft sand and lovely dunes.

Lake Tashmoo Town Beach (Herring Creek Beach)
End of Herring Creek Road on Lake Tashmoo
Vineyard Haven (on the island of Martha's Vineyard), MA 02568

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You won't have to battle the crowds at this small sandy beach (just 2.5 acres), overlooking the Vineyard Sound. Take Franklin Street to Daggett Avenue and turn left. Follow the road to the end of Herring Creek Road.

Lambert's Cove Beach,
Boghouse Way
Vineyard Haven (on the island of Martha's Vineyard), MA

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Walk about a quarter of a mile through forest before reaching this lovely beach, which features protected sand dunes and the Sound. Restricted to West Tisbury residents only.

Lighthouse Beach
Starbuck’s Neck Road, off North Water Street
Edgartown (on the island of Martha's Vineyard), MA 02539

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Just a short distance from downtown, offers pleasant swimming conditions and a view of the harbor and lighthouse. Take North Water Street to Starbuck's Neck.

Lobsterville Beach
Lobsterville Road
Aquinnah (on the island of Martha's Vineyard), MA

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This is a beautiful stretch of beach.

Long Point Wildlife Refuge
Off Long Point Road
West Tisbury (on the island of Martha's Vineyard), MA
Phone: 508-693-3678

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Long Point Wildlife Refuge is part of a sand barrens ecosystem that exists in patches from New Jersey to Maine. The refuge offers 2 miles of trails plus beachfront. All easy walking. Facilities include public restrooms, picnic tables, bike rack, and a small visitor center. Visitors may take a Wildlife Discovery Tour guided canoe and kayak tour led by expert naturalists.

Lucy Vincent Beach
Lucy Vincent Road
Chilmark (on the island of Martha's Vineyard), MA 02552

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Located off a dirt road in Chilmark, there are 2,390 feet of prime south shore beachfront at Lucy Vincent Beach. Far away from the maddening crowd, this beach is restricted to Chilmark residents.

Madaket Beach
Madaket Road
Nantucket (on the island of Nantucket), MA 02554

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Five-and-a-half-mile bike ride on scenic, paved bike path. Shuttle service offered. Heavy surf. Famous for viewing sunsets. Lifeguard, restrooms, food, parking.

Menemsha Public Beach
Next to Dutcher’s Dock, Menemsha Harbor
Chilmark (on the island of Martha's Vineyard), MA 02552

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Gentle beach typical of the north shore.

Miacomet Beach
End of Miacomet Road, South Shore
Nantucket (on the island of Nantucket), MA 02554

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Heavy surf. Lifeguard; parking.

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Norton Point
Edgartown (on the island of Martha's Vineyard), MA 02539

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Three miles of barrier beach on the south shore in Edgartown at the end of Katama Road. Surf on one side with protected salt pond on the other.

Oak Bluffs Town Beach
Town wharf and Steamship Authority dock
Oak Bluffs (on the island of Martha's Vineyard), MA 02557

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Calm, shallow water. The beach begins near the Steamship Authority dock. It terminates at the first jetty heading towards Edgartown, located at the end of the breakwater and marked by a fence. The beach continues again about one mile southeast of the small inlet flowing into Sengekontacket Pond, and ends at the state beach (next listing). Open to all.

Owen Park and Beach
Owen Park Street
Vineyard Haven (on the island of Martha's Vineyard), MA 02568

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This harbor beach also offers quick access to Vineyard Haven. Situated at Owen Park.