Summer Guide: Martha's Vineyard Menemsha Beach

The Island of Martha’s Vineyard is known worldwide for its beaches. There are some that boast peaceful coves and others that have fantastic surf. There are sounds and bays and of course, white sand beaches at the bottom of drastic red clay cliffs. Some Island beaches are private, others are only open to residents of a particular town, but is the perfect beach for a day with the entire family.

Menemsha is the Island’s last working fishing village and it’s located in the town of Chilmark. Menemsha Beach is a public beach that is easily accessible by bike, car or the bus. It is a sound beach, meaning safer swimming and warmer water and there are lifeguards are on duty until 5 pm.

The town and beach offer many options for everyone in the family. There are great shells and stones to be found on walks down the shore; a long jetty is great for testing ones balance and for catching a fish or two. The dock is filled with boats – from glamorous yachts to great working fishing boats.

The town of Menemsha is filled with wonderful shops and places to eat. sells fishing gear as well as popsicles. You can get clams on the half-shell at or, if you’d rather, award winning fried clams at . has soft-serve ice cream and yummy lobster rolls. (Be sure to bring cash as neither the Bite nor the Galley take credit cards.)

You’ll want to stay for sunset, so after a shower in the public bathroom, you can get dinner at the , which specializes in caught by Island fishermen.

Crowds are known to applaud with appreciation while watching the sun go down from Menemsha Beach. Perhaps it is because it is one of the Island’s most glorious sights, or perhaps they’ve had a simply perfect day at the beach.