Oak Bluffs beaches are among the finest on Martha’s Vineyard. If you’re heading to the northeastern side of the island, you’ll want to check out these three beaches:
Oak Bluffs Town Beach: Oak Bluffs Town Beach is located next to the Steamship Authority Pier, just off of Sea View Avenue. This picturesque beach, though a bit narrow and rocky, provides beautiful views of Nantucket Sound. Reviewers often comment on the water’s clarity. If you want to experience the views without all the sand and rocks, you can also sit on benches located atop the sea wall. It’s convenient. It’s beautiful. If you have time, it’s well worth a visit.
Eastville Beach: Eastville Beach faces Vineyard Haven Harbor. It actually stands next to the drawbridge separating Vineyard Haven from Oak Bluffs. Visitors often rave about its placid nature, with gentle laves lapping the shoreline. As an added bonus, there’s also a small beach on the channel which runs under the drawbridge. Swimming isn’t recommended in the channel, though; the current is strong, and it receives heavy boat traffic. Be sure to hang around for the spectacular sunset!
Joseph Sylvia State Beach: Joseph Sylvia State Beach stands between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. The road it’s on, Beach Road, runs along a narrow strip of land which separates Sengekontacket Pond (to the west) from Nantucket Sound (to the east). The beach is easily bike accessible via pathway. The small waves make it perfect for families with small children, and the clear blue water invites beachgoers in for a dip. If you’re the adventurous sort, you can jump off the nearby bridge into the cool water 15-20 feet below. If, for some reason, you only have time to visit one Oak Bluffs beach, this is the one to visit.
An interesting factoid: Steven Spielberg shot parts of Jaws at Joseph Sylvia State Beach. In fact, the bridge people launch themselves from is unofficially referred to as the “Jaws Bridge” due to its presence in the movie.
Additionally, if you’re in Edgartown, you’ll hear this beach referred to as “Bend-in-the-Road Beach.” Despite the different names, they are, in fact, the same place.
Another beach alternative:
If you’re on the west side of Oak Bluffs, you might also consider visiting beautiful Lake Tashmoo in nearby Vineyard Haven. We wrote a blog post about Lake Tashmoo earlier this year (What is There to Do on Lake Tashmoo?). The town of Vineyard Haven is only about a 10-15 minute drive from Oak Bluffs, so it’s worth the short detour to see a beautiful lake and an equally-beautiful town.
If you’d like to view a more complete listing of Martha’s Vineyard beaches, click here.
If you’re heading to one of these beautiful beaches, be sure to reserve your accommodations through Sandpiper Rentals. Our Martha’s Vineyard vacation rentals are ideal for relaxing and unwinding in between all of the great activities you can participate in during your time on the island. Our rental properties are located all over Martha’s Vineyard, so you can choose to stay on your favorite part of the island. Whether you want to be right in town or more isolated, we have the perfect rental for you. Our homes are all unique, yet they all offer comfortable accommodations and luxurious amenities. Visit our website to check availability and learn about all of our services!
