Little Waves for Little People

Big waves can be scary! For families with young children picking the right beach can make the difference between giggles and frowns. Following are some suggestions. Besides the kinder and gentler surf, children will find lots of like-minded little ones with whom to splash, dig and wade the afternoon away. 

Joseph Sylvia State Beach 
Two-mile long shoreline on the Beach Road between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown
(becomes  Bend in the Road beach as it nears Edgartown)
Lifeguard: (at Bend in the Road) Starting 6/30, 9 am -5  pm daily.
Closest Public Bathrooms:  5-10 minute drive to Edgartown Visitors Center
Nearest Refreshments: Snack carts at each of the 2 bridges outside Oak Bluffs
Walk to town: No
Bus Access:
From Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs SSA ferry terminal #13 towards Edgartown
Parking: Along Beach Road (take care not to park off the pavement)

Menemsha Town Beach
Next to Menemsha Harbor
Lifeguard: 9 am-5 pm
Closest Public Bathrooms: Across from Larsen’s fish market on approach to beach
Nearest Refreshments: Menemsha Texaco located at far side of parking lot
Walk to Town: 5 minutes
Bus Access:
From Vineyard Haven SSA ferry terminal # 3 to West Tisbury town hall change for #4
Parking: Small adjacent parking lot

Oak Bluffs Town Beach
Adjacent to Oak Bluffs SSA terminal, continues along Ocean Park about 1/2  mile
Lifeguard: Starting 6/21 through Labor Day at three locations 9 am-4:45 pm daily
Closest Public Bathrooms: Amenity building at midpoint of beach
Nearest Refreshments: Amenity building at midpoint of beach
Walk  to Town: 5 minutes
Bus Access:
From Vineyard Haven SSA ferry terminal #13 to Oak Bluffs
Parking: On the periphery of Ocean Park and along Beach Road

Owen Park Beach, Vineyard Haven
Off  Main Street about 2 blocks out of town.
Lifeguard: Starting 6/30: Mon-Fri noon-5 pm; Sat/Sun 10 am-5 pm.
Closest Bathrooms: At habormaster’s office
Nearest Refreshments: Downtown Vineyard Haven
Walk to Town: 5 minutes
Bus Access:
From the Vineyard Haven SSA ferry terminal #10A toward West Chop
Parking: small adjacent parking lot
Extra! Swings and the sloping lawn of  Owen Park

Eastville Beach, Vineyard Haven
Small beach just outside downtown Vineyard Haven
Lifeguard: No
Closest Public Bathroom: SSA terminal, downtown Vineyard Haven
Nearest Refreshments: 10 minutes to Net Result  or Citgo Service Station
Walk to Town: 15 – 20 minutes
Bus Access:
From Oak Bluffs SSA ferry terminal: #13 towards Vineyard Haven 1st just over drawbridge
From VH SSA terminal: #13 towards Oak Bluffs, just prior to drawbridge
Parking:  Small adjacent lot

Fuller Street Beach, Edgartown
Small beach outside of downtown Edgartown at the end of Fuller St.
Lifeguard: No
Closest Public Bathroom: 5 minute drive to Edgartown Visitors Center
Nearest Refreshments: 5 minute drive to downtown Edgartown
Walk to town: 20-25 minutes
Bus Access: # 1 or #13 to Edgartown only.  No stop near beach
Parking: Limited street parking as available