Bay / SoundMenemsha Public Beach
Chilmark's only fully public beach, world-famous for west-facing sunsets in the Menemsha fishing village. (Local note: The public, no-sticker alternative since Lucy Vincent and Squibnocket are resident-only)
Martha's Vineyard · Town guide
Chilmark, Massachusetts
Chilmark is up-island quiet made into a town — rolling moors stitched with centuries-old stone walls, farm stands on the honor system, and Menemsha, the fishing village where the boats still land the catch and half the island gathers on the jetty to watch the sun go down over the Sound. There's no downtown to speak of, and that's the point: Chilmark has spent decades deciding, deliberately, to stay what it is.
Every place below is listed and verified by Cape Cod Certified.
Right now
58° · Partly Cloudy
Low tide · Menemsha Harbor
2:28 AM
Sunset
5:45 PM
Where is everything in Chilmark?
38 verified places in Chilmark, 23 on the map. Tap a photo, pin or row for its details, or narrow the list by kind under the map.
Tap a photo to see details
- Menemsha Public BeachCCC Visited
- Great Rock Bight Preserve Beach
- Lucy Vincent Beach
- Menemsha Hills North Shore Beach
- Squibnocket Beach
Oak Bluffs to Menemsha Bike Route- Waskosim's Rock Reservation
- Peaked Hill Reservation
- Menemsha Hills Reservation
- Abel's Hill Conservation Trail
- Tea Lane Conservation Trail
- Great Rock Bight Preserve Trail
Beetlebung Farm
Chilmark General Store
Larsen's Fish Market
Menemsha Blues
Menemsha Fish Market
Menemsha Texaco
Ruel Gallery
The Back Door at The Homeport
The Copperworks Art Gallery
The Galley (Menemsha)
The Homeport Restaurant & Oyster Bar
Under the Surface Gallery
38 of 38 places shown
Outdoors
What beach should I go to in Chilmark?
3 of 5 verified beaches in Chilmark are free. 2 need a sticker that visitors can buy (no daily parking).
Can I park?
- Bay / Sound
- Bay / Sound
Menemsha Hills North Shore Beach
A quiet rocky Vineyard Sound beach reached only on foot through the Trustees' Menemsha Hills. (Local note: A quiet hike-in reward off the Harris Trail; free public foot access)
- Ocean / Atlantic
Squibnocket Beach
A rocky Atlantic surf beach restricted to Chilmark residents/renters Jun 15–Labor Day. (Local note: Summer is sticker-only; a resident surf beach inaccessible to day-trippers in season)
- Ocean / Atlantic
Lucy Vincent Beach
A dramatic Atlantic south-shore beach with clay cliffs, resident/renter-only Jun 1–Sep 15. (Local note: Reviews report hard resident-only enforcement; off-season is the only public window)
- Bay / Sound
Great Rock Bight Preserve Beach
A secluded north-shore pebble-and-sand beach within the Martha's Vineyard Land Bank's Great Rock Bight Preserve. Reached by a short trail through oak woodland. Calm Vineyard Sound swimming, rocky tide pools, and sweeping views toward Cape Cod. Rarely crowded.
Where can I hike in Chilmark?
Chilmark has 7 verified trails, 1 of them easy. The longest is Oak Bluffs to Menemsha Bike Route, at 17 miles.
- Moderate · 17 mi
Oak Bluffs to Menemsha Bike Route
A scenic ~17-mile bike ride from Oak Bluffs across Martha's Vineyard to Menemsha harbor. Passes farm fields, conservation land, and coastal views of Sengekontacket Pond. Mix of paved paths and quiet roads. Ends at Menemsha fishing village on Vineyard Sound.
- Moderate
Waskosim's Rock Reservation
A ~191-acre preserve with ~3 miles of trails to the historic Waskosim's Rock boulder and homestead ruins. (Local note: Among the best Chilmark nature areas; ~3 mi of public trails)
Martha's Vineyard Land Bank for Waskosim's Rock Reservation (opens in a new tab) - Moderate
Peaked Hill Reservation
A ~150-acre reservation climbing to the 311-ft summit of Martha's Vineyard with WWII relics and sweeping views. (Local note: Sits at the island's 311-ft high point with public trail access off Tabor House Rd)
Martha's Vineyard Land Bank for Peaked Hill Reservation (opens in a new tab) - Moderate
Menemsha Hills Reservation
A 3-mile network climbing 308-ft Prospect Hill with panoramic Sound views and a trail to a quiet beach. (Local note: AllTrails 153+ reviews rate it a top Chilmark hike; open year-round, free)
The Trustees of Reservations for Menemsha Hills Reservation (opens in a new tab) - Moderate · 1.8 mi
Abel's Hill Conservation Trail
A woodland trail through a Land Bank property near the historic Abel's Hill Cemetery in Chilmark. Rolling terrain through mixed oak and pine with stone walls and seasonal wildflowers. Connects to a quiet corner of the island rarely visited by summer crowds.
Martha's Vineyard Land Bank for Abel's Hill Conservation Trail (opens in a new tab) - Moderate · 3 mi
Tea Lane Conservation Trail
A series of connected Land Bank parcels along Tea Lane in Chilmark offering trails through mature oak forest, stone-wall-lined paths, and open meadows. The area is rich in breeding songbirds and wildflowers. Multiple access points allow customizable loops.
Martha's Vineyard Land Bank for Tea Lane Conservation Trail (opens in a new tab) - Easy · 1.4 mi
Great Rock Bight Preserve Trail
A short woodland trail descending through oak scrub to a secluded north-shore pebble-and-sand beach on Vineyard Sound. The preserve features dramatic glacial boulders (including the namesake 'Great Rock'), coastal heathland, and sweeping views toward Cape Cod. Combine the beach and forest for a complete outing.
Martha's Vineyard Land Bank for Great Rock Bight Preserve Trail (opens in a new tab)
How should I plan a day in Chilmark?
All guidesStart with “Best Sunset Spots on Cape Cod: Bay Side, Harbor Views, and the Prettiest Endings to a Cape Day”. 6 guides on this site cover Chilmark; the rest are linked below the cards.
Visiting Cape Cod
Best Sunset Spots on Cape Cod: Bay Side, Harbor Views, and the Prettiest Endings to a Cape Day
Cape Cod's best sunsets happen on the Bay side — Skaket, Chapin, Gray's Beach, Provincetown harbor, and more. Local guide with timing, tides, and what to know.
Cape Cod Celebrations
What a Cape Cod Wedding Actually Costs in 2026: A Line-by-Line Budget
A transparent, line-by-line look at real Cape Cod wedding costs in 2026 — venue, catering, clambake, florals & more, with budgets for 50, 100 & 150 guests.
Living on Cape Cod
The Cape Cod Winter Closing Checklist for Absentee Owners (Print-and-Go PDF)
The print-and-go Cape Cod winter closing checklist for absentee owners: real freeze dates, insurance rules, plumbing shut-down steps, and 2026 caretaker pricing.
Do I need a beach sticker in Chilmark?
Yes, at 2 of the 5 beaches we list; 3 are free. Prices, dates and where to buy are below.
Beach sticker info
Menemsha parking free but small (fills fast). Lucy Vincent & Squibnocket need a town sticker (one per household) sold only to residents/renters at the Beach Sticker Office, 401 Middle Rd, in season.
Transfer station permits
District sticker required (proof of residency in a District town); recycling free with sticker, household trash for a small fee. Seasonal hours — verify.
Town services, hours & phone numbers
Town Hall
Chilmark Town Hall (opens in a new tab)Senior Center
Up-Island Council on Aging (Howes House) — shared (opens in a new tab)Transfer Station
Chilmark Local Drop-Off / Transfer Station (MV Refuse District) (opens in a new tab)Tabor House Road, Chilmark, MA 02535
Summer (approx. Jun–Sep): Wednesday 8:00am–5:00pm & Sunday 1:00pm–5:00pm; seasonal — verify at mvrefusedistrict.com
Schools
Chilmark School (Up-Island Regional School District, PreK–8); MV Regional HS (Oak Bluffs) (opens in a new tab)Beaches
Menemsha Public Beach on Vineyard Sound (free public parking, famous west-facing sunsets); Squibnocket & Lucy Vincent Beaches on the Atlantic south shore are restricted to Chilmark residents/renters. (opens in a new tab)Trails
Menemsha Hills (211 acres, Trustees) with Vineyard Sound & Gay Head Light views, and Waskosim's Rock Reservation (185 acres, MV Land Bank); more via Sheriff's Meadow. (opens in a new tab)
Plan your visit
Where should I stay in Chilmark?
We haven't verified a place to stay in Chilmark yet. Browse verified stays across the Cape instead.
Stays
No Chilmark stays listed yet
We only list places we've checked. Browse lodging across the Cape in the meantime.
Browse all lodging →Where should I eat in Chilmark?
Cape Cod Certified has visited and verified 5 places to eat in Chilmark. Filter by what you're after, or open the full restaurant list.
Larsen's Fish Market
A Menemsha institution on Dutcher Dock, Larsen's is a classic retail fish market where you order fresh-off-the-boat seafood — littlenecks, oysters, lobster, and stuffed quahogs — right at the counter and eat it dockside as the sun sets over the harbor.
VerifiedSee photos, map & directionsMenemsha Fish Market
A working fish market and takeout window on Menemsha's Dutcher Dock, serving fresh lobster, raw-bar oysters and clams, and hot lobster rolls to enjoy right on the harbor — a quintessential Martha's Vineyard sunset dinner.
VerifiedSee photos, map & directionsThe Back Door at The Homeport
Menemsha's beloved casual raw bar and takeout counter — tucked around the back of the iconic Homeport Restaurant since 1930. Order lobster rolls, bowls of chowder, fresh oysters, and chilled shrimp steps from the harbor. Outdoor patio seating with harbor views. Open daily 11am–5pm. The perfect quick waterfront lunch on Martha's Vineyard.
VerifiedSee photos, map & directionsThe Galley (Menemsha)
A tiny harborside takeout window in Menemsha serving lobster rolls, fried seafood, burgers, and famous soft-serve. Grab a cone and watch the fishing boats come in — a casual up-island classic.
VerifiedSee photos, map & directionsThe Homeport Restaurant & Oyster Bar
A Menemsha institution since 1930, The Homeport Restaurant & Oyster Bar is the quintessential Martha's Vineyard waterfront dining experience. Fresh oysters, lobster, and local seafood served on a sunset-facing patio overlooking Menemsha Harbor. BYOB. The kind of meal you plan your whole MV trip around.
VerifiedSee photos, map & directions
What is there to do in Chilmark this weekend?
All experiences14 experiences in Chilmark can be booked through Cape Cod Certified. Prices and availability come from each operator.
Cape ClassicsNarrated · All AgesMartha’s Vineyard Island Tour
A sightseeing, history and culture experience. Booked on Viator.
from $70
Check availability
Cape ClassicsEvery JAWS Location VisitedThe Ultimate JAWSome JAWS Tour
The deep-dive JAWS tour for serious fans, on location where it was filmed. Booked on Viator.
from $49
Check availability
Cape ClassicsReal JAWS Filming LocationsShared JAWS Filming Locations Tour
Visit the real Amity — the JAWS filming sites across the Vineyard. Booked on Viator.
from $40
Check availability
Cape ClassicsGo at Your Own PaceMartha’s Vineyard Self-Guided GPS Audio Walking Tour
A self-guided GPS audio walking tour. Booked on Viator.
from $10
Check availability
Cape ClassicsGo at Your Own PaceSelf-Guided Walking Tour of Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard
A self-guided sightseeing and history walk. Booked on Viator.
from $10
Check availability
Cape ClassicsGingerbread Cottages & HistoryOak Bluffs Self-Guided Audio Tour
Stroll the gingerbread cottages and Campground at your own pace with an audio guide. Booked on Viator.
from $13
Check availability
Cape ClassicsCustom Private ExperienceExperience the Magic of Martha’s Vineyard
A sightseeing, history and culture experience. Booked on Viator.
from $75
Check availability
Rainy DayCoast to Coast in One DayMartha's Vineyard: All Island Tour
Experience the beautiful views and unique character of Martha's Vineyard with local 3rd generation island guides. Take a bus tour and see sights, including Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven.
$70 per person
Check availability
Cape ClassicsDay Trip from BostonBoston: Martha's Vineyard Day Trip with Optional Island Tour
Explore Martha's Vineyard on a day trip from Boston and see the cottages in Oak Bluffs, the quaint shops of Edgartown, and the Gay Head Cliffs. Upgrade your trip with a guided tour of the island.
$129 per adult
Check availability
Luxury WeekendPrivate · 2 HoursPrivate Guided Sightseeing Tour of Martha's Vineyard (2 Hours)
A private island tour — Edgartown, Oak Bluffs and the cliffs at your own pace. Booked on Viator.
from $250
Check availability
Cape ClassicsAll 6 Towns in 3 HoursBest of Martha’s Vineyard 3-hour Full Island Tour
A sightseeing, history and culture experience. Booked on Viator.
from $65
Check availability
Cape ClassicsExplore the Whole IslandMartha's Vineyard Venture Scavenger Hunt
A self-guided scavenger hunt that turns the island into a family adventure. Booked on Viator.
from $13
Check availability
Cape ClassicsNo Fitness RequiredElectric Bike Tour of Martha's Vineyard
Glide the Vineyard's coast roads and harbor villages on an easy electric bike tour. Booked on Viator.
from $75
Check availability
Rainy DayGo at Your Own PaceOak Bluffs: Martha's Vineyard GPS Smartphone Audio Tour
Walk through Oak Bluffs along an app-based audio-guided route on your mobile device. Learn about the town's origins and the most popular landmarks of this famous destination on Martha's Vineyard.
from $13
Check availability
What can you do in Chilmark on a rainy day?
2 verified places in Chilmark work on a rainy day. Shops and cafés are the other indoor plan.
Ruel Gallery
A fine-art gallery on Basin Road in Menemsha representing Martha's Vineyard and regional artists in a welcoming harborside space.
VerifiedSee photos, map & directionsThe Copperworks Art Gallery
A Menemsha gallery showcasing handcrafted copperwork and art by Scott McDowell, in the heart of the fishing village on Martha's Vineyard.
VerifiedSee photos, map & directions
Which Cape towns are closest to Chilmark?
Aquinnah and West Tisbury are the closest, about 2 and 4 miles away as the crow flies.
Sponsored
Real estate offices in Chilmark
SponsoredOpen
Featured office in Chilmark
Two local offices are featured on this page, with their address, hours and agents. The office must be in Chilmark.
Feature your office
Local agents in Chilmark
SponsoredOpen
Be one of 4 local agents in Chilmark
Each town page holds a small, fixed number of local agents — never an open auction. Yours would link to your own page on Cape Cod Certified.
See placementsCommon questions about Chilmark
Is Chilmark on Cape Cod?
No. Chilmark is on Martha's Vineyard, which is an island. Six towns on an island reached by ferry from Woods Hole, Falmouth, Hyannis and New Bedford, or by air.
Which Chilmark beaches are free?
There's no fee at Menemsha Public Beach, Menemsha Hills North Shore Beach and Great Rock Bight Preserve Beach, according to our beach records.
Are dogs allowed on Chilmark beaches?
Leashed dogs are allowed at Menemsha Hills North Shore Beach. Dogs are allowed off-season only at Menemsha Public Beach, Squibnocket Beach, Lucy Vincent Beach and Great Rock Bight Preserve Beach.
How do I get a transfer station permit in Chilmark?
District sticker required (proof of residency in a District town); recycling free with sticker, household trash for a small fee. Seasonal hours — verify.