Menemsha Public Beach
Menemsha Public Beach
Menemsha Public Beach
4.5
About
This calm surf beach, next to Menemsha Harbor, has food and restrooms nearby making it a hot spot for families, especially with young children. The beach is thought to have the best sunset on Martha's Vineyard.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
170 reviews
Excellent
96
Very good
59
Average
12
Poor
1
Terrible
2
MemoriesHoarder
New York City, NY181 contributions
Jul 2021
We just biked and used ride-hailing all over the island which was fine in the eastern parts. We took a Lyft here for the supposedly "best sunset beaches" (what our Airbnb host said) . Everyone was out on blanket with picnic and wine. Cloud cover was too heavy, no sunset. So we decided to stroll around. Nothing to see really so we got on our phones to get an Uber or Lyft. No reception. We walked around and around to find a good spot. Finally the app loaded and after searching for an eternity a car picked up our request. We watched it come toward us to drop off passengers first. Midway to us after dropping off their passengers, they turned and dropped our request! At this point it was dark and everyone had left and everything was closed. We started panicking. We tried googling and calling several taxi companies but they told us too many weddings were happening that night and all their cars were booked. We tried Uber again hoping for a miracle. After it searched and searched a car finally answered but it was the same deal -- they were dropping off passengers first. We watched on the app as it came midway, stopped dropped off passengers and started turning. I just knew he was going to give up on us again so I frantically called him and begged him to come and promised a big tip. He turned around and came. He was shocked that we were real people. He says nobody ever comes here this late and that he thought it was some kind of trick. Lesson learned, never come here late again.
Written August 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MrsAMTO
Washington DC, DC167 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
We went to watch the sunset and eat seafiod, but it was overcast and cloudy. It ended up raining so we went home. We didn't get a chance to go back to visit the beach a second time, but when I'm back in the area, I'll return.
Written August 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mario Sequeira
Edgartown, MA3 contributions
Jul 2020
Google maps directions are wrong. We ended up in dirt trails peppered with “no beach access” signs. Eventually a kind soul pointed out the right way. We eventually ended up at the right location only to be thwarted by lack of parking. We were not alone in our predicament, which made egress....interesting. Never even saw the beach!
Written July 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vagoda
Concord, NH298 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
Sweet little beach with a real fishing harbor and fish shops with retail and prepared meals and bathrooms! Gave it a 4 because of lack of surf and small rocks that are tuff on tenderfoot vacationers.
Watched my wife with help from lifeguard and police officer lend assistance to an elderly woman trying to get to and from water. Not an unusual act for my wife but the gentleness and patience of the policeman didn't escape my eye. Tough few weeks for law enforcement countrywide and it was a simple act of kindness and humanity without agenda that I'm glad witnessed.
Watched my wife with help from lifeguard and police officer lend assistance to an elderly woman trying to get to and from water. Not an unusual act for my wife but the gentleness and patience of the policeman didn't escape my eye. Tough few weeks for law enforcement countrywide and it was a simple act of kindness and humanity without agenda that I'm glad witnessed.
Written July 12, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann N
Punta Gorda, FL504 contributions
Aug 2016
It's a real thing here...sunset. People gather and mill around waiting for the moment to come. Loads of chairs and blankets and we opted to grab grub (outstanding grub) from Larsen's just prior. I have seen sunsets at sea (we live on a boat in the summer) and in the Caribbean but this was truly special...don't forget to clap with everyone when its down. Enjoy the moment!
Written August 31, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Baldylox
Orlando, FL105 contributions
grab a lobster from larsen's fish market, bring a bottle of champagne and enjoy the sunset
Written July 28, 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PJMain
West Haven, CT20 contributions
Sep 2018 • Couples
Yes, it’s a nice beach, especially with young children and if you’re already staying upisland, or don’t want to go to State beach all the time. Get there early-ish in the morning for parking.
The crowd at sunset helps make the sunset an event to go to! If you go just before sunset, in the summer, you won’t find parking ( and don’t risk parking if there are signs telling you not to, even if others are doing it - you will all get ticketed, or even towed!)
For sunset, you have to get there when the beach crowd is going home and plan to spend a few hours late afternoon.
The crowd at sunset helps make the sunset an event to go to! If you go just before sunset, in the summer, you won’t find parking ( and don’t risk parking if there are signs telling you not to, even if others are doing it - you will all get ticketed, or even towed!)
For sunset, you have to get there when the beach crowd is going home and plan to spend a few hours late afternoon.
Written October 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bridget K
Albany, NY12 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
Highlight of my first Martha’s Vineyard trip. The sunset on the public beach and $25 lobster dinner at Larson’s should be on everyone’s bucket list. Fiance and I brought a blanket and ate right on the beach. The only thing I would warn newbies like us is it gets crowded so get there 1-2 hours before sunset, and also have a ride home. We took the bus which took about hour to get home. It was all an adventure though and is a must see for anyone traveling to the island!
Written July 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jer b
Bristol, CT1,752 contributions
May 2017 • Friends
This beach is part of the Menemsha Village area and because it faces west is perfect for viewing the sunset. A delightful place for a beach lunch or a casual stroll. The surf is relatively calm, making it a great spot for families with children. Free parking open to all: not just residents. Shops, fish market/restaurants, and ice cream shop nearby. Public restrooms available.
Written May 29, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul I
Chilmark, MA22 contributions
Aug 2013 • Couples
You can park right at the sandy beach, no big waves, lifeguard on duty, gradual drop off, fresh fish and hot seafood at walk to fish market. Fabulous views and very friendly to families. Parking can be sparse at sunset. Absolutely a great place to sit in the sand, have a snack and watch the most beautiful sunsets as you are facing West.
Written September 3, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ferraro8
Branford, Connecticut
We the shuttle or buses go to beach for any sunsets?
Written August 10, 2017
I'm not sure of the answer to this. Most buses run until (I think) 11 at night, but the beach might be on the Menemsha local bus line which is more limited. If you're using the bus as your main travel mode, you can ask any of the bus drivers and they'll be able to answer that question for you. I hear that Menemsha Beach has the most beautiful sunsets.
I hope this helped and that you enjoy your visit.
Written August 10, 2017
What time does one need to be there for sunset this time of year to find a parking space?
Written August 28, 2015
That's a tricky question! The "sunset crowd" begins to gather a good 2 hours before the sunset. BUT - there's also a 2 hr time limit on parking in the adjacent lot, until around 6 or 8 pm. (sorry, I don't exactly remember). The police DO watch and ticket cars! There are also remote parking lots. The best choice - take the bus there, bring your beach towel, buy cooked lobsters and fresh chowder at the shops near the beach, and enjoy the sunset! You can get there from almost anywhere on island, and all-day bus pass (use as many times and distances as you like) costs only $8, and is much cheaper than a parking ticket!
Off Season - i.e. after mid-Sept - there's lots of parking spaces!
Written August 28, 2015
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