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South Beach Martha’s Vineyard: Visitors Guide
Fast Facts About South Beach Martha’s Vineyard
📌 Private/Public: Open to the Public
📍 Address: Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard
💲 Cost: Free
🅿️ Parking: Street parking along Atlantic Drive and Parking lot at Herring Creek Rd
🛟 Amenities: Changing area, Porta Potties, Lifeguards, Bike stands
🩴 Best for: Families with older kids, groups of young adults
🚫 Not suitable for: Families with young kids or those who like a quiet beach
🐶 Dogs allowed?: No
South Beach Martha’s Vineyard is located in Edgartown, along the south shore of the island. It’s sometimes referred to as Katama Beach.
I’ve spent a lot of time on this beach in the past two decades! When I spent summers here in my college years, it was my favorite beach on Martha’s Vineyard.
It’s a public beach, about one mile long and can be accessed via Katama Road on the east end and Herring Creek road to the west. Atlantic drive connects the two roads and runs parallel to the beach.
This clean and beautiful beach stretches for about 3 miles (including Norton Point beach) but the most easily accessible part is the 1 mile stretch along Atlantic drive. This is where you’ll find all the amenities, parking and bus stops.
South Beach is a sandy beach with few rocks. The sand is golden-yellow, soft sand, maybe the nicest on the island!
The beach is open to the Atlantic Ocean and the water is mostly rough with big waves. Strong undertow and rip currents are common. However, many visitors say this is the best beach on Martha’s Vineyard and it’s certainly one of the most popular on the island during the summer.
South Beach Martha’s Vineyard Storm Damage 2024
In the winter of 2024, severe storms caused significant damage to the beach. Large sections of dunes were washed away, the previous paths onto the beach have shifted, the lifeguard shack had to be removed and there was a partial collapse of one area of Atlantic drive due to flooding.
Major restoration works and rebuilding of the dunes took place in preparation for the summer. Nevertheless, erosion from the Atlantic waves continues and the landscape of the beach is likely to change significantly every year.
Best time to visit South Beach martha’s Vineyard
The best time to visit South Beach is in the summer months because the weather is ideal for beach activities and playing in the water.
Because this popular beach is located in Edgartown and is south-facing, it gets all-day sunshine and a side-view of the sunrise and sunset.
Another time to consider visiting is in May or early June because the summer crowds haven’t yet arrived and there’s plenty of parking. I like the May/June weather here because there’s no threat of hurricanes cancelling my beach day, unlike the late June to November period (particularly in August).
My top tips for visiting South Beach (Katama Beach)
- Check thoroughly for ticks after your visit. South Beach is one of the most active locations on the island for ticks. If you’re taking a beach walk, I recommend a walk along the sand or shoreline, steering clear of the dunes and grasses in the area.
- Be sure to bring everything you need. There are no restaurants or stores near the beach so bring food, drinks, sunscreen, towels etc with you. Be sure to take your trash home with you too. Also, I highly recommend securing your belongings (especially food) in closed bags because….
- Watch out for hungry seagulls. If you leave your spot to go down to the water, they will approach with no fear and actually pull things out of your bags in search of treats. Be a good neighbor and shoo them away if you see them coming for your fellow beachgoers snacks!
- Watch JAWS before you visit. Movie buffs will know South Beach as one of the filming locations for Steven Spielberg’s 1975 thriller, JAWS. Watch the opening scene to see Chrissie running through the dunes. Take a Martha’s Vineyard JAWS tour to check out the other locations on the island.
How to get to South Beach Martha’s Vineyard
Driving from downtown Edgartown, take South Water street out of town then take a left onto Katama Road. Take a right at the fork on to Herring Creek Road until you reach the ocean!
South Beach parking
At the beach, parking is available in a large lot at the western end, off Herring Creek road. This end of the beach tends to be the busiest.
You can also park along the 1 mile of Atlantic Drive that runs parallel to the beach. There are around 7 access points from this road. It’s my preferred place to park, especially with the kids and all the stuff we bring with us!
I usually look for a spot between the eastern entrance at Katama Road and the middle of Atlantic Drive. I find this part of the beach to be a little quieter than the western end.
Parking is moderately difficult in peak season but easy in the shoulder season. Depending on where you park, it usually takes no more than 5 minutes to walk onto the beach. If you can’t find a space in the lot or Atlantic drive, the best option is to come back another time!
There is no admission fee, parking is free and it doesn’t need to be booked in advance. Driving on this stretch of South Beach is not allowed. The Town of Edgartown allows you to drive on Norton Point Beach to the east if you have a permit. OSV permits are available on the town website
Getting to south Beach/Katama Beach by Bus
Bus route 8 serves the beach, taking a triangular route beginning at Church street in Edgartown and traveling along Herring Creek road (known as right fork) before stopping at the beach.
The bus continues along Atlantic Drive and stops again at the opposite end of the beach. Then it travels along Katama Road (left fork) back to Church street. It takes approx 15-20 minutes to get to South Beach from downtown Edgartown.
Getting to South Beach/Katama Beach by Bicycle
There is a bike path from Edgartown to Katama. Take South Water Street to Katama Road and pick up the bike path there. It’s an easy 15 minute cycle along a mostly flat, paved road. Here are the cycle times from key landmarks:
| Black Dog store, Edgartown | 15 minutes |
| Circuit Ave, Oak Bluffs | 40 minutes |
| Steamship Authority, Vineyard Haven | 50 minutes |
| Gay Head Cliffs, Aquinnah | 1 hour 35 minutes |
| Menemsha Village, Chilmark | 1 hour 30 minutes |
At the beach, there are bike stands at either end where Atlantic Drive connects with Herring Creek road and Katama Road.
Amenities at South Beach Martha’s Vineyard
There are public restrooms available at the beach. These are located at the western end (Herring Creek Road).
A couple of things you need to know – the facilities are porta potties and they are not there year-round. Bear this in mind if you are visiting off-season. There is also a changing area at this location.
There are lifeguards on duty from the end of June through Labor day, usually between 9am and 5pm. You can tell if they’re on duty because you will see them sitting on top of the tall stands dotted along the beach.
South Beach is handicap accessible in parts. Beach wheelchairs are available at paths 5 and 7 (near the main parking lot).
Things to do near South Beach Edgartown
Due to its remote location, there is not much to do close to the beach. The closest attraction is Katama Airfield, a 5 minute drive away.
At the airfield, you can take biplane rides and see local landmarks like Katama Bay, Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge and Chappaquiddick Island from the air. Katama Kitchen restaurant is located at the airfield and is a popular spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Next to the airfield, you can visit The Farm Institute. This is a working farm with pigs, sheep, chickens and goats. Walk the trails around the property or buy some fresh eggs at the farm stand. They also run educational classes and summer programs for kids.
When you approach the beach from Katama Road, you will see the entrance to Norton Point barrier beach. Although technically a part of the South Beach State Park, I am treating it as a separate beach for the purposes of this post.
Norton Point allows over-sand driving and although some people walk on to the beach, it’s mostly drive-ons in the summer season.
Who is South Beach best for?
South Beach is best for families with older kids or groups of young adults because the bigger waves are fun for body surfing and boogie boarding. The windy conditions are also ideal for kite-flying.
It can be a great place to socialise as it’s one of the busiest Martha’s Vineyard beaches. The free parking along the road is a bonus, too!
I don’t recommend South Beach for families with young kids or those seeking tranquility. The rolling surf is a bit rough for very young kids and the frequent rip currents mean that swimming is not safe for novices.
The beach is flat then drops off into the water after a ridge and it can be hard to see the kids over that ledge so you need to be beside them at all times.
Personally, when the surf is rough and the wind is high, the constant roaring sound is too overstimulating and loud for me. This, combined with the rough water means it’s not a great beach for kids when they’re very young or a relaxing beach experience for parents.
I prefer the calmer waters of Joseph Sylvia State Beach or Lighthouse Beach overlooking Edgartown Harbor
South Beach Martha’s Vineyard Hotels
The closest hotel to South Beach in Katama is The Winnetu Oceanside Resort. It is a 10 to 15-minute walk, depending on which part of the beach you are on.
This is my top pick for the best beach hotel on Martha’s Vineyard. It’s so close to the beach that you can fall asleep to the sound of the ocean at night.
There are no other hotels within walking distance, but the Katama area has some excellent vacation rental properties available within walking distance of the beach
🤩 Search for vacation rentals near South Beach
Other Edgartown beaches
- Fuller Street Beach
- Lighthouse Beach
- State Beach (my favorite beach on the island – stretches between Edgartown and Oak Bluffs)
- Bend in the Road Beach
- Chappquiddick Beach
- East Beach (beach located on Chappaquiddick & has a daily parking fee)
- Norton Point (OSV pass required to drive on the beach)
More Martha’s Vineyard Beaches
- Long Point beach (West Tisbury)
- Lucy Vincent (Chilmark residents and renters only)
- Moshup Beach (Aquinnah)
- Menamsha Beach (Chilmark)
Final thoughts on South Beach Martha’s Vineyard
South Beach on Martha’s Vineyard is a hotspot for families with older kids and young adults during the summer months. If you’re planning a trip to Martha’s Vineyard, it’s well worth adding to your itinerary.
The beach is a beautiful stretch of soft, golden sand, and the giant waves will appeal to those with an adventurous spirit.
South Beach is so popular it can make parking a challenge during peak season, so consider cycling, using the bus or visiting in the shoulder months.
Whether you’re into body surfing, sunbathing, or just enjoying the scenic views, South Beach is a gem among Martha’s Vineyard public beaches. Keep in mind the ongoing restoration efforts following recent storm damage and check local updates before your visit.
Do you have questions about the beaches on Martha’s Vineyard? Join the conversation in our Martha’s Vineyard Travel Tips group on Facebook.
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Frequently Asked Questions about South Beach/Katama Beach
Why is Martha’s Vineyard so famous?
Martha’s Vineyard is renowned for its stunning landscapes, historical significance, and as a retreat for celebrities and presidents. Its fame soared globally after serving as the filming location for the iconic movie “Jaws”
What beach has the biggest waves on Martha’s Vineyard?
South Beach is known for having the largest waves on Martha’s Vineyard, making it a popular destination for body surfers and those with an adventurous spirit
Are there public beaches in Martha’s Vineyard?
Yes, there are a variety of public beaches on Martha’s Vineyard, open to all visitors. Some of the well-known public beaches include South Beach, Menemsha Beach, and Joseph Sylvia State Beach
where is south beach martha’s vineyard?
South Beach is located in the Katama neighborhood of Edgartown, on the south shore of the island
are dogs allowed on south beach martha’s vineyard?
No, dogs are not allowed on South Beach at any time.
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