The town beach at Menemsha, a working fishing harbor on Vineyard Sound, right next to the fish markets and the ferry to Cuttyhunk. It draws a mixed crowd of swimmers and sunset watchers, and it is the one Chilmark beach with a lifeguard and no sticker requirement.
What to expect
Swimming
Water not monitored off-season
Season
Open year-round; the beach itself has no season gate, but posted hours and the lifeguard only run in summer.
Dogs
No dogs on the beach itself, year-round, under the Beach Committee's posted rules. A separate seasonal leash law (June 1-Oct 15) covers dogs off the beach in the rest of the Menemsha village core: Basin Road from North Road to the beach,…
Managed by
Chilmark Beach Committee
508-645-2107 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Free lot
CostFree
Basin Road town lot
Details unconfirmed
Basin Road town lot
CostFreeSpaces~75
No sticker required. 30-minute parking is enforced near the fish markets; illegal parking is towed or ticketed. A tow-away zone starts at North Road and Flanders Lane.
Access points along this beach
Getting to the beach
Off Basin Road at the town park, next to the fish markets and docks.
What's here
Facilities
Concessions
Fish markets and food stands cluster at the harbor next to the beach.
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Show the full year
Average water temperature at Menemsha Beach by month, in °F| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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| Water °F | 39° | 37° | 41° | 48° | 56° | 66° | 73° | 74° | 70° | 62° | 54° | 44° |
|---|
Monthly averages from NOAA, Woods Hole (2022 to 2024). Today's reading is in the conditions above.
Common questions
Is Menemsha Beach in Chilmark open today?
Menemsha Beach is not monitored right now. MA DPH samples beach water Memorial Day to Labor Day and posts no advisories or all-clears off-season, so there is no swim status to report. Swimming off-season is at your own risk.
Is there parking at Menemsha Beach, and what does it cost?
Free lot (Free). Basin Road town lot
What's the water temperature at Menemsha Beach?
Water at Menemsha Beach averages about 37°F in February and 74°F in August, based on NOAA readings at Woods Hole from 2022 to 2024. For today's temperature, see the conditions above.
What rules should I know at Menemsha Beach?
No dogs, horses, nude bathing, fires, or vehicles on the beach.
Can you swim at Menemsha Beach?
There is no MA DPH swim status for Menemsha Beach off-season: the state samples beach water Memorial Day to Labor Day. Swimming off-season is at your own risk; check conditions posted at the beach.
Are dogs allowed at Menemsha Beach?
No dogs on the beach itself, year-round, under the Beach Committee's posted rules. A separate seasonal leash law (June 1-Oct 15) covers dogs off the beach in the rest of the Menemsha village core: Basin Road from North Road to the beach, the town park, and the wharves and docks.
Is there an entry fee at Menemsha Beach?
No, entry is free.