The ocean-facing barrier beach running roughly seven miles from Wasque Point to the Cape Poge Gut, part of the Trustees' Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge. Reached only by ferry to Chappaquiddick, then oversand vehicle or a long walk; "Cape Pogue Reserv/East Beach" and "East Beach" both describe this same stretch and are merged here.
What to expect
Swimming
Water not monitored off-season
Hours
Daily, 24 hours; fishing-only access 10PM-5AM
Accessibility
Beach wheelchair available on request via gatehouse
Dogs
Leashed October through April only; no dog policy override posted for beach season specifically at this property (differs from Wasque's Apr-Sep beach ban)
Fishing
Allowed year-round; striped bass and bluefish via Leland Beach toward Wasque Point
Four Wheel Drive
Allowed with valid OSV permit, subject to shorebird closures
Managed by
The Trustees of Reservations
WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Free lot
CostFreeStickerNone for pedestrians; OSV permit required past the bridge
Town lot at Dike Bridge
Details unconfirmed
Town lot at Dike Bridge
CostFreeSpaces20
Town-side of Dike Bridge
Mytoi lot
CostFree with Mytoi/Trustees admission contextSpaces15
0.2 mi before Dike Bridge
Access points along this beach
What's here
Facilities
Restrooms
Accessible restrooms at Mytoi/Dike Bridge staging area
Drinking water
Hand pump at Mytoi
Worth knowing
- OSV drivers must complete a Trustees driving-training video before permit purchase and carry a tow strap, support board, tire gauge, spare tire, jack, and shovel.
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Show the full year
Average water temperature at East Beach by month, in °F| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|
| 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 East Beach in Edgartown open today?
East 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.
How do I get to East Beach?
Take the On Time ferry to Chappaquiddick, then drive Chappaquiddick Road and Dike Road to the Dike Bridge gatehouse; an OSV permit is required to drive the beach itself.
Is there parking at East Beach, and what does it cost?
Free lot (Free). Town lot at Dike Bridge
Are there restrooms at East Beach?
Public restrooms are listed near the beach. Seasonal hours are common, so they may be closed off-season.
What's the water temperature at East Beach?
Water at East 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 East Beach?
Unguarded beach; part of a barrier system with strong and changing currents documented at the Wasque end. OSV access subject to occasional June/July closures for nesting piping plovers and terns. Hunting not permitted.
Can you swim at East Beach?
There is no MA DPH swim status for East 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 East Beach?
Leashed October through April only; no dog policy override posted for beach season specifically at this property (differs from Wasque's Apr-Sep beach ban)
Is there an entry fee at East Beach?
No, entry is free.