A roughly 2.5-mile barrier beach between Katama Bay and the Atlantic, running from South Beach/Katama on the main island east to Wasque Point on Chappaquiddick. As of Jan 1, 2026 a storm breach about 500 feet wide opened near the Chappaquiddick end, physically severing the land connection; officials expect it to persist at least through summer 2026 and possibly much longer. Managed by the Town…
What to expect
Parking
Permit Included in OSV permit
Swimming
Allowed water tested by the state
Hours
Norton Point is open for over-sand vehicle access daily from 9am until dark.
Entry fee
An over-sand vehicle sticker is required and is bought through the town's permit portal. Stickers are picked up at the trailer stationed at Left Fork, daily 9am to 5pm, weather permitting. The Park Department does not refund stickers, so…
Four Wheel Drive
Allowed with valid town OSV permit; currently disrupted by the breach which eliminates land-vehicle passage across it
Managed by
Edgartown Park Department
508-627-6145 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Permit
CostIncluded in OSV permitStickerTown OSV permit required
Katama OSV staging area (west end)
Details unconfirmed
Katama OSV staging area (west end)
CostIncluded in OSV permitSpacesNot specified
Primary historic entrance from the Katama/South Beach side
Access points along this beach
East - Katama Bay side
Bay-facing access near the eastern/Chappy end of the beach
East - Ocean side
Ocean-facing access near the eastern/Chappy end
West - Bay side boat launch
Informal boat/kayak launch point on the Katama Bay side near the western/Katama end
West - Ocean side
Ocean-facing access near the western/Katama end, the traditional OSV entrance from South Beach
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Show the full year
Average water temperature at Norton Point 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 Norton Point Beach in Edgartown open today?
Open, no advisory on record in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-09-14). MA DPH is the authority. Check the status the morning you go.
Can I still drive from Chappaquiddick to Katama across Norton Point?
No, not as of mid-2026. A roughly 500-foot breach opened Jan 1, 2026 and has cut the land connection; officials expect it to last at least through summer and possibly a year or more.
Are dogs allowed on Norton Point?
Yes, October through March; prohibited April through September.
Is there parking at Norton Point Beach, and what does it cost?
Permit (Included in OSV permit). Katama OSV staging area (west end)
What's the water temperature at Norton Point Beach?
Water at Norton Point 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 Norton Point Beach?
Violating posted beach rules (e.g. dog rules) results in a slash on the visitor's OSV pass; second offense loses OSV privileges for the season.
Can you swim at Norton Point Beach?
Yes. Norton Point Beach has no swimming advisory in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-09-14). Check again the morning you go.
Is there an entry fee at Norton Point Beach?
An over-sand vehicle sticker is required and is bought through the town's permit portal. Stickers are picked up at the trailer stationed at Left Fork, daily 9am to 5pm, weather permitting. The Park Department does not refund stickers, so it advises waiting until OSV access is fully open to buy one.