A two-mile barrier beach along Beach Road between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, separating Sengekontacket Pond from Nantucket Sound, with calm, warm water popular for families.
What to expect
Swimming
Water not monitored by DPH
Season
Year-round public access
Dogs
Strictly prohibited April 1 - August 31 (nesting season). September, prohibited 9am-5pm. Allowed October 1 - March 31. Owners must remove waste.
Managed by
Dukes County Beach Management
(508) 696-3840 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Free lot
CostFreeStickerNone required
Beach Road roadside parking
Details unconfirmed
Beach Road roadside parking
CostFree
Parallel parking both sides of the road for the full two miles; on weekends arrive early or late afternoon
Access points along this beach
What's here
Facilities
Restrooms
Available at the central section
Showers
Rinse showers at the central section
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Show the full year
Average water temperature at Joseph Sylvia State 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 Joseph Sylvia State Beach in Oak Bluffs open today?
open to the public; water quality here is not monitored by MA DPH (updated 2026-09-13). MA DPH is the authority. Check the status the morning you go.
Not April 1 through August 31. Restricted hours in September. Allowed October through March.
On summer weekends, yes; roadside spots along Beach Road fill by midday. Early morning or late afternoon is easier.
Are there restrooms at Joseph Sylvia State 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 Joseph Sylvia State Beach?
Water at Joseph Sylvia State 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 Joseph Sylvia State Beach?
No lifeguards; swim at your own risk. No open fires or fireworks; no charcoal grills. Dogs banned April 1 - August 31; restricted hours in September. No motorized craft within 300 yards of the beach.
Can you swim at Joseph Sylvia State Beach?
Joseph Sylvia State Beach is town-owned and its water is not monitored by MA DPH, so there is no official swim status. Check conditions posted at the beach.
Is there an entry fee at Joseph Sylvia State Beach?
No, entry is free.