Sound Side
Joseph Sylvia State Beach
Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard, MA
Plover closure
(610)
FamiliesSwimmingbikingKayaking
Calm waterDog-friendlyLifeguards
1 / 5
Sound SideFree & OpenBest in July
Bend-in-the-Road Beach
Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts · Nantucket Sound
4.8(5 reviews)
A calm family pocket right on the bike path
Right on the bike path between Edgartown and Oak Bluffs. Calm Nantucket Sound water and easy bike access make it a natural stop. A practical, no-fuss family beach.
Bend-in-the-Road Beach is exactly what it sounds like — the spot where Beach Road bends sharply around a small cove on the way out of Edgartown toward Oak Bluffs. The protected pocket of calm, warm Nantucket Sound water makes it a favorite for families with young kids: no waves, gentle slope, and the paved bike path running right behind the dune so you can bike from town in fifteen minutes. There are no facilities and parking is limited to a small lot and roadside spots, so locals overwhelmingly bike. The beach is small but it never feels crowded the way Joseph Sylvia State just up the road can. A good 'first beach of the trip' destination for ferry-day arrivals.
Photo spot
The bike path curving along the dune at sunset
Arrive
Mid-morningCrowds
ModerateDogs
WelcomeLifeguards
On dutyBest for
FamiliesSwimming
The beach
Lay of the land
- Orientation
- Southeast-facing
- Length
- ~0.4 mi
- Backshore
- Dune / flat
- Sand
- Fine tan sand
- Shade
- none
Wildlife
Birds you may see: common tern, herring gull, willet
Things to know
- Jellyfish more likely July–August.
Plan your visit
Parking & fees
- Lot size
- Small
- Enforcement
- Small town lot fills early; bike path access preferred.
Bike path parking, bike from town recommended
Getting there
- Ferry
- 45 min from Woods Hole (Falmouth) · Steamship Authority
- Cell signal
- good
Accessibility
- Beach wheelchair
- Not available
- Mobi Mat
- No
- Path from parking
- level
Dogs
Leashed dogs allowed off-season; restricted in summer.
Rules & activities
What’s allowed
UmbrellasTents / canopies · small onlyAlcoholGrillsFiresDronesSmoking
Activities
Unofficial SUP/kayak launch
Safety & stewardship
Lifeguards on duty· Late June through Labor Day
Photo by Benjamin Joffe-Walt via Google Places
Today
Water67°F
Sunrise5:09 AM
Sunset8:19 PM
Conditions
WavesCalm water
Water70-76°F (July–Aug)
TidesLow variance
SharksLow risk
Jellyfishlow
Length~0.4 mi
Facilities
Lifeguards
Late June through Labor Day
Bend-in-the-Road Beach — good to know
How much does parking cost at Bend-in-the-Road Beach?
Parking at Bend-in-the-Road Beach is free and open to the public, but lots fill early on summer weekends — arrive before about 10am for the best chance of a spot.
Are dogs allowed at Bend-in-the-Road Beach?
Dogs are allowed at Bend-in-the-Road Beach — Leashed dogs allowed off-season; restricted in summer.
Does Bend-in-the-Road Beach have lifeguards?
Yes — Bend-in-the-Road Beach is staffed by lifeguards during the summer season (Late June through Labor Day).
Are there restrooms at Bend-in-the-Road Beach?
Bend-in-the-Road Beach does not have public restrooms on site, so plan accordingly.
What is the water like at Bend-in-the-Road Beach?
Bend-in-the-Road Beach is a Nantucket Sound beach on Nantucket Sound. Expect calm, gentle water that's good for young kids and easy swimming. Average summer water temperature is around 70-76°F (July–Aug).
What is Bend-in-the-Road Beach best for?
Bend-in-the-Road Beach is especially good for families and swimming.
When is the best time to visit Bend-in-the-Road Beach?
Mid-morning; bike from town.
