Sound Side
Bend-in-the-Road Beach
Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard, MA
(5)
FamiliesSwimmingbiking
Calm waterDog-friendlyLifeguards
1 / 5
Heads up
- Current at the inlet can be strong on outgoing tide.
Sound SideFree & OpenHidden gemBest in August
Lake Tashmoo Town Beach
Vineyard Haven, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts · Vineyard Sound + Lake Tashmoo
4.8(29 reviews)
Salt-and-fresh swim at the Tashmoo inlet
Where Lake Tashmoo meets Vineyard Sound — you can swim in fresh or salt water within steps. A beautiful, lesser-known spot that locals love. Limited parking keeps it peaceful.
Lake Tashmoo Town Beach sits at the narrow inlet where a freshwater pond drains into Vineyard Sound, creating one of the Vineyard's only spots where you can swim in both salt and fresh water within a hundred yards. The fresh side is shallow and very warm by mid-July, ideal for toddlers and unstrong swimmers; the salt side, on the sound, is calm and gently tidal with views across to the Elizabeth Islands. There's a small town lot at the end of Herring Creek Road and a short walk over a wooden bridge to the sand. Lifeguards are usually on duty in season. The beach feels like the Vineyard's worst-kept secret — locals know it well, but it never gets the crowds of Joseph Sylvia State or the Oak Bluffs town beach. Bring shade — there's none on the sand. The herring run through the inlet in spring is a small but charming wildlife show.
Photo spot
The bridge over the inlet at golden hour
Arrive
Mid-morning before lot fillsCrowds
ModerateDogs
WelcomeLifeguards
On dutyBest for
FamiliesSwimmingNatureBirding
The beach
Lay of the land
- Orientation
- North-facing
- Backshore
- Dune / flat
- Sand
- Soft tan sand with shell fragments
- Shade
- none
Wildlife
Birds you may see: osprey, great blue heron, common tern, willet
Eelgrass beds
Things to know
- Jellyfish more likely July–August.
- Greenhead flies are intense in late July through mid-August on calm, humid days.
Plan your visit
Parking & fees
- Lot size
- Small
- Enforcement
- Town lot; fills early on summer weekends.
Small lot, fills early
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
- short walk
Dogs
Leashed dogs allowed off-season; restricted in summer.
Rules & activities
What’s allowed
UmbrellasTents / canopies · small onlyAlcoholGrillsFiresDronesSmoking
Activities
Designated SUP/kayak launchFishing · surfcasting
Safety & stewardship
Lifeguards on duty· Late June through Labor Day Partial plover closure (seasonal)
Photo by Justin Kyle Tanner via Google Places
Today
Water67°F
Sunrise5:09 AM
Sunset8:19 PM
Conditions
WavesCalm water
Water66-72°F (July–Aug)
TidesModerate
SharksLow risk
Jellyfishlow
Facilities
Lifeguards
Late June through Labor Day
Lake Tashmoo Town Beach — good to know
How much does parking cost at Lake Tashmoo Town Beach?
Parking at Lake Tashmoo Town 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 Lake Tashmoo Town Beach?
Dogs are allowed at Lake Tashmoo Town Beach — Leashed dogs allowed off-season; restricted in summer.
Does Lake Tashmoo Town Beach have lifeguards?
Yes — Lake Tashmoo Town Beach is staffed by lifeguards during the summer season (Late June through Labor Day).
Are there restrooms at Lake Tashmoo Town Beach?
Lake Tashmoo Town Beach does not have public restrooms on site, so plan accordingly.
What is the water like at Lake Tashmoo Town Beach?
Lake Tashmoo Town Beach is a Nantucket Sound beach on Vineyard Sound + Lake Tashmoo. Expect calm, gentle water that's good for young kids and easy swimming. Average summer water temperature is around 66-72°F (July–Aug).
What is Lake Tashmoo Town Beach best for?
Lake Tashmoo Town Beach is especially good for families, swimming, nature and birding.
When is the best time to visit Lake Tashmoo Town Beach?
Mid-morning before lot fills.
