Lake Tashmoo Town Beach

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.