Sound Side
Inkwell Beach
Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard, MA
Accessible
(520)
FamiliesSwimminghistorytown access
Calm waterLifeguards
Oak Bluffs is the social heart of the Vineyard — the ferry comes in, the bars open, and the brightly painted Gingerbread cottages of the Methodist Camp Ground still look like nothing else in New England. The Flying Horses carousel (1876, the oldest operating platform carousel in the country) runs year-round. Inkwell Beach in town and the long State Beach toward Edgartown handle the village’s swimming.
3 beaches in Oak Bluffs
Oak Bluffs beach FAQ
Do I need a beach sticker in Oak Bluffs?
No — Oak Bluffs's beaches are open to the public without a town sticker, though lots fill early on summer weekends.
Which Oak Bluffs beaches allow dogs?
Joseph Sylvia State Beach allows dogs, though seasonal hours and leash rules usually apply — check posted signs in summer.
Which Oak Bluffs beach is best for families?
Joseph Sylvia State Beach and Inkwell Beach are the best bet for families — calm water and summer lifeguards.
How warm is the water in Oak Bluffs?
Average summer water temperature in Oak Bluffs is around 68-74°F (July–Aug) on Nantucket Sound and around 68-74°F (July–Aug) on the bay side.
How many beaches does Oak Bluffs have?
Oak Bluffs has 3 beaches in this guide. Joseph Sylvia State Beach is the highest rated (4.7★).