Located near Chilmark on the island of Martha’s Vineyard, Lucy Vincent Beach is a beautiful stretch of golden sand that runs along the Atlantic coast. Sadly, unless you are a resident or renting a house in town, you cannot access this beach from June 1 through September 15. Beach passes are required during that time.

The beach was originally owned by the town librarian, Lucy Vincent, and upon her death in 1970, her heirs worked out a deal with buyers that the town could have the beach and access to it. The beach is on what was her property, and it has been enjoyed by the town since that time. Before that, it was known as Barn House Beach or Blue Mailbox Beach.

The beach is backed by sections of clay cliffs and there are some large rocks at various points. To the rear of the beach are a series of lagoons that are a haven for birdlife. The shoreline here can be rocky at times and has experienced erosion over the years. As a rule, the water is pretty cold for swimming and there are no lifeguards, however, it is a beautiful wild spot to enjoy the scenery.

The far end of the Lucy Vincent beach is clothing optional, but the lower end is family-friendly. If you stay in one of the charming inns in town or rent a house, you can enjoy this Martha’s Vineyard getaway during the summer. Go for walks, read a book, or just relax and enjoy.