You cannot park here unless you have a current Aquinnah permit on your car. Chances are if you are there as an early birder, the local police are not. Still, do not leave your car and go off birding down the beach unless you’re willing to risk getting ticketed. A port-a-potty restroom is available during the summer months.

Menemsha Pond is a salt pond split between the towns of Aquinnah and Chilmark. At the mouth of the pond, the Menemsha Creek leads into the Menemsha Bight and the Vineyard Sound. Along Menemsha Creek sits the historic seaside fishing village of Menemsha. Menemsha Pond connects to both Stonewall Pond via Nashaquitsa Pond and to Squibnocket Pond via the Squibnocket Herring Run.

Since 1902, Menemsha Pond is a federally recognized Harbor of Refuge. This designation altered the development of both the harbor at Menemsha and the channel into Menemsha Pond. Before the federal designation and redesign of the inlet, the channel was dredged locally to maintain access.