South Beach

South beach is a picturesque beach, although it’s not a very good walking beach due to the fact the sand is not hard packed. Plenty of parking, miles of great beach, and good swimming in the ocean.

So far, South beach is my favorite beach in the north easy. The sand is soft and not rocky, there is a volleyball net and I simply enjoy watching people play a competitive match of volley and the waves.. Oo the waves are so big and so fun to swim in and jump in! It’s fun for kids and adults!
There is also a drive on part of the beach. Although I have not driven a vehicle onto the beach, many people take advantage and I look forward to one day bring a car on the beach as well.
I also enjoy that this beach is never over crowded. In a way it is secluded but still big enough to have you own space without feeling you are intruding on other patrons conversations.
Highly recommended this beach to anyone.

I have been a «Vineyarder» for 25 years and this is my favorite beach on the island. The South shore runs from the Over Sand Permit only, Norton Point in Edgartown to the clothing optional part of Moshup beach in Aquinnah, but when you say, «South Beach» it typically means the public section in Katama. This beach fronts the Atlantic Ocean so the surf is pretty rough compared to most spots on the island.
South beach features lifeguards, porta-​potties, and lots of free parking. It is a family friendly beach and they prohibit smoking, alcohol, and radios. Please be advised that the surf can be a bit rough for the little ones! We always bring a picnic and stay all day!
The sand is soft and perfect for building sand castles, but be advised deep holes are prohibited by Edgartown park patrol on 4x4s. It seems less so for the diggers safety, and more because they dont’ want to get their ATVs stuck.
There is a pretty good rip current in certain places so if you’re not a decent swimmer don’t go out too far and remember if you do get caught — swim parallel to shore! The water is cold but refreshing especially in the hottest months!

Awesome beach. Not crowded. Bring the SUV, let the air out of the tires and cruise down the beach to your own spot. Doesn’t get much better.

Lovely beach. Super clean and it had life guards (granted I was on the private side).

Visited South Beach for the first time this weekend, and I’d go so far as to say that it’s the most beautiful beach I’ve been to in Massachusetts (and I have lived in MA my whole life so that’s saying a lot). It was a wee but early on in the season to really say it wasn’t crowded, but considering it’s only a couple of weeks until The Fourth, it was pretty darn good! Despite the amount of people who seemed to be on the beach, parking was plentiful (although most probably more to do with the fact that most tourists to do not bring/​rent cars, but who cares why?), and we had absolutely no problem finding a spacious spot on the sand, which was fine and luxurious, if only a bit rocky at the water’s edge. As for the water: I have never seen a Massachusetts beach so clear of seaweed and bugs in my life! It was as clear as could be, and the temperature (in mid/​late-​June) was that of what you’d be lucky to find at any other beach in late-​July! The consistency of the water was a bit choppy, which is unique to the Cape, where shores are typically pretty calm. However, it was just choppy enough for the kids to have fun jumping waves and boogey-​boarding (without it being dangerous), and just calm enough a little further out for the grown-​ups the relax and cool off. Overall, I would say it’s definitely worth the trip to Edgartown, especially if you’re already on the Vineyard. I will definitely be coming back soon, as it’s officially my favorite Massachusetts beach!

Absolutely beautiful beach. A little out of the way, parking is ok, and lifeguards are on duty. Enough people there but not overcrowded. We were able to find a great spot close enough to the water. If you aren’t someone who likes to go into the water, no problem — enjoy the people watching. IF you do like to go into the water, there is very clean water and waves.

Also called Long Point. This beach is hard to find, but it’s worth the trip. Drive to the south shore of the Vineyard and from the highway, go down a long dirt road to a small parking lot. Once you are there, there’s a 5 minute walk to the beach.
It is a fragile ecosystem so I think the parking is limited to discourage crowds. They have osprey nest poles and kayak tours if you’re interested in the ecology of the area.
The beach is lifeguarded in places. There’s a fresh water pump and restrooms but no bathhouse.
If you examine the south shore of the Vineyard on a map you’ll see that a long spit of land separates a mostly fresh water lagoon from the ocean. Sit on the spit of land, and, on one side, surf in some crazy waves that will kick your butt (watch your kids, it is close to dangerous at high tide). Turn around 180 degrees and walk a few feet in the other direction, and you can float and play in bathwater temperature water with no waves or tides at all.
Idyllic. A true New England treasure.