There are many beautiful public beaches on Martha’s Vineyard and South Beach in Katama is one of the most popular. The beach is reached by taking either the left or right “fork” as you head into Katama. It is a short bus ride or bike ride from downtown Edgartown. If bringing a car then take the right “fork” down to Katama and you’ll find plenty of parking at the beach.
A long sandy beach backed by high dunes, South Beach not surprisingly faces south and is home to large rolling ocean surf providing great opportunities for body surfing.
South Beach is also the entrance to Norton Point which opens each summer for over-sand vehicle access (permits required).
Heading down to South Beach you can pick up provisions at Katama General Store. The beach is also one of the few on the island with rest rooms, which are located at the beach end of both the left and right “forks”.
If you want to be right there at the beach for your Martha’s Vineyard vacation then one of the Martha’s Vineyard Lodging Association founding member properties is located in prime position at South Beach. There is no need for bike, bus or car as you can simply leave your room at the stunning Winnetu Oceanside Resort and take the boardwalk across the dune to your “own” gorgeous beach.
There’s nothing quite like falling asleep each night at the Winnetu to the sound of the ocean waves gently breaking across the sand. The hotel is situated on 11 acres, hugging South Beach’s beautiful shoreline offering guests one-of-a-kind access to the beach where bike riding, beach walks to Norton Point, fishing and beach days are a plenty. All of their 54 rooms and suites face the beach and their sprawling front lawn, where guests enjoy lawn games and lazy afternoons lounging around. The resort offers the best of both worlds when it comes to cooling down on a hot summer’s day, guests can choose from the beach or from their two pools.
A favorite family activity, offered each afternoon, is a ride along South Beach on one of their iconic antique vehicles. For families the hotel provides a complimentary kids program offered each morning in the summer.
The Fall, with its sun-kissed warm days, makes it a great time of year to bring your dog to the island and cozy up on one of their in-room dog beds. The Winnetu Oceanside Resort offers pet-friendly accommodations.
If you want a Martha’s Vineyard Hotel at the beach then look no further than the Winnetu Oceanside Resort, a proud member of the Martha’s Vineyard Lodging Association.
Matt Moore