Discover Chilmark, Massachusetts: A Tranquil Retreat on Martha's Vineyard

Chilmark is a rural, up-Island town on the western side of Martha's Vineyard. The English-speaking community here dates to the 1600s, though the land has been home to the Wampanoag people for thousands of years. Today, Chilmark is known for preserved farmland, rolling hills, secluded beaches, quiet landscapes, and a tight-knit population of roughly 1,200 residents.

This guide was written and photographed by MV Vacation, based on extensive on-island filming, documentation, and field research.

We respectfully acknowledge the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) as the original stewards of this land.

Chilmark sits between West Tisbury and Aquinnah, forming the quiet, rural heart of the island's up-Island region. Its landscapes flow into neighboring towns, making it an ideal base for visitors exploring the western side of Martha's Vineyard.

Explore the Heart of Chilmark: Beetlebung Corner

The center of Chilmark life sits at Beetlebung Corner, where South Road, Middle Road, and Menemsha Crossroad intersect. Visitors will find a small but essential collection of community favorites:

• Chilmark Tavern – A BYOB restaurant known for local ingredients and relaxed, upscale comfort food.
• Chilmark General Store – A community hub offering pantry items, prepared foods, sandwiches, pizza, and beach essentials.
• Chilmark Community Center – Seasonal tennis, camps, film nights, lectures, and public events.

If you are exploring more up-Island food destinations, consider visiting nearby West Tisbury, home to additional farmstands, markets, and scenic conservation lands.

Agricultural Heritage and Local Food

Chilmark is one of the Vineyard's most agricultural communities, with active farms supplying produce, dairy, breads, and meats across the island.

• Mermaid Farm – Known for yogurt, feta, farmstand vegetables, and an honor-box dairy shed on Middle Road.
• Grey Barn Farm – Award-winning cheeses, seasonal produce, baked goods, and a full market open to the public.
• Local farmstands – Small roadside stands offering flowers, eggs, greens, and seasonal items.

Outdoor Adventures & Scenic Beauty

Chilmark features some of the most dramatic and peaceful scenery on Martha's Vineyard. With access to both Vineyard Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, the town is ideal for hiking, photography, and coastline exploration.

• Menemsha Hills Reservation – A rugged network of trails with high-elevation overlooks and sweeping views of Vineyard Sound.
• Great Rock Bight Preserve – A scenic, wooded trail ending at a sandy beach cove.
• Island Folk Pottery Sculpture Trail – A family-friendly art path through the woods, featuring handcrafted sculptures.
• Quitsa Pond – Perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and calm-water exploration.

Chilmark's beaches are among the most beautiful—and restricted—on the island:

• Lucy Vincent Beach – Dramatic cliffs and Atlantic surf. Summer access requires a Chilmark resident or renter permit.
• Squibnocket Beach – Secluded shoreline with protected dunes. Also resident-permit-only in summer.

For coastal views and sunset photography, don't miss Menemsha and the public Menemsha Beach, located just a short drive away.

Menemsha: A Classic New England Harbor

Located on Chilmark's north shore, Menemsha is one of the island's last traditional fishing villages. Features include:

• Two family-run fish markets
• Public beach with famous sunset views
• Docks, lobster boats, and working waterfront
• Boutiques and small seasonal shops

Menemsha Town Beach is open to the public and is widely considered the best sunset spot on Martha's Vineyard.

For real-time harbor conditions and coastal scenery, visit our Island Live Webcams.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chilmark

Q: What makes Chilmark unique?
A: Chilmark is defined by rolling farmland, preserved open space, elevated ocean views, and quiet living. It is one of the most peaceful regions on Martha's Vineyard.

Q: Can visitors access Chilmark's beaches?
A: Lucy Vincent Beach and Squibnocket Beach require a Chilmark resident or registered-renter permit in summer. Menemsha Town Beach is open to the public year-round.

Q: What are popular activities?
A: Hiking Menemsha Hills, exploring farms, kayaking Quitsa Pond, photographing Lucy Vincent Beach, dining at Chilmark Tavern, and visiting Menemsha Harbor.

For visitor rules, beach access details, and seasonal information, check our comprehensive Martha's Vineyard FAQ.

How to Get to Chilmark

Chilmark is accessible by car, bike, and the Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA). The most direct routes are via South Road or Middle Road from West Tisbury. Visitors using public transit can take VTA Route 4 or Route 5, which connect Chilmark with Vineyard Haven and Edgartown.

Fun Facts about Chilmark

• Named after Chilmark, Wiltshire, England—the home of Governor Thomas Mayhew.
• Chilmark once had one of the highest percentages of deaf residents in the U.S., contributing to the creation of Martha's Vineyard Sign Language.
• Noman's Land, south of Chilmark, was used for military training and is now a wildlife refuge closed to the public.
• Chilmark contains the highest elevation point on Martha's Vineyard.
• President Barack Obama vacationed in Chilmark multiple times during his presidency.

For more planning tips, beach info, and up-Island attractions, explore the Chilmark section on MV Vacation.

Funded, in part, by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism.

View more island visuals in our full Photo Galleries.

All photos on this page were taken by MV Vacation during on-island filming and field research.