Whether you want to body surf in the ocean, splash with the kids in sheltered salt and freshwater ponds, or explore a rare grassland habitat, this spectacular reservation is a favorite escape.
Plan Your Visit
- Overview
- Ideas for Your Visit
- Admission & Hours
- Directions & Contact Info
- Facilities & Accessibility
- Venue Rental
- Property Map
- Regulations & Advisories
Overview
Long Point Wildlife Refuge—one of the largest publicly accessible properties on Martha’s Vineyard—is all that remains of a broad prairie with scattered woods formed many years after the last ice age. Throughout the 18th century, settlers developed farms, cleared land, hunted and fished in coastal ponds, and harvested hay. In the early 20th century, wealthy seasonal residents established waterfowl hunting clubs. Later, as club membership decreased, three remaining members of the Tisbury Pond Club gave Long Point to The Trustees. Since then, fire suppression, loss of farmland, and regrowth of forests have all worked to change the landscape. Today, the refuge hosts globally rare plants and wildlife uniquely adapted to this dry, acidic landscape, its coastal ponds, and its sandy beach.
PLEASE NOTE: Online ticketing for Long Point Wildlife Refuge has ended for the Summer 2020 season. Please use Deep Bottom Road (Off-season) to access to the property. Online parking passes are no longer required to visit, and admission is free in the off-season.
Ideas for Your Visit
Swim and relax by the water, or follow a two-mile trail that leads through oak forest and savannah. Kayak and standup paddleboard rentals are available daily in July and August; rent a vessel and explore Long Cove Pond on your own self-guided excursion. Please note that there are no lifeguards on duty at Long Point.
Admission & Hours
Mid-June to mid-September: Trustees Members and children: FREE, plus half-price vehicle parking discount for basic-level members. Nonmembers $10 per car plus $5 per adult; pedestrian/bicyclist $5; children 15 and under FREE. Mid-September to mid-June: FREE to all.
Mid-June to mid-September: 9AM to 5:30PM (last admission at 5:30PM; gate closes at 7PM). Mid-September to mid-June: daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of two hours.
PLEASE NOTE: Online ticketing for Long Point Wildlife Refuge has ended for the Summer 2020 season. Please use Deep Bottom Road (Off-season) to access to the property. Online parking passes are no longer required to visit, and admission is free in the off-season.
Directions & Contact Info
Off Edgartown-West Tisbury Road
Martha’s Vineyard, MA 02575
Telephone: 508.693.7392 (Summer) 508-693-3678 (year-round)
Email: longpoint@thetrustees.org
Get directions on Google Maps.
PLEASE NOTE: Online ticketing for Long Point Wildlife Refuge has ended for the Summer 2020 season. Please use Deep Bottom Road (Off-season) to access to the property. Online parking passes are no longer required to visit, and admission is free in the off-season.
Off-Season directions: Traveling west on Edgartown-West Tisbury Rd., proceed 1.1 mi. beyond the main entrance to the airport. Turn left onto Deep Bottom Rd. and follow for 1.5 mi., always bearing left at forks. Turn right onto Thumb Point Rd. and follow for 1.3 mi. to the off-season parking area (30 cars).
For any questions, please contact us at (508-693-3678), our regional office (508-693-7662, Mon-Thurs), and/or the islands@thetrustees.org.
Winter Season: Traveling west on Edgartown-West Tisbury Rd., proceed 1.1 mi. beyond the main entrance to the airport. Turn left onto Deep Bottom Rd. and follow for 1.5 mi., always bearing left at forks. Turn right onto Thumb Point Rd. and follow for 1.3 mi. to the off-season parking area (30 cars).
Facilities & Accessibility
Accessibility
- Waterproof beach wheelchair – Inquire at the entry gate.
- Beach transport service transportation for mobility-impaired and challenged visitors: If you have mobility challenges, we will give you a ride from the parking lot to the main beach front and back. Inquire at the entry gate.
Venue Rental
Long Point Beach Cottage is available for weekly rentals. Click here for more information.
Property Map
To view or download a trail map, click here.
Regulations & Advisories
- Please be respectful of our neighbors and obey posted speed limits while driving along Waldron’s Bottom Road and Deep Bottom Road. Failure to abide by posted speed limits will result in immediate dismissal from the property.
- Radios and alcohol are not allowed.
- Bikes are not permitted along our trails and the beach, please leave bikes at designated parking areas upon entering the property.
- Due to our special status as a wildlife refuge, dogs, horses, and other pets are not permitted, year-round.
- Ticks and poison ivy may be abundant along trail edges.
- Swimming may be hazardous due to rough surf and undertows. There are no lifeguards on duty; swim at your own risk.
- There are no trash receptacles. Please carry out what you carry in. Trail and beach wheelchairs are available.
- Seasonal hunting is permitted at this property subject to all state and county laws with authorization of the stewardship manager. Please stay on designated trails and wear bright-colored clothing during hunting seasons. Learn more about hunting on Trustees properties.
- The Trustees reserves the right to photograph or video visitors and program participants for promotional use, and usage of our properties implies consent. Please read our photo and video policy.
