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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Accessibility
Long Point Beach Cottage is available for weekly rentals. Click here for more information.
To view or download a trail map, click here.
With eight Trustees properties to discover on the island, there is something for everyone. Experience unique coastal landscapes, and begin creating treasured memories today.
The Wampanoag, who have been on Martha’s Vineyard for millennia, depended on the land at Long Point for agriculture (corn, mostly), fuel (firewood), fishing, and hunting/gathering. In the 1600s, the first white settlers learned from these traditions and techniques; over a 30-year period in the second half of the 17th century, colonists acquired from the natives all of what is now called Long Point.