Courtesy Above Summit
This stretch of sand and dunes links Martha’s Vineyard and Chappaquiddick, offers an important habitat for nesting shorebirds, and provides a sporting challenge for fishermen.
Plan Your Visit
- Overview
- Ideas for Your Visit
- Admission & Hours
- Directions & Contact Info
- Facilities & Accessibility
- Property Map
- Regulations & Advisories
Overview
With a dynamic environment providing important habitat for nesting shorebirds as well as a sporting challenge for surfcasters, Norton Point Beach is a blend of raw beauty and sun-drenched recreation. In the summer, shellfishing, swimming, bird watching, and picnicking beckon. In the autumn, migrating shorebirds use the extensive Katama Bay sandflats for feeding and resting. During the winter, our winter bird residents such as snowy owls, mergansers, and bufflehead ducks often frequent the beach and adjacent waters.
For updates on Norton Point access call the Beach Access Hotline: 508.627.8390 or check the
The Trustees Martha’s Vineyard Facebook page
Norton Point is governed by the Dukes County Beach Management Rules, which include: no alcoholic beverages, dogs leashed at all times, and a 15 mile per hour speed limit, (5 miles per hour in posted shorebird nesting areas.) Edgartown Police and Trustees Rangers are present to enforce Norton Point Beach Management Rules.
Ideas for Your Visit
Four and a half miles of walking trails and sandy roads tread across the uplands. Due to recent beach erosion, there are only 1.8 miles of oversand vehicle trails. (OSV access to and from Chappaquiddick depends on trail closures that are mandated to protect endangered, protected shorebirds and ambient weather conditions that impact trail conditions.) South Beach, the state-owned bathing beach with lifeguards and seasonal restrooms and changing areas, is right next door. Watch for rip currents and take caution while swimming.
Admission & Hours
Gatehouse Hours: 9AM-5PM
Free for pedestrians. Unsuitable for bikes due to deep sand.
Oversand vehicle (OSV) permits
All OSV permits must be purchased online.
All OSV permits must be purchased online.
Due to Coronavirus concerns and the mandated beach vehicle limits, we are not issuing Daily Passes for Norton Point at this time.
All permits purchased online will be available for pick-up at the Mytoi Gatehouse and the Norton Point Gatehouse, during open hours. You may also pick up your permit at the Vineyard Haven office, 860 State Road in Vineyard Haven, Monday – Thursday, 9AM – 2PM.
For updates on Norton Point access call the Beach Access Hotline: 508.627.8390 or check the The Trustees Martha’s Vineyard Facebook page.
Norton Point is governed by the Dukes County Beach Management Rules, which include: no alcoholic beverages, dogs leashed at all times, and a 15 mile per hour speed limit, (5 miles per hour in posted shorebird nesting areas.) Edgartown Police and Trustees Rangers are present to enforce Norton Point Beach Management Rules.
We welcome school and youth groups for experiential educational programs. Please visit our Education Page for details and to initiate a visit request.
Directions & Contact Info
Telephone: 508.627.7689
E-mail: capepoge@thetrustees.org
Beach access hotline (current beach closure updates): 508.627.8390
Get driving directions on Google Maps.
From Edgartown follow Katama Road south out of town all the way down to the Atlantic Ocean; the Oversand-Vehicle (OSV) entrance and gatehouse will be on the left.
Facilities & Accessibility
The western end of Norton Point Beach abuts the state-owned bathing beach, South Beach, which has lifeguards and seasonal restrooms and changing areas.
Please note that Norton Point Beach does not have trash disposal containers, lifeguards, or seasonal restrooms. We have a “carry in-carry out” policy for any and all trash and recyclable items.
Property Map
Download a trail map before you leave.
Regulations & Advisories
- Due to strong currents and riptides, swimming at Norton Point Beach can be hazardous. Use caution at all times and if in doubt, please don’t go in the water.
- The breach can be particularly dangerous. Please stay at least 10 feet away from the edge of the breach and obey all posted signs.
- Avoid swimming where seals are present. The growing population of seals on the sand islands offshore may attract sharks.
- Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
- PHOTOGRAPHY: We ask that photographers or their clients become Supporting Level Members before conducting portrait sessions at this property. Click here for more information, and to request permission for any portrait sessions. The Trustees of Reservations reserves the right, and may give permission to its designated photographers and videographers, or to outside media, to photograph or video visitors and program participants at all its facilities and properties.
