Edgartown Lighthouse
A picturesque white lighthouse on Martha's Vineyard, offering stunning harbor views and beach access. A historic landmark perfect for photos and relax...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Edgartown Lighthouse
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque white lighthouse on Martha's Vineyard, offering stunning harbor views and beach access. A historic landmark perfect for photos and relaxation.
"The place is insanely beautiful in my opinion. I love lighthouses so for me the place is dreamy."
🚶♀️ Easy Walk to the Light
A short, flat 5-minute walk from parking makes it accessible for most.
💰 Go Inside for $5
Access the lighthouse interior daily from 10 am to 4 pm for a small fee.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Edgartown Lighthouse Exterior
Edgartown Harbor
Iconic white cast iron lighthouse offering stunning harbor views and a picturesque beach setting.
Lighthouse Interior Access
Inside the lighthouse
Climb to the top for a unique perspective and learn about its history. Open daily 10 am-4 pm for $5.
Edgartown Beach & Wildlife
Surrounding the lighthouse
Enjoy the sandy shores, search for seashells, and observe local bird wildlife.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Edgartown Lighthouse
Accessing the Edgartown Lighthouse
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Easy Walk to the Light
A short, flat 5-minute walk from parking makes it accessible for most.
💰 Go Inside for $5
Access the lighthouse interior daily from 10 am to 4 pm for a small fee.
☀️ Sunrise/Sunset Views
Popular times for photographers and visitors seeking stunning light.
🐚 Beachcombing Fun
Plenty of seashells to find along the shoreline.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Easy Walk to the Light
A short, flat 5-minute walk from parking makes it accessible for most.
💰 Go Inside for $5
Access the lighthouse interior daily from 10 am to 4 pm for a small fee.
☀️ Sunrise/Sunset Views
Popular times for photographers and visitors seeking stunning light.
🐚 Beachcombing Fun
Plenty of seashells to find along the shoreline.
🚫 Carry In, Carry Out
Help keep the area clean by taking all your trash with you.
🐦 Bird Nesting Areas
Respect roped-off sections to protect nesting bird populations.
🚲 Biking Adventure
Consider electric bikes for a fun ride, but be prepared for mixed road conditions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Edgartown Lighthouse for its beautiful location and picturesque views, calling it a 'dreamy' spot. The easy access and the option to go inside for a small fee are highlights, though the lack of on-site restrooms is a minor drawback. Many recommend visiting at sunrise or sunset for the best photographic opportunities.
"Great lighthouse in beautiful location! Easy flat 5 minute walk from the road. Carry in/carry out policy. Certain sections roped off to protect nesting bird populations. Popular place at sunrise and sunset. Lots of seashells and bird wildlife. You can go up in the lighthouse for $5 between 10am-4pm. Highly recommend! We visited almost daily. Stay at the Harbor View Hotel across the street for spectacular views of the lighthouse throughout your visit. No bathrooms on site."
Michelle C
"The place is insanely beautiful in my opinion. Not only the lighthouse but how you get there, and when you get there, there’s the beach and the lighthouse is on a sort of pedestal that you go up with some stairs and the view of the beach is amazing. I love lighthouses so for me the place is dreamy. I don’t think I can explain it well so you have to see for yourself!!"
yael cohen
"A stately white cast iron lighthouse that is the second one on this site. The original required the lighthouse keeper to visit by boat, until they built a wood causeway, which they later reinforced with a stone jetty. You can still see the jetty, which is surrounded by sandbar and trails. There's a nice beach nearby with views of the harbor. This lighthouse, like a lot of other local sights in Edgartown, appears in the movie Jaws, during the scenes on the harbor in Amity Town."
Ed Holden
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Edgartown Lighthouse is easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. From the parking area, it's a short, flat 5-minute walk to the lighthouse and beach. Many visitors also enjoy biking to the location, though be aware that some routes involve riding on the road alongside traffic.
Yes, there is parking available in downtown Edgartown, which is a short walk from the lighthouse.
Absolutely! Many visitors opt to bike, especially using electric bikes, for a scenic journey. Be prepared for a mix of bike lanes and road riding.
The path to the lighthouse is generally flat and easy, making it manageable for strollers. However, the beach terrain can be sandy, which may pose challenges for wheelchairs.
Combine a visit to the lighthouse with a stroll along the beach, birdwatching, and enjoying the harbor views. Some visitors even opt for picnics on the grounds.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Visiting the grounds and beach around the Edgartown Lighthouse is free. If you wish to go inside the lighthouse, there is a $5 admission fee.
The lighthouse is typically open for interior visits from 10 am to 4 pm daily. It's always a good idea to confirm hours closer to your visit, as they can sometimes vary.
Tickets are generally purchased on-site for interior access, and advance booking is usually not required. However, for special events or peak season, it's wise to check for any updates.
Certain areas may be roped off to protect nesting bird populations, so please respect these closures. The lighthouse also has a carry-in, carry-out policy for trash.
Yes, you can go inside the Edgartown Lighthouse for a fee. It's open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, offering a chance to explore its interior and history.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
Sunrise and sunset are particularly popular for photography due to the beautiful golden hour light. The lighthouse also looks stunning under the stars.
From the lighthouse grounds, you'll enjoy picturesque views of Edgartown Harbor, the surrounding beach, and the ocean.
The lighthouse itself, the beach with its seashells, and the harbor views are all prime photo opportunities. Capturing the lighthouse at different times of day, especially sunrise and sunset, is highly recommended.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local FAA and Martha's Vineyard regulations before flying a drone in the area to ensure compliance.
For astrophotography of the lighthouse, consider using a wide aperture (like f/1.8), a longer exposure (around 15 seconds), and adjusting ISO accordingly (e.g., ISO 2500).
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Edgartown is known for its dining scene. Restaurants like The Porch Hunter and 19 Raw Oyster Bar are popular choices for seafood and other cuisines.
Absolutely! The grounds around the lighthouse are a beautiful spot for a picnic, offering lovely views and a relaxed atmosphere.
For breakfast or lunch, 'Behind the Bookstore' offers a charming outdoor oasis. For seafood lovers, The Porch Hunter and 19 Raw Oyster Bar are highly recommended.
Rose Water MV is a great spot for coffee and breakfast, using locally sourced ingredients.
Seafood, particularly oysters, is a highlight in Edgartown. Many establishments focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
🎫 ℹ️ Onsite Experience
You can explore the lighthouse grounds, walk along the beach, look for seashells, observe bird wildlife, and go inside the lighthouse during operating hours.
There are no bathrooms directly on-site at the Edgartown Lighthouse. Visitors will need to use facilities in the nearby downtown Edgartown area.
The current Edgartown Lighthouse is the second on this site. The original required a keeper to visit by boat, leading to the construction of a causeway and later a stone jetty.
Yes, the Edgartown Lighthouse and other local sights appear in the movie Jaws, during scenes set in Amity Town.
This policy means visitors are responsible for taking all their trash and belongings with them when they leave the lighthouse area, helping to preserve its natural beauty.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the day when the lighthouse is open for interior tours, which can be an exciting adventure for children. Pack snacks and drinks, as the 'carry in, carry out' policy means you'll need to take any refuse with you.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss the chance to photograph the lighthouse under the stars, a popular activity for night photographers.
Remember to be respectful of any roped-off areas for bird nesting. 🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Cyclists
Once you arrive, the lighthouse is easily accessible via a short, flat walk. The surrounding beach and harbor area provide opportunities for further exploration, whether it's beachcombing or simply enjoying a brisk walk along the shore.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Beacon of History: The Edgartown Lighthouse
The lighthouse's history is intertwined with the maritime heritage of Edgartown. Its presence guided ships into the harbor, playing a vital role in the town's commercial and social life. For those interested in local lore, the lighthouse and its surroundings have even made an appearance in popular culture, notably in the film Jaws, where it featured in scenes set in the fictional Amity Town.
Today, the Edgartown Lighthouse is a beloved spot for both locals and tourists. Visitors can explore the grounds, enjoy the adjacent beach, and even ascend the lighthouse itself during its operating hours for a fee. Its accessibility and scenic beauty make it a must-visit for anyone exploring Martha's Vineyard.
Capturing the Charm: Photography at Edgartown Lighthouse
Beyond the lighthouse, the surrounding Edgartown beach offers its own photographic appeal. The shoreline is often dotted with seashells, providing opportunities for close-up shots, while the gentle waves and expansive harbor views create beautiful landscape compositions. For those interested in astrophotography, the lighthouse under a starry sky presents a unique and memorable challenge, with specific settings recommended for capturing the celestial display.
When planning your photo session, remember that certain areas might be roped off to protect nesting birds, so be mindful of these conservation efforts. The lighthouse is also open for interior visits, offering a different perspective and the chance to capture the spiral staircase and the views from within.
Exploring Edgartown: Beyond the Lighthouse
Edgartown boasts a diverse culinary landscape, with numerous restaurants and cafes catering to various tastes. From fresh seafood at places like The Porch Hunter and 19 Raw Oyster Bar to cozy breakfast spots like 'Behind the Bookstore,' there are plenty of options to satisfy your appetite.
The town also provides opportunities for outdoor activities, including enjoying the harbor and nearby beaches, making it a well-rounded destination. For those looking to extend their stay or explore further, Edgartown serves as a fantastic base. Its proximity to other Martha's Vineyard attractions and its own inherent charm make it a popular choice for day-trippers and longer vacations alike.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit