What Chilmark is like
Chilmark is up-island: hills and stone walls running down to the sea, farms, and big skies. Its fishing village, Menemsha, is a working harbor of draggers and lobster boats, fish markets and seafood shacks. If it looks familiar, it should: Menemsha stood in for Amity in Jaws.
There is no town center to speak of, and that is the point. Chilmark is for long beach days, lobster on the dock and the sun going down over Vineyard Sound.
Who loves Chilmark
- Privacy, views and quiet
- Some of the island’s most beautiful (resident and renter) beaches
- Seafood straight off the boat in Menemsha
- Sunsets
Things to do in Chilmark
- Menemsha: the harbor, the fish markets, and the sunset from the beach.
- Beetlebung Corner and the Chilmark General Store, the up-island crossroads.
- Farms and walking trails across the hills; the Land Bank and conservation groups keep many open to the public.
Inshore and offshore fishing trips from Menemsha with Capt. Buddy Vanderhoop, a member of the Wampanoag Tribe of Aquinnah.
Website →Chilmark beaches
- Lucy Vincent Beach: dramatic cliffs and surf. In summer, for Chilmark homeowners, their guests and tenants only.
- Squibnocket Beach: also for Chilmark residents and renters in season.
- Menemsha Beach: public and free, and the place for the sunset.
Tenants of Chilmark homes can buy a beach sticker or walk-on pass with a valid lease, with the exact property address on it. See the Chilmark beach information for current fees and where to buy.
Where to eat in Chilmark
Seasonal dinner restaurant in Chilmark center; Chilmark is a dry town, so bring your own wine or beer.
Website →Menemsha harbor restaurant famous for lobster dinners and sunset views, now with full table service under newer owners.
Website →Family-run harbor shack known for lobster rolls, chowder and swordfish sandwiches.
Website →Up-island general store with a front porch, pizza and sandwiches at Beetlebung Corner.
Website →Menemsha dockside fish market since 1969 for lobsters, steamers, stuffed quahogs and oysters to eat outside at sunset.
Website →Family-run market with roots in Poole's Fish Market of 1946, selling fresh fish, lobster and prepared seafood.
Website →Organic farm and creamery making award-winning cheeses, with a farm stand selling bread, pastry and coffee.
Website →More island-wide picks in our restaurant guide.
Getting to Chilmark
About 25 to 30 minutes by car from the Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs ferries. A car makes life easier up-island, though the VTA does run to Chilmark and Menemsha. See getting around.
Staying in Chilmark
Our Chilmark homes include ocean-view houses, hilltop retreats and homes near Menemsha. See our Chilmark vacation rentals.
Questions we hear
Can renters go to Lucy Vincent Beach?
Yes, if you are renting a home in Chilmark. Buy a sticker or walk-on pass with your lease from the town. Visitors staying elsewhere on the island can’t use it in season.
Was Jaws filmed in Menemsha?
Yes. Menemsha and other island spots, including the bridge on Joseph Sylvia State Beach, were filming locations for Jaws.
Updated October 2026. Hours, seasons and rules change: check with each business or town before you go.