Getting There

You must first take the Chappy Ferry from Edgartown to Chappaquiddick Island. Once on the island, you can access East Beach via two main points:

1. Dike Bridge: You can drive on Chappaquiddick Road and then Dike Bridge Road. Parking is available before or after the bridge.
2. Wasque Reservation: Access is also possible through Wasque Reservation by following Chappaquiddick Road to the end and then turning onto Pocha Road.

Parking and Fees

• Day Parking: Non-members of The Trustees of Reservations are charged a fee for parking, which is typically $25 per vehicle. Trustees members receive a discount or free parking depending on their membership level. Walkers and bikers are generally free.
• Over-Sand Vehicle (OSV) Permit: To drive a 4WD vehicle on the beach, you need an OSV permit, which is a separate cost from a regular parking fee. The permit requires specific safety equipment, and access may be limited or closed due to nesting shorebirds.
• Library Passes: Some Martha's Vineyard libraries may offer free day parking passes for Wasque with a library card.

Facilities and Amenities

• Restrooms: There are typically portable toilets at the parking areas, such as at Mytoi Japanese Garden, which is a short walk from East Beach. There are no facilities on the beach itself beyond the Dike Bridge.
• Lifeguards: There are no lifeguards at East Beach, and swimming can be hazardous due to strong currents.
• Recreation: The beach is a popular spot for swimming, fishing (surfcasting is common), and walking. The remote nature of the beach also makes it a fantastic location for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
• Dogs: Dogs are not allowed on the beach from April 1 to September 30 to protect nesting shorebirds.

East Beach is a unique and remote destination that offers a truly wild Cape Cod beach experience, but it requires a bit more planning than other beaches due to its location and rules.