Long Point Wildlife Refuge, located off Edgartown-West Tisbury Road in West Tisbury, is one of the largest publicly accessible natural tracts on Martha's Vineyard. Encompassing over 600 acres of protected sandplain grasslands, coastal forests, and pristine shorelines, this stunning property is managed by The Trustees of Reservations.

What makes Long Point an absolute standout is its unique geography: it offers visitors the rare opportunity to enjoy a freshwater pond and a saltwater ocean beach simultaneously, separated only by a narrow barrier dune.

1. Dual Swim Horizons: Pond vs. Ocean

The property's "choose your own adventure" layout makes it a massive favorite for families:

• Tisbury Great Pond / Long Cove Pond: The calm, brackish-to-freshwater pond side features exceptionally quiet, wave-free waters. Because it is shallow and protected, it warms up dramatically by mid-summer. It's an absolute paradise for small children, paddleboarders, and kayakers who want to glide past the salt marshes without dealing with ocean currents.

• The Atlantic Ocean Beach: Walk across the boardwalk and over the dunes, and you are standing on a sweeping expanse of wild, wide ocean beach facing the open Atlantic. This side delivers heavy surf, rolling whitecaps, and cooler water temperatures—ideal for bodyboarding, surfing, and beachcombing.

2. Trails & Wildlife Discovery

Beyond the sand, Long Point is a highly diverse ecological sanctuary. A 2.1-mile loop trail winds through pitch pine and scrub oak woods, opening up into rare sandplain grasslands.

• Birding: The refuge is a critical habitat for nesting shorebirds. Visitors regularly spot ospreys soaring overhead, alongside piping plovers, least terns, and various migratory waterfowl utilizing the ponds.

• Paddling: The Trustees offer seasonal kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals on-site, allowing you to explore the finger-like coves of the pond system directly from the shore.

3. Amenities & Infrastructure

Long Point balances its wild, remote feel with highly convenient facilities during the peak summer season:

• Facilities: The Trustees maintain a main visitor area near the primary parking lot that includes public restrooms, changing rooms, and outdoor rinse-off showers.

• Lifeguards: Professional lifeguards are seasonally stationed on a designated section of the ocean beach during the peak summer weeks.

• The Walk: The main parking area sits about a half-mile walk from the ocean beach across flat, scenic boardwalks and dirt paths. For those hauling heavy gear or traveling with limited mobility, a seasonal open-air shuttle golf cart frequently runs back and forth between the lot and the beach.

4. Summer Access & Parking Logistics

Because it is a highly prized reservation, visiting in the summer requires knowing how the Trustees' gate system operates:

• Pre-paid Parking Reservations Required: During the peak summer season (typically mid-June through mid-September), you must purchase a timed vehicle parking pass online in advance.

• The Fees: Parking passes generally cost around $30 for non-members (with significant discounts or free access for Trustees members). If you arrive via bicycle or on foot, you only pay a nominal per-person walk-in fee.

• The Access Road: To reach the refuge, you will drive down a legendary, narrow 2-mile dirt road full of bumps and washboards. Drive slowly, take your time, and enjoy the rural West Tisbury scenery on the approach.