Welcome to Menemsha: A Timeless Fishing Village

Nestled within the town of Chilmark on Martha's Vineyard, Menemsha is a small, historic fishing village on the edge of Menemsha Pond and Vineyard Sound. Known for its working harbor, fresh seafood, classic New England scenery, and legendary sunsets, Menemsha is a must-visit spot for anyone looking for an authentic up-Island experience.

This guide was written and photographed by MV Vacation, based on years of on-island filming, local documentation, and field research.

We respectfully acknowledge the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) as the original stewards of this land.

Things to Do in Menemsha

• Explore the Harbor: Menemsha's harbor is a working fishing port where local fleets and charter boats head out into Vineyard Sound and toward the Elizabeth Islands. Watch fishermen unload their catch, photograph the shacks and boats along Dutcher Dock, and enjoy the no-frills maritime atmosphere.
• Fresh Seafood on the Dock: Visit classic, family-run fish markets like Larsen's Fish Market and Menemsha Fish Market for ultra-fresh local seafood. Many visitors order lobster rolls, chowder, bisque, oysters, or sashimi to eat right on the dock or bring to the beach.
• Sunset at Menemsha Beach:Menemsha Beach offers unobstructed sunset views over Vineyard Sound. During summer, people arrive early with takeout from the fish markets to enjoy a picnic on the sand.
• Fishing Charters and Boat Trips: Charters from Menemsha provide inshore and offshore fishing opportunities, as well as scenic trips around the Sound and toward the Elizabeth Islands. Ideal for both experienced anglers and families.
• Ride the Menemsha Bike Ferry: In season, the small bike ferry carries cyclists and pedestrians across the channel toward Lobsterville and Aquinnah, offering a shortcut around Menemsha Pond.
• Local Shops: Browse local boutiques such as Menemsha Blues for Vineyard-inspired apparel and Pandora's Box for women’s clothing, accessories, and jewelry.

Dining in Menemsha

Menemsha’s food scene is simple, seasonal, and closely tied to the harbor. The core experience is takeout seafood from the docks, including lobsters, chowder, bisque, scallops, and sashimi from Larsen's Fish Market and Menemsha Fish Market.

Menemsha Galley is a long-running, family-owned counter-service spot known for lobster rolls, chowder, swordfish sandwiches, burgers, fries, vegetarian options, and soft-serve ice cream.

The seasonal Home Port Restaurant and Oyster Bar offers a classic New England seafood dinner setting with dining room and takeout options. A newer Iggy’s Bread outpost in the former Bite shack adds pastries, coffee, and baked goods when open for the season.

Travel Tips

• Getting There: Reach Martha’s Vineyard by ferry, then drive or take the bus up-Island to Menemsha. The Vineyard Transit Authority serves Menemsha, including a dedicated sunset bus in peak season.
• Parking and Crowds: Menemsha is very small with limited parking. Summer evenings are especially busy, so arriving 1–2 hours before sunset or using park-and-ride shuttle options is recommended.
• Dry Town and BYOB: Chilmark is a dry town, meaning restaurants and shacks in Menemsha do not serve alcohol. Visitors often bring their own wine or beverages for sunset picnics.
• Accommodations: The Menemsha Inn and Cottages provides an up-Island stay within walking distance of the village. Guests have access to hillside cottages, a path to Menemsha Public Beach, passes to certain private Chilmark beaches, and amenities such as tennis, pickleball, fitness facilities, and outdoor gathering areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes Menemsha unique?
A: Menemsha is one of the last authentic working fishing villages on Martha’s Vineyard. Its small harbor, active fishing fleet, dockside seafood, and direct-over-the-water sunsets create a distinctive up-Island atmosphere.

Q: Where can I watch the sunset in Menemsha?
A: Menemsha Beach offers the best sunset views. Many visitors bring takeout seafood, blankets, and chairs and arrive early to secure a good spot.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Menemsha?
A: The United States Coast Guard Station, featured in the film Jaws, overlooks the harbor. The Swordfish Harpooner sculpture by Jay Lagemann is another well-known landmark near the dunes of Menemsha Beach.

Q: What seafood dishes should I try?
A: Popular dishes include lobster rolls, clam chowder, lobster bisque, stuffed quahogs, fried scallops, and daily fresh fish. When available, tuna or swordfish sashimi is highly recommended.

Q: How do I get to Menemsha without a car?
A: Take a ferry to the island and connect via the Vineyard Transit Authority. Summer routes are timed around sunset. Cyclists can also use the Menemsha Bike Ferry to reach Aquinnah.

Fun Facts about Menemsha

• Menemsha’s harbor and Coast Guard station appeared in Steven Spielberg’s 1975 film Jaws.
• The Swordfish Harpooner sculpture was created for Chilmark’s tricentennial and later restored and placed near Menemsha Beach.
• Menemsha is one of the few places on Martha’s Vineyard with direct sunset views over open water.
• The village has no traffic lights and retains its historic, small-harbor character.
• Local fishing families have worked Vineyard waters for generations, keeping traditional methods alive.
• The Menemsha Bike Ferry has transported cyclists and pedestrians across the harbor since the early 1990s.

Explore more Menemsha stories and guides across our Chilmark and up-Island sections on MV Vacation.

Funded, in part, by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism.

All photos on this page were taken by MV Vacation during on-island filming and field research.