There’s no denying the premature crispness that’s taken over our summer air, but it’s not all bad news. As long as you’re on Martha’s Vineyard, the season is still with us well into September. The best part about this time of year is the expiration date on all those residents-only beach stickers. More of the coastline becomes fair game, and everybody deserves a good look at Lambert’s Cove Beach.
If you’re coming from down-Island, head up State Road until you reach a sign that marks Lower Lambert’s Cove. Coming from up-Island means you’ll look out for Upper Lambert’s Cove. The road winds up through West Tisbury and opens up to a parking lot, but being on the brink of the shoulder season means you won’t have trouble finding a spot. A trail and a bit of a walk leads up to the beach; locals call it “a hike,” but it only takes about 10 or 15 minutes. There are doggie bags at the trail’s entrance; pups are welcome before 10 am or after 5 pm. When you start to see flip flops on the outskirts of the path, you know you’re getting close. Only on Martha’s Vineyard do people leave their shoes at beach entrances — we’re an honest bunch.
A wooden walkway leads you to an at-the-world’s-end view of the sparkling seas. Situated on the hilly, western coast of the Island, Lambert’s Cove overlooks Vineyard Sound, with glimpses of Naushon and Pasque Island, as well as the westernmost part of Aquinnah. The waters are calm and warm, and the sun always seems to settle where you want it to.
The hill descends onto the white sandy stretch that extends for miles in either direction. Lambert’s Cove turns into Makonikey Head to the east, and Paul’s Point to the west.
“I feel like I’m walking in a painting,” a first-time visitor said in the midst of her oceanside hypnosis.
Lambert’s Cove is an ideal beach for long walks, restorative swims, and sunset gatherings. Locals are known to circle up with wine and cheese as the sun melts into the horizon during the unmissable golden hour.
With water so clear and sand so fine, it’s easy to forget you’re still in New England. Lambert’s Cove views resemble a Caribbean coast, and you can’t help but close your eyes and thank your lucky stars for where you are. The summer might be over, but the shoulder season regifts us beaches like Lambert’s Cove.
