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Joseph Sylvia State Beach

btwn Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, off Beach Rd, Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard, MA
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Ranked #6 of 11 attractions in Oak Bluffs
Type: Beaches
Activities: Swimming, Biking
Owner description: Small waves, low dunes and lots of seashells make this narrow, two-mile stretch of public beach popular with families. The beach runs between Oak... more » Owner description: Small waves, low dunes and lots of seashells make this narrow, two-mile stretch of public beach popular with families. The beach runs between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, and is called "Bend-in-the-Road Beach" on the Edgartown side. « less
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10 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    7
    3
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    0
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Date Rating
Boston, MA
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 February 2013

The beach is awesome as it brings so many memories to me. Each if my daughters considered it a feat to jump off the bridge and now my younger nephews have successfully jumped. Look out for ticketing as it can happen but it is inconsistent.?

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See 7 more reviews by mcmalvarez for Oak Bluffs
Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 October 2012

Because it is on the sound the water is usually quite still and reasonably shallow for a gopod distance from shore. This makes it very safe for children, elders and anyone who has special needs

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Armonk, New York
Top Contributor
61 reviews 61 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 31 cities Reviews in 31 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 September 2012 via mobile

The place to be when south facing beaches are being blasted And definitely where we used to catch fish... Squiding in the early summer at evening

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See 3 more reviews by rweissmd for Oak Bluffs
Yorktown Heights, New York
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 September 2012

You're either there because you have little kids and the rolling "waves" are very tame (read: non-existent) or because you have older kids (or are a kid at heart) and will be jumping off the famed bridge. The first jump is the scariest, but once you've got that one under your belt, you'll be addicted!

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See 6 more reviews by DaniZ23 for Oak Bluffs
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 August 2012

We are beach people. We can do it all day. This beach is family friendly, and the water is relatively calm. Great place. Tip: if you have sensitive feet, bring flip-flops or sandals. This is NOT Puerto Rico :-) the sand is filled with broken shells which can make for a less than pain-free stroll down the beach.

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See 4 more reviews by Jay D for Oak Bluffs
Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 August 2012

A very short walk from the Madison Inn. The beach is very clean, family oriented, and not a lot of rough surf. It is definitely worth taking a dip.

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See 6 more reviews by WorldsTreasures for Oak Bluffs
Worcester
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 July 2012

If you like soft sand (with a few shells) and calm waters, Joseph Sylvia State Beach is perfect. It's easy to get to by bus (#13 drops off passengers at two stops along the beach). It's a great spot to set up chairs and umbrellas and wade out into the calm waters.

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See 4 more reviews by Katmitch28 for Oak Bluffs
Concord, New Hampshire
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 June 2012

This beach is beautiful. We went in a shoulder season so there was no one there and I am sure it gets hectic in the summer but it was beautiful. The surf is a bit higher, but offers more fun for surf jumping, surfing and across the street at the lagoon is a popular hang out for wind surfers. Sand... More

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See 7 more reviews by dibajui for Oak Bluffs
NH
Senior Contributor
39 reviews 39 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 November 2011

Bring the kids and spend the day! This beach seems to go on forever!

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See 13 more reviews by Chilypepah for Oak Bluffs
Clevelander on Martha's Vineyard!
1 review
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 December 2006

This is the beach for serious swimming and for families. It is not a private beach but has so much room you don't notice it. You just want to stay there all day. The setting sun is at your back so you can stay very late... the sun does not stream into your eyes and you can watch the sea... More

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