Last February, the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank opened James Pond Preserve, a 13.9 acre property, which allows people to enjoy Lambert’s Cove without needing a Lambert’s Cove Beach Sticker or walk-on pass. It may be February now – but be sure to make note of this blog for your summer visit to Martha’s Vineyard. Let’s get to the details of the James Pond Preserve – A New Way To Enjoy Lambert’s Cove Beach on Martha’s Vineyard
James Pond Preserve – A New Way To Enjoy Lambert’s Cove Beach on Martha’s Vineyard – Beach Access
For beachgoers, this is a dream come true. Crescent shaped Lambert’s Cove Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on Martha’s Vineyard. The waters are clear, the beach is wide, the sand is soft, and the views of the Vineyard Sound are spectacular. You feel like you are on vacation here — there is something special about this beach.
For me, it is my favorite Island beach which is challenging because I am not a West Tisbury resident, so I don’t have a Lambert’s Cove Beach Sticker. Luckily I have some friends who do have one, but it’s not the same as having a beach day that’s all yours. However, now I have a better chance to visit this beloved beach on my own. James Pond Preserve offers 12 (parking) spots daily for beach goers each day the during peak season (June 15th – September 14th) .
How can you access these spots? Well, you go to the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank website the day you want to go to Lambert’s Cove the week before. Clear spaces on the web page mean that space is available. Ones in grey mean that the space is unavailable. These 12 spots are highly coveted, so if you do not get one that day, don’t give up. It doesn’t always happen, but I can tell you that I went to Lambert’s Cove a lot more last year then I have in previous years, and I was thrilled with any day that I got a spot. I would plan my week around my James Pond Preserve beach slot. I even went on a somewhat rainy day.
James Pond Preserve – A New Way To Enjoy Lambert’s Cove Beach on Martha’s Vineyard – Beach Access
The entrance to James Pond Preserve is right next to the Lambert’s Cove town beach entrance. Once you enter, you are greeted by an attendant and then you park. There is a trail loop that you can take for a short scenic walk or you can walk directly to the beach. It is about a 10 minute walk through woodlands and views of James Pond. You can also kayak or paddleboard the pond if you like (it is a very small but scenic pond). Once you are at the beach (you do have to take stairs), there is an area that is clearly marked for James Pond Preserve guests. The beach access is to the left of the town beach.
I highly recommend that you pack your lunch and spend the day soaking up the sun and swimming in that beautiful, calm water. There are plenty of spots to stop for takeaway en route. If you’re coming from Up-Island, stop by the Scottish Bakehouse. From Down-Island, there is Quitsa Kitchen & Catering, the Black Dog Cafe, Woodlawn, the Model Deli, and don’t forget about the salad bar at Cronigs! You will be glad you came prepared to enjoy the day.
The preserve is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Access to the twelve-slot trailhead during this time is available only via online reservation, up to seven days in advance. Between September 15 and June 14 the trailhead is open on a first-come first-serve basis. Off-hours in-season fishing access is available on a walk-on basis – the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank. Click here to learn more.
Thanks for reading On Point MV – a blog about all things Martha’s Vineyard. If you have an blog ideas or if there is something you want to know about the Island, email guinevere@pointbrealty.com
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