Inkwell Beach

Beach · Dukes County ·

Inkwell Beach

Beach · Dukes County ·

Historic African American beach with calm waters and ferry views

Information

83 Seaview Ave, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 Get directions

@travelleisure

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14 Martha’s Vineyard Travel Outfits to Pack

"I often get up around 5 A.M. and ride my bike to the Inkwell in Oak Bluffs for sunrise, then sometimes head toward Edgartown and return just in time to watch the Polar Bear swim; it’s a favorite part of my routine and a go-to spot for a full beach day where I make sure to bring a cute, spacious beach bag and a cover-up that makes me feel pulled together." - Kristin Braswell Kristin Braswell Kristin Braswell is a travel journalist and the founder of CrushGlobal Travel. Specializing in culture, food, and luxury experiences, she has penned pieces for Vogue, CNN, USA Today, Essence, NPR, Architectural Digest, Ebony, and Los Angeles Times, among others. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/marthas-vineyard-style-travel-outfits-local-picks-11789656

Inkwell Beach

@travelleisure

28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

The Best Hotels in Martha’s Vineyard of 2024

"This Oak Bluffs hotel was formerly known as Isabelle’s Beach House. Now, it’s Inkwell Beach House under new family ownership. Originally from 1899, this property is perched right on the beach with incredible sunrise views." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-hotels-in-marthas-vineyard-8655989

Inkwell Beach

@nymag

507 Postcards · 90 Cities

"In the afternoon, we usually go to Inkwell. It’s a classic beach, and a lot of Black families and friends tend to be there. It’s a good socializing beach for when you want to see old folks and blanket-hop. A lot of beautiful Black boy-and-girl joy is going on."

Steal My Vacation: Julee Wilson

Inkwell Beach

Anne C

Google

I love going to Oak Bluffs and visiting the beach. While I don’t swim in the ocean, I love just sitting in the beach and listening to the ocean.

Nakema A.

Google

Swimming with the Polar Bears at the Inkwell is an absolute must-do! You'll kick off the morning with energizing aerobic exercises, all while soaking in culture, history, and thoughtful moments of reflection. This year, my husband joined me for the first time and was blown away by the experience. It’s something you truly have to feel for yourself—words can’t do it justice!

Loren H.

Google

Inkwell is a lovely and serene beach in Oak Bluffs, MA. When we went in mid-August , the water was clear, warm and breathtakingly calm. Went for a 7:30am dip with the "Polar Bears". A perfect start to your day, for your mind, body, and soul. And all are welcome, even nonswimmers like myself. If that's not your thing there's also morning beach side yoga. Come and hear the days events and meet people from all over the country. The beach goers are a very diverse and friendly group, I felt instantly welcome!

Mr. B.

Google

I have always wanted to come here after learning it was a black only beach. It's a small part of a beach but I wanted to place my feet there.

Nicole C

Google

Beautiful, calm and shallow enough near the lifeguard station to walk far into the water.

J.R. F

Google

It's nothing special... Just another beach. There are much nicer beaches on the island if you're willing to travel! I do, however, like the fact that there is a boardwalk/sidewalk along this entire beach so when walking on the sand isn't an option, you may walk along the road.

Audrey S (.

Google

Visited here in August. Took a ferry ⛴️ to visit Martha’s Vineyard. The beach has a long stretch, very clean and for a weekday un August it wasn’t very crowded. Very close to the ferry dock.

Morgan F.

Google

One of my favorite beaches to spend time at while I'm on Island. Also the site of the Polar Bears swim and exercise circle every morning at 730am from 4th of July to Labor day (we only don't go in when there is lightning.

Jon P.

Yelp

Excellent hospitality and accommodations! Such a warming and great place to stay for the weekend. The hospitality and quality of rooms clearly stands out. The location cannot be beat with Inkwell Beach directly across the street with the house offering beach towels, morning yoga, breakfast, and a fun happy hour. Truly a well run and gem of Oak Bluffs. My family will be continuing to stay here for years to come.

Dwayne A.

Yelp

The Inkwell is a section of beach in Oak Bluffs,Martha's Vineyard where back in the late 50's -early seventies middle class and wealthy African Americans were only allowed on this portion of beach. All the other beaches on the vineyard were whites only. So this was a must see place for me to see while here. It was interesting as we entered the town of Oak Bluffs yesterday and today there is a Oak Bluffs police officer sitting in his vehicle and as I drove by he kept looking at me,easy to see because speed limit is 25 mph, maybe he's trying to reach a quota. However they have some quirky homes in the Oak Bluffs section also it is home to the oldest carousel in America The Flying Horse, it's also where Malia Obama worked for a summer. There are a lot of black owned businesses so it was important to me and my wife to come and support some of these businesses

Lisa S.

Yelp

Minutes from the ferry and 5 minute walk to our air bnb. The waters are calm with sand barges that go out 40 feet. Be careful walking out there because of the drop off spots. The sand has it share of pebbles and shells as well. It was a beautiful day and excellent weather for sunbathing.

Shay P.

Yelp

First time staying at this property the week of July 4th. I cannot wait to return. Brenna and Coleen are just a few staff members who made my stay exceptional. From the moment I walked up the front steps and sat in the porch swing with my daughter, I felt comfortable and calm. Our room was clean, quaint and comfortable. The hotel location cannot be beat if you plan on going to the beach often, it's directly across the street. I enjoyed the short walk from the ferry and back down sea view to the town shops and restaurants. The midday baked goods were an absolute hit for my daughter who loved the chocolate chip cookies. I could go on and on about the good things this property offered us, but I won't spoil it for you. Book a stay here and enjoy!

John E.

Yelp

Beautiful, calm and serene beach. Extremely clean, not rocky and plenty of wild and sea life. The water is typical of the north Atlantic and is pretty chilly if you're accustomed to gulf of Mexico or Caribbean seas. Many people swim in wetsuits in Aug and September. With that said, it's absolutely beautiful and laid back. Perfect trip if you like the chill Cape Cope scene.

Eunice I.

Yelp

Get here early if you want to get a nice spot because the beach will fill up quickly. Overall, I thought the beach was just OK. The sand and water were very rocky, much more than was comfortable and I felt like at any moment my feet would get cut up. Also, the water was pretty murky, making it difficult to see exactly what you were stepping on. There is lots of seaweed in the water as well. However, the surrounding views were beautiful.

Ava S.

Yelp

Absolutely stunning!! Beachfront B&B that is flawless in every way. Rooms are large and bright, they provide beach towels, and there's always the most amazing cookies in the lobby to snack on. I wouldn't stay anywhere else on the island!!

Kim P.

Yelp

I admit, I did have a fleeting hope we might see Larenz Tate here and channel all my beloved 90s nostalgia. Despite that only happening in my dreams, we loved this beach. It was quiet, had plenty of space for spreading out and being socially distant, and enabled us to enjoy our time on the beach. It's rocky, so beach shoes can make your life easier, as would all the typical accouterments of a beach day. I had none of those, lol. AND STILL. We loved it. My kid loved it. We saw Black folks on the beach living their best lives and also in stages of radical rest, to which we are entitled and to which we deserve. ‍

Britne B.

Yelp

Wonderful beach- definitely a lot of people but didn't feel overly crowded. Tons of African Americans on this beach. Hadn't seen this many black people since being in the Boston area. Hit the jackpot!!! The atmosphere was calm but exciting. A lot less kelp in the water than the beach we visited on the Cape earlier in the week. Close to a large park and what seems to be a busy downtown area near the piers and ferry drop off locations. Would definitely return! Looks like it may be the place to be for a girls or couples trip.

Kemi O.

Yelp

This is a historically African-American beach. The beach spans along Seaview Ave. and is close to the Oak Bluffs Ferry. It's also close to the very bustling Circuit Ave. This beach tends to be very crowded even later in the day. The water is rather calm, which makes it easier to take the kids out into the water. Not my favorite Martha's Vineyard beach but lovely nonetheless. The Inkwell (Oak Bluffs Town Beach) off of Sea View Ave across from Waban Park.

Janelle C.

Yelp

Awesome beach spot. It's quiet somewhat secluded but easily accessible. If you show up in the morning after breakfast you can get a great spot.

@travelleisure

28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

14 Martha’s Vineyard Travel Outfits to Pack

https://www.travelandleisure.com/marthas-vineyard-style-travel-outfits-local-picks-11789656

Inkwell Beach

@travelleisure

28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

The Best Hotels in Martha’s Vineyard of 2024

https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-hotels-in-marthas-vineyard-8655989

Inkwell Beach

@nymag

507 Postcards · 90 Cities

Steal My Vacation: Julee Wilson

Inkwell Beach

Anne C

Google

I love going to Oak Bluffs and visiting the beach. While I don’t swim in the ocean, I love just sitting in the beach and listening to the ocean.

Nakema A.

Google

Loren H.

Google

Mr. B.

Google

I have always wanted to come here after learning it was a black only beach. It's a small part of a beach but I wanted to place my feet there.

Nicole C

Google

Beautiful, calm and shallow enough near the lifeguard station to walk far into the water.

J.R. F

Google

Audrey S (.

Google

Visited here in August. Took a ferry ⛴️ to visit Martha’s Vineyard. The beach has a long stretch, very clean and for a weekday un August it wasn’t very crowded. Very close to the ferry dock.

Morgan F.

Google

Jon P.

Yelp

Dwayne A.

Yelp

Lisa S.

Yelp

Shay P.

Yelp

John E.

Yelp

Eunice I.

Yelp

Ava S.

Yelp

Kim P.

Yelp

Britne B.

Yelp

Kemi O.

Yelp

Janelle C.

Yelp

Awesome beach spot. It's quiet somewhat secluded but easily accessible. If you show up in the morning after breakfast you can get a great spot.

Inkwell Beach

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14 Martha’s Vineyard Travel Outfits to Pack

The Best Hotels in Martha’s Vineyard of 2024

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14 Martha’s Vineyard Travel Outfits to Pack

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