Location
United States
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
Late September to October for non-residents; July to August for permit holders
About Lucy Vincent Beach
Lucy Vincent Beach is a broad south-shore beach in Chilmark on Martha's Vineyard, backed by dramatic eroding clay cliffs. Town rules ban nude bathing within the first 1,500 feet of the entrance, and beyond that point nude sunbathing and swimming have long been accepted. That makes this one of the few New England beaches where a town effectively allows nude use. The atmosphere is relaxed and mixed, and couples and older regulars are common. Note that summer access is restricted to residents.
Getting there
From South Road in Chilmark. In season (around June 1 to September 15) access is limited to Chilmark homeowners, their tenants and guests holding a town beach permit; parking is permit-only. Open to everyone outside the summer season. Walk about 1,500 ft (around 0.5 km) along the beach from the entrance to reach the nude section.
Amenities
Legal context
Chilmark's posted town beach rules state 'No nude bathing within first 1500 feet of beach entrance', which allows it beyond that point. Violations of beach rules can bring loss of privileges, fines or arrest.
Naturism at Lucy Vincent Beach sits under United States's rules for officially designated nude beaches — explicit protection inside the marked area.
Full country law: United States public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 41.3393, -70.7244
Visitor tips
- 1 Official designation: nudity is protected inside the marked area.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in United States
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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