Illustration of a sandy road beside coastal marsh

Chappaquiddick

Across Edgartown harbor: a Japanese-inspired garden, salt marsh, barrier beach and a lighthouse at the far end of Cape Poge.

Illustration inspired by Chappaquiddick's coastal landscape.

A different island day

Beyond the short ferry crossing

The Chappy Ferry leaves 53 Dock Street for Chappaquiddick Point, carrying passengers, bicycles and cars. The crossing is brief; the Mytoi is about 2.8 road miles from the landing, so arrange a bicycle, vehicle or other onward transport rather than assuming the garden and beaches are within a short walk.

The Trustees warn that summer vehicle queues to Chappaquiddick can exceed an hour. Check ferry service and allow time for the return queue, especially if connecting to a mainland ferry. Mytoi makes a rewarding garden stop; Cape Poge and Wasque offer a very different day of exposed sand and shoreline.

Three places to explore

Illustration of a Japanese-inspired garden with a pond and wooden bridge
Illustration inspired by Japanese gardens, not a literal view of Mytoi.

Mytoi

Paths thread among pines, Japanese maples and flowering shrubs around a pond. This sheltered garden is a contrast to the open shore; check the Trustees for current admission, hours and parking before leaving the ferry.

Visit Mytoi →
Illustration of a sandy barrier beach between ocean and sheltered water
Illustration inspired by Cape Poge; not a literal view.

Cape Poge

Barrier beach, salt marsh and soft-sand trails lead toward the lighthouse at the northern end. Walking here takes time and effort; bring water and check access, beach conditions and any vehicle permit requirements.

Explore Cape Poge →
Illustration of a grassy sandy bank above an ocean beach
Illustration inspired by Wasque; not a literal view.

Wasque

At Chappaquiddick's southeastern shore, Wasque offers beach and coastal habitat shaped by moving sand and water. Erosion changes the shoreline and routes: check the reservation page rather than assuming a through beach drive is open. Strong, changing currents make swimming hazardous, and there are no lifeguards. Stay at least 10 feet from all cliff edges: the sand can be undercut and unstable.

Explore Wasque →

Before you cross

Weather, erosion and wildlife protection can change shore access. Oversand driving requires the appropriate permit and suitable vehicle; consult the Trustees for current rules and closures. The Trustees report that erosion has ended oversand access to Wasque via Cape Poge. A permit does not guarantee every beach route is open. There are no lifeguards at the pedestrian beach near Mytoi.

Back in Edgartown: plan a three-day stay or explore the rest of Martha's Vineyard.