East Chop Lighthouse
Historic lighthouse on a bluff with sweeping Vineyard Sound views, perfect for sunset and scenic bike rides.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Golden hour magic
East Chop Lighthouse
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic lighthouse on a bluff with sweeping Vineyard Sound views, perfect for sunset and scenic bike rides.
"Exploring the East Chop Lighthouse by bike was a fantastic decision! "
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The views at sunset are incredible, casting a beautiful glow over the water.
🚴 Bike for the Best Experience
Riding a bike offers a scenic and enjoyable way to reach the lighthouse.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Vineyard Sound Views
From the bluff
Breathtaking, sweeping vistas of Vineyard Sound. Perfect for photos and soaking in the coastal scenery.
Historic East Chop Lighthouse
Oak Bluffs
A classic Martha's Vineyard landmark offering a glimpse into maritime history.
Scenic Bike Ride Approach
Island roads
Enjoy a peaceful ride to the lighthouse, making the journey part of the experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Views
Getting There: Bike or Bus?
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The views at sunset are incredible, casting a beautiful glow over the water.
🚴 Bike for the Best Experience
Riding a bike offers a scenic and enjoyable way to reach the lighthouse.
🚌 Bus Stop Strategy
Ask the #13 bus driver for a drop-off at E Chop Drive & New York Ave.
⬆️ Climb for the View
For $5, you can climb to the top for amazing views, but it's a ladder climb.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The views at sunset are incredible, casting a beautiful glow over the water.
🚴 Bike for the Best Experience
Riding a bike offers a scenic and enjoyable way to reach the lighthouse.
🚌 Bus Stop Strategy
Ask the #13 bus driver for a drop-off at E Chop Drive & New York Ave.
⬆️ Climb for the View
For $5, you can climb to the top for amazing views, but it's a ladder climb.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The bluff provides stunning backdrops for photography, especially during golden hour.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise East Chop Lighthouse for its breathtaking views and scenic approach, especially when arriving by bike. The historic charm and peaceful atmosphere are frequently highlighted. Some find the climb to the top worthwhile for the panoramic vistas, though accessibility and heat can be concerns.
"Exploring the East Chop Lighthouse by bike was a fantastic decision! Located on a bluff in Oak Bluffs, this classic Martha's Vineyard landmark offers stunning, sweeping views of Vineyard Sound.
Riding our bikes to the lighthouse was a great way to see the area. The ride itself was enjoyable and a peaceful way to approach the site. Once there, the views from the bluff are breathtaking, perfect photo op.
While the lighthouse isn't always open for tours, the grounds are easily accessible and provide a wonderful vantage point. You can truly feel the history of this beacon. It's a beautiful and peaceful spot, and getting there on two wheels made the experience even better. It's a definite must-see on any biking tour of the island."
Gi Blair
"Small lighthouse in a small park with nice views and a few benches. Cannot go into the lighthouse. If you have a car and are driving between Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven, certainly worth a stop. We didn’t have a car, so took the #13 bus and were dropped off at E Chop Drive & New York Avenue – you have to ask the driver to let you off as this is not a standard stop. 25 minute walk by Crystal Lake, where we saw a pair of swans and lovely seaside homes. After the lighthouse, we walked back to New York Avenue on the slightly busier Munroe St (also 25 minutes) to wait for the next #13 bus. We enjoyed the walk, but it is likely not worth it for some people."
Scott Scheleur
"The lighthouse itself is fascinating to see, but the small museum inside is definitely worth the visit. The museum is very tiny, but is also very informative. It's free to walk around the small room on the ground floor, but costs $5 to climb to the top of the lighthouse. The staff at the front desk was super friendly and very excited to talk about the lighthouse.
The only downsides are that the climb to the top is not accessible if you cannot climb a ladder, it's very, very tiny on top, and it also gets quite hot and stuffy. If you can climb up and stand the couple minutes of heat, the view from the top is absolutely worth the $5!"
Allison Hennes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive, bike, or take the #13 bus. Biking offers a scenic route, while the bus requires asking the driver for a specific stop near E Chop Drive & New York Avenue, followed by a short walk.
Parking is available, especially if you're driving. For those arriving by bus, it's a walk from the nearest stop.
Yes, you can walk between Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs, and East Chop Lighthouse is along a scenic route.
Many visitors enjoy biking to the lighthouse, as it provides a peaceful and scenic approach.
Be prepared for a significant hill at the end if you're biking to the lighthouse.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The lighthouse is open seasonally on Sundays at sunset. The grounds are generally accessible.
Walking around the ground floor is free. Climbing to the top costs $5, but note that it involves climbing a ladder.
The lighthouse is open seasonally on Sundays at sunset. There's a small museum on the ground floor, and you can climb to the top for a fee.
It's typically open seasonally on Sundays at sunset. It's best to check local listings or inquire locally for the most up-to-date hours.
Tickets are generally not required in advance for the grounds. For climbing to the top, you can pay on-site.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset offers beautiful lighting for dramatic photos. Weekday mornings are also great for fewer crowds and softer light.
Experiment with framing the lighthouse on the right or center of your shot. The bluff provides excellent vantage points.
Generally, photography is allowed. Be mindful of other visitors and respect any posted signage.
You can capture sweeping coastal views, the historic lighthouse structure, and the surrounding natural beauty.
Consider using settings that capture the landscape and light effectively, perhaps with a wider aperture for depth.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing snacks and water, especially if you're biking. The peaceful atmosphere makes it a pleasant outing, and the historical aspect can spark curiosity in older children. Remember to check the seasonal opening hours for any interior access.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different compositions, from wide-angle shots of the coastline to more focused images of the lighthouse itself. The changing light throughout the day will offer unique photographic opportunities. If you're visiting when the lighthouse is open, consider the climb to the top for a unique perspective, though be mindful of the tight space and ladder access.
🚶♀️ Active Travelers
Alternatively, you can utilize the local bus system and enjoy a pleasant walk to the lighthouse from the drop-off point. This allows for a more relaxed exploration of the surrounding Crystal Lake area and charming neighborhoods.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring East Chop Lighthouse by Bike
This method of transport allows you to fully appreciate the coastal charm of Martha's Vineyard. It's a great way to combine exercise with sightseeing, making the visit to the lighthouse even more rewarding. Remember to bring water and wear comfortable clothing for the ride.
Beyond the lighthouse itself, the biking route can lead you past lovely seaside homes and Crystal Lake, adding to the overall exploration of the area. It's a recommended activity for those who enjoy an active approach to travel.
The History and Experience of the Lighthouse
For those who can manage the climb, a small museum on the ground floor offers insights into the lighthouse's history. The ascent to the top, costing $5, rewards visitors with panoramic views. However, it's important to note that the climb involves a ladder and the top can be hot and stuffy, making it unsuitable for those with mobility issues or a fear of heights.
Even if you can't climb, the bluff offers a peaceful spot with benches to relax and enjoy the scenery. It's a place where you can truly feel the history and appreciate the enduring presence of this coastal landmark.
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