A view of the lighthouse from the ferry.
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West Chop Lighthouse

4.4
·14 reviews·Tisbury, United States

A charming lighthouse on Martha's Vineyard, offering picturesque views and stunning sunset photo opportunities from the public road.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunset

Golden hour for stunning photos

CrowdMedium
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A view of the lighthouse from the ferry.

West Chop Lighthouse

Best Time

Sunset

Golden hour for stunning photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming lighthouse on Martha's Vineyard, offering picturesque views and stunning sunset photo opportunities from the public road.

4.4
(14 reviews)

"A must-see for lighthouse fans, easily viewed from the road for a great picture."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Photo Opportunities

Capture the lighthouse from the public road; sunset offers magical light.

🚗 Parking is Limited

Arrive early or consider biking to avoid parking hassles.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.4 · 14 reviews

Type

Bus stop

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

West Chop Lighthouse Exterior

West Chop Lighthouse Exterior

Vineyard Haven, Tisbury

Iconic lighthouse standing tall against breathtaking sea views. A must-see for lighthouse enthusiasts.

Instagram
Sunset Views

Sunset Views

Near West Chop Lighthouse

Witness spectacular sunsets painting the sky with vibrant colors over the water.

Instagram
Scenic Coastal Drive

Scenic Coastal Drive

Peninsula surrounding West Chop

Enjoy beautiful water views and charming neighborhoods on a drive around this picturesque peninsula.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Access & Views

While the West Chop Lighthouse itself isn't open to the public, its picturesque exterior is easily visible from a public road. Parking can be limited, so consider arriving early or biking to this charming spot on Martha's Vineyard. Instagram

Best Photo Ops

Capture stunning shots of the lighthouse against the sea, especially during sunset. While the grounds are private, the views from the road and nearby waters are breathtaking. TikTokInstagram

Best Times

When
Sunset
Why
Golden hour for stunning photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Off-season mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

How would you photograph this lighthouse. Get your FREE camera settings cheat sheets. Visit timsphotos.com #photogram #landscapephotography #camera
@photographyacademy
95.6K likes • 1.9M views

📸 Photo Opportunities

Capture the lighthouse from the public road; sunset offers magical light. TikTokInstagram

🚗 Parking is Limited

Arrive early or consider biking to avoid parking hassles. Instagram

Enjoy solitude? Don’t mind heights/stairs? Lighthouse keeping positions are open for the 2025 season for the White Shoal Lighthouse on Lake Michigan. #greatlakes
@greatlakeslove
13.8K likes • 151K views
📍| West Chop Lighthouse, Vineyard Haven, MA - - - - - #marthasvineyard #capecod #boating #westchoplighthouse #summer #vineyard
vineyard_ai
115 likes • 4.8K views

🚫 Grounds Not Public

The lighthouse and its grounds are private property. Enjoy views from the road. Reddit

🚌 Bus Access Available

Take the bus from Oak Bluffs terminal; check schedules for wait times. Reddit

This past fall we took a day trip from Boston to Martha's Vineyard. Some of the local businesses were closed for the season, but there were no crowds so it was a great time to sight see and take pictures. The trip from Boston to Woods Hole where we caught the ferry to Martha's Vineyard was 80 miles. On the way we stop at the Nobska Lighthouse in Falmouth Massachusetts. It is gorgeous and worth a...
randomjournie
25 likes • 932 views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Photo Opportunities

Capture the lighthouse from the public road; sunset offers magical light. TikTokInstagram

🚗 Parking is Limited

Arrive early or consider biking to avoid parking hassles. Instagram

🚫 Grounds Not Public

The lighthouse and its grounds are private property. Enjoy views from the road. Reddit

🚌 Bus Access Available

Take the bus from Oak Bluffs terminal; check schedules for wait times. Reddit

💡 Lighthouse Tour Tip

While not open to tour, it's part of a scenic MV lighthouse circuit. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(14 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate the picturesque exterior of West Chop Lighthouse and its beautiful coastal setting, especially for sunset photography. While the lighthouse and its grounds are not open to the public, its scenic visibility from the road and nearby waters makes it a worthwhile stop for many, particularly those on a lighthouse tour. Some find it less engaging than other island attractions due to its limited accessibility.

"Nice lighthouse to visit. Able to take the bus from Oak Bluffs main terminal. 1 hour wait for next pick up and a bench to sit on while you wait. There is a small store nearby the bus stop with clothing and a few snacks. Also saw wild turkeys."

Michelle C

"Went on a lighthouse hunting on MV, this one is not open for the public, its a good one but least favorite there. There are better ways to spend time on MV."

Mathe sharvadze

"This is a very good-looking lighthouse with amazing grounds not accessible to the public. The lighthouse can be easily seen from a public road though and also from the ferries serving Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket."

Donny Campos

What People Like

Picturesque exterior
Beautiful sunset views
Scenic coastal drive

What People Dislike

Not open to public
Limited accessibility

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The West Chop Lighthouse is located on a peninsula in Vineyard Haven. You can drive there, but be aware that parking is limited. Instagram Public transportation is also an option; buses from Oak Bluffs main terminal can take you close to the lighthouse, though you may experience wait times for the next pickup. Reddit

Yes, you can take a bus from Oak Bluffs main terminal to get near the West Chop Lighthouse. Reddit It's advisable to check bus schedules in advance to plan your trip effectively and minimize waiting times. Reddit

Many visitors find biking to be a great way to explore Martha's Vineyard and its lighthouses, especially given the limited parking. Instagram Alternatively, driving allows you to cover more ground, and the scenic roads around West Chop offer lovely views. Reddit

The West Chop Lighthouse is a few short minutes from the ferry dock in Vineyard Haven by car. Reddit While walkable, it's a bit of a distance, and biking or taking a short taxi/rideshare might be more convenient depending on your luggage and time constraints. Reddit

Yes, the lighthouse is situated on a one-way road, which can make it a bit of a detour if you miss your first attempt to see it. Reddit Planning your route beforehand can help ensure a smooth visit. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, tickets are not required to visit the West Chop Lighthouse. The lighthouse and its grounds are private property and not open for public tours. Reddit You can view the exterior from the public road. Reddit

Unfortunately, the grounds of the West Chop Lighthouse are not accessible to the public. Reddit However, you can still get excellent views of the lighthouse from the nearby public road. Reddit

Since the lighthouse and its grounds are private, there are no official visiting hours. You can view the exterior from the public road at any time, though sunset offers particularly beautiful light. Instagram

There is no entrance fee for West Chop Lighthouse as it is not open for public tours. You can view it from the public road without any charge. Reddit

No, you cannot go inside the West Chop Lighthouse. It is a private residence and not open to the public for tours. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Sunset is a highly recommended time for photographing West Chop Lighthouse, offering stunning light and colors. Instagram Early mornings can also provide beautiful, serene shots with fewer people around. TikTok

For lighthouse photography, consider using a tripod for stability, especially during lower light conditions like sunset. TikTok Experiment with aperture settings to control depth of field and shutter speed to capture motion in the waves or a sharp image of the lighthouse. TikTok

While you can photograph the exterior of the lighthouse from the public road, remember that the grounds are private. Be respectful of the surrounding residential areas and avoid trespassing. Reddit

The West Chop Lighthouse is a classic, picturesque structure set against the beautiful coastal backdrop of Martha's Vineyard. Its location offers opportunities for dramatic shots, especially with the sea and sky. Instagram+1

Drone regulations can vary, and it's essential to check current FAA guidelines and local Martha's Vineyard ordinances before flying a drone. Given the residential nature of the area and private property, exercising caution and respecting privacy is advised.

🎫 💡 Onsite Experience

Near West Chop Lighthouse, you can enjoy scenic drives through beautiful neighborhoods, admire coastal views, and potentially spot wild turkeys. Reddit There's also a small store nearby the bus stop selling clothing and snacks. Reddit

For lighthouse enthusiasts, West Chop Lighthouse is a worthwhile stop for its scenic beauty and photo opportunities, even though it's not open for tours. Reddit The surrounding area offers lovely views and a pleasant drive. Reddit

Bring your camera for photos, comfortable shoes if you plan to walk around the area, and perhaps a picnic to enjoy the coastal scenery. TikTokInstagram If relying on public transport, be prepared for potential wait times. Reddit

There is a small store located near the bus stop that offers clothing and snacks. Reddit Restroom facilities might be limited, so plan accordingly. Reddit

Martha's Vineyard has several other lighthouses, including Edgartown Harbor Lighthouse, Gay Head Lighthouse, and East Chop Lighthouse, making for a great lighthouse-hopping tour. Instagram

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