Travel/Beach: South Beach Martha's Vineyard

 I have been to a lot of beaches, South Beach on Martha's Vineyard is my absolute favorite. Everyday something different is happening, either the surf has dramatically changed, you see Sammie the seal, or there is an event like the Annual Sand Building Competition. 

South Beach is a free admission and free parking in lots or on the side of the road. You can also take a bus from Edgartown Center! A lot of people also bike to the beach. There are public restrooms and showers as well.

South Beach used to be a former moving target machine gun range and bomb target site. So if you go to the center of the beach and look out into the water (not close to shore) you will be able to see one of the machines sticking out of the water. 

The cool thing about South Beach is depending on the weather out at sea the tides change dramatically. Last Wednesday was the Annual Sand Castle competition which involves not just children but teams of adults as well. People using not just sand but props such as seaweed and shells, I was surprised to see some very amazing creations. Especially due to the circumstances. The weather was gorgeous low 80s and sunny but the waves and riptides were insane. Due to a storm off the coast, the water eventually came all the way up to the sand banks, 2 hours before high tide. 

People were running crazy gathering their belongings so they wouldn't get wet, which was pretty entertaining to watch when you're the one who is sitting in a chair and not panicking. I have gone to the Vineyard many times and seen ones bigger than that day, but never saw the tide come up that high. I love going into the waves and getting beat up but due to the undertow and ripe tide I knew if I went in I wouldn't be able to get out. The waves went down a little on Thursday and by Friday little kids were in the waves floating on tubes. 

If you are on Martha's Vineyard you should come to this beach at least once then you will be hooked!