Martha's Vineyard
Martha’s Vineyard is an idyllic New England island south of Cape Cod in Massachusetts. During the summer, tourists flock to this tranquil coastal haven. It is known for its quaint cottages, boutique shopping, picturesque landscapes, sandy beaches and excellent dining. The island’s diverse offerings cater to every taste, from biking along scenic trails to indulging in world-class dining experiences. Whether you’re sunbathing on the pristine shores, exploring the iconic lighthouses, or immersing yourself in the vibrant arts scene, Martha’s Vineyard offers a truly unforgettable escape.
How to get to Martha's Vineyard
The two main ways to reach Martha’s Vineyard are by ferry or by airplane. If you are flying you will come in at Martha’s Vineyard Airport (MVY) which is located in the middle of the island. From there you can catch a taxi or the bus to where you will be staying. The more common way is via ferry. There are several ferry operators that bring passengers to and from Martha’s Vineyard depending on which town you are coming from on the mainland. Steamship Authority operates year round from Woods Hole, Hy-Line is high speed from Hyannis, Seastreak and New Bedford are from New Bedford, Island Queen to Oak Bluffs and the Falmouth-Edgartown Ferry are seasonal from Falmouth. We took the Steamship Authority. For passengers you do not need to book in advance unless bringing a vehicle. Steamship Authority leaves from Woods Hole. You can park your car in designated lot (check their website day off) and shuttle will bring you to the ferry where you can buy tickets. This ferry offers direct to Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs depending on the time. If you are staying in other town you can take local bus from the ferry.
How to explore the island
The Vineyard Transit Authority is the public bus that is available all over the island. They offer town to town fare for $2 per way, 1 day bus pass for $8 (one calendar day/not 24 hours). If you are staying longer there are 3, 7 and 31 day bus passes as well! You can rent a car on the island or bring your car over on the ferry which affords you more flexibility to see the sites of the island. If only coming for a short visit you can easily explore Oaks Bluffs, Edgartown or Vineyard Haven by foot. Taxi and Uber are available.
top things to do Martha's Vineyard
There is so much to do and explore on Martha’s Vineyard and this list is just some of the awesome things you can do while visiting this island.
Aquinnah
One of the top tourist attractions on the island of Martha’s Vineyard is the Aquinnah Cliffs and Gay Head Lighthouse which are located on the western part of the island. Their vibrant, multi-colored clay layers create a picturesque backdrop against the Atlantic Ocean. The cliffs hold cultural significance to the Wampanoag Tribe, and visitors can enjoy breathtaking views, walking trails, and the nearby Gay Head Lighthouse.
Menemsha
Menemsha is a small working fishing village that is part of the town Chilmark. This little town has a beautiful beach area but also some of the best seafood on the whole island. The two top places to grab food are the Menemsha Fish Market and Larsen’s Fish Market. You must try the lobster roll! We also got delicious lobster mac and cheese.
The Beaches
Inkwell Beach is located in Oak Bluffs and provides tranquil waters and has cultural significance and it is where we visited on our trip. There are several other great beaches. The top beach is South Beach (Katama Beach) near Edgartown. Other popular beaches include State Beach, Joseph Sylvia State Beach, and Lambert’s Cove Beach.
oak bluffs
Oak Bluffs is one of the quaint towns of Martha’s Vineyard and has so much to offer. It is known for its whimsical gingerbread houses and for the oldest operating carousel in the United States dating back to 1876! It also has tons of shopping and dining options along Circuit Avenue and along the Oak Bluffs Harbor.
Edgartown
Edgartown is another adorable town on the eastern part of Martha’s Vineyard. Here you can stroll Main Street, visit the Edgartown Lighthouse, tour the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, relax at the Fuller Street Beach, take a boat excursion in the harbor or catch the ferry over to Chappaquiddick.
Chappaquiddick island
Visiting Chappaquiddick Island is like stepping into untouched paradise off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard. It is accessible by short ferry ride from mainland Martha’s Vineyard. Here you can visit Cape Poge Lighthouse, the Chappaquiddick Museum, Mytoi Japanese Garden or Wasque Beach.
indulge on excellent dining
Martha’s Vineyard has a wide range of dining options. If you get the chance to head over to Menemsha you can get the freshest seafood at Larsen’s or the Menemsha Fish Market. Each town has a variety of options. While in Oak Bluffs we dined at Nancy’s which had excellent waterfront views and Offshore Ale Co which is a local brewery.
shopping
Martha’s Vineyard offers a delightful shopping experience with a mix of unique boutiques, artisanal shops, and local markets. Explore the vibrant streets of Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, and Edgartown to discover fashion, jewelry, art, home decor, and local crafts. From trendy fashion boutiques to quaint gift shops, there’s something for every taste and style on this charming island.
Other top things to do
The island has several other incredible things to do and check out! This includes the East and West Chop Lighthouses, Alpaca Island Farm, Polly Hill Arboretum, Morning Glory Farm, Cottage Museum, Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Jaws Bridge and so much more. Trust me you won’t be disappointed on your vacation getaway to Martha’s Vineyard.
