oak bluffs of 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. Oak Bluffs is one of the top tourist entry points to the island. As the gateway to Martha’s Vineyard, it 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 Oak Bluffs. The more common way is via ferry. There are several ferry operators that bring passengers to and from Oak Bluffs on 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 and Nantucket, Seastreak is from New Bedford, and Island Queen is seasonal from Falmouth.
top things to do oak bluffs
Martha’s Vineyard Camp Association
This is a historic religious association from which the gingerbread houses are located. There are some other great things to check out in this area including the Trinity Park Tabernacle, the Cottage Museum, and the United Methodist Church. You can take a tour through the area or walk yourself. Certain parks you can bike but there are signs where biking not permitted. You can also drive through parts of it at a speed limit of 7 MPH!
Gingerbread Cottages
One of the top tourist attractions on the island are the Gingerbread cottages. You can stroll through the neighborhood to admire this colorful and intricately designed houses. There are currently 318 of these houses.
flying horses carousel
Experience a nostalgic ride on the oldest operating carousel in the United States, dating back to 1876. There is also small arcade and snacks. It is open 10 AM- 9 PM seasonally.
Inkwell Beach
Inkwell Beach is located in Oak Bluffs and provides tranquil waters and has cultural significance since it was where African Americans gathered during time of segregation.
oak bluffs harbor
Oak Bluffs has excellent harbor and waterfront dining along the way. There is also the Oak Bluffs Fishing Pier and some beach areas near the harbor.
indulge on excellent dining
Martha’s Vineyard has a wide range of dining options. While in Oak Bluffs we dined at Nancy’s which had excellent waterfront views and Offshore Ale Co which is a local brewery. Some other top restaurants include Red Cat Kitchen, Back Door Donuts, Lookout Tavern, Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Company, Mad Martha’s for ice cream and the Barn Bowl & Bistro.
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 to discover fashion, jewelry, art, home decor, and local crafts. You will find most shops along Circuit Avenue.
How to explore the island
If only coming for a short visit, you can easily explore Oaks Bluffs by foot. 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. Taxi and Uber are also available.
Other top things to do
The island has several other incredible things to do and check out! Some of the top things to do include the Aquinnah Cliffs, Gay Head Lighthouse, Edgartown, Menemsha fishing village and fish markets, and Vineyard Haven. If you have even more time you can check out Chappaquiddick, 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!
