13 Best Things to Do in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
- Rey Eleuterio
- 12 minutes ago
- 16 min read
Martha’s Vineyard is a name you’ve likely heard a couple times or so. Presidents vacation there. Old money summers there. And yet, most people on the mainland have never actually set foot on it. That's a mistake worth fixing.
Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts sits just seven miles off the coast of Cape Cod, but it feels like a completely different world. The pace slows down. The salt air hits you the moment you step off the Martha's Vineyard ferry. And suddenly, that to-do list you've been carrying around feels a lot less urgent.
The island is made up of six distinct towns, each with its own personality. You've got the rainbow-painted Victorian cottages of Oak Bluffs, the whaling-era elegance of Edgartown, the wind-swept cliffs of Aquinnah, and everything in between.
Whether you've got a long weekend or a full week, there's no shortage of things to do in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts — and this guide covers the best of them.
Key Takeaways
Martha's Vineyard is a 96-square-mile island off the coast of Massachusetts, accessible by ferry from Cape Cod and a handful of other ports. It's home to six towns, miles of beaches, historic lighthouses, a centuries-old carousel, and a deep well of cultural history. Most visitors come in summer, but the shoulder seasons offer a quieter, more local experience.
Attraction | Town | Best For | Notes |
Aquinnah Cliffs | Aquinnah | Scenery, history | Free to view; parking fees apply |
Flying Horses Carousel | Oak Bluffs | Families, history buffs | Small fee per ride |
Edgartown Village | Edgartown | Walking, charm | Free to explore |
South Beach (Katama) | Edgartown | Swimming, surf | Free; paid parking |
Oak Bluffs Gingerbread Cottages | Oak Bluffs | Architecture, photos | Free to walk around |
Martha's Vineyard Museum | Vineyard Haven | History, culture | Admission fee |
Menemsha Harbor | Chilmark | Sunsets, seafood | Free; bring cash for food |
Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary | Edgartown | Nature, birding | Fee for non-members |
State Beach | Oak Bluffs/Edgartown | Calm swimming | Free; limited parking |
African American Heritage Trail | Island-wide | History, culture | Self-guided, free |
Polly Hill Arboretum | West Tisbury | Gardens, peaceful walks | Admission fee |
Inkwell Beach | Oak Bluffs | History, community | Free |
Island Alpaca Company | Vineyard Haven | Family fun, unique | Tour fee applies |
Quick Picker
Best for families: Flying Horses Carousel, State Beach, Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Island Alpaca Company
Best for history and culture: Martha's Vineyard Museum, African American Heritage Trail, Edgartown Village, Oak Bluffs Gingerbread Cottages
Best for scenery: Aquinnah Cliffs, Menemsha Harbor, South Beach, Polly Hill Arboretum
Best budget-friendly stops: Inkwell Beach, State Beach, Edgartown Village walk, African American Heritage Trail
Best food stop: Menemsha Harbor (fresh seafood right off the docks)
Planning a New England trip and not sure where to start? Wayback Tours makes it easy to save your favorite stops and build a custom road trip itinerary you'll actually use.
Where Is Martha's Vineyard and How Do You Get There?
Where is Martha's Vineyard exactly? It's an island in Dukes County, located south of Cape Cod in Massachusetts. The easiest way to reach it is by ferry from Woods Hole, which is at the tip of Cape Cod. The ferry to Martha's Vineyard runs year-round from Woods Hole and takes about 45 minutes. Seasonal ferries also operate from Falmouth, Hyannis, New Bedford, and a handful of other ports.
If you're coming by air, Martha's Vineyard Airport (airport code MVY) serves the island with flights from Boston, New York, and other regional cities — handy if you're short on time.
Once you're on the island, you don't necessarily need a car. The Martha's Vineyard Transit Authority runs buses between all six towns, and many visitors rent bikes for a day or two. It's genuinely one of the easier island getaways to navigate without a vehicle.
Why Is Martha's Vineyard So Famous?
What is Martha's Vineyard famous for? Honestly, it's famous for a lot of things. The island has been a summer retreat for well-known politicians, artists, and celebrities for generations. Presidents Clinton and Obama have both spent time here. The Kennedy family maintained deep ties to the island. And then there's the film connection — the Martha's Vineyard coastline served as the filming location for Steven Spielberg's Jaws, a fact the island still celebrates today with a long-running retrospective exhibit at the local museum.
But beyond the famous names, the Vineyard earns its reputation on its own terms. The beaches are beautiful, the towns are walkable, and the Martha's Vineyard landscape shifts dramatically as you move from east to west — from busy harbor villages to open farmland and rugged cliffs.
Fun Fact:
Martha's Vineyard is said to have gotten its name from explorer Bartholomew Gosnold, who visited in 1602 and named the island for a daughter and the wild grapes he found growing there.
How Big Is Martha's Vineyard?
How big is Martha's Vineyard? The island covers roughly 96 square miles in total, making it the third-largest island on the East Coast. It's about 23 miles long and 9 miles wide at its broadest points. You can drive from one end to the other in under an hour — though you'll probably want to stop a lot along the way.
The island is divided into "Up-Island" (the more rural, western towns of Aquinnah, Chilmark, and West Tisbury) and "Down-Island" (the busier eastern towns of Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, and Vineyard Haven). Each area has a distinct character worth exploring.
The year-round population sits around 20,000 people, but in peak summer, that number swells dramatically as seasonal visitors flood in. If you want a more relaxed experience, late spring or early fall is the sweet spot.
13 Best Things to Do in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
The island packs a lot into its 96 square miles. Below are 13 of the best stops, spread across all six towns — from the cliffs at the western edge to the harbor villages in the east.
Some are iconic, some are overlooked, and a few are the kind of thing you'd only find out about from someone who's actually been.
1. Aquinnah Cliffs (Gay Head Light)
Standing at the western edge of the island, the Aquinnah Cliffs are one of those views that stops you mid-sentence. Layers of red, orange, black, and gray clay stack up against the open Atlantic sky — the result of millions of years of glacial activity.
Why this one stands out: These cliffs are a designated National Natural Landmark and hold deep cultural significance for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), whose presence on the island stretches back more than 10,000 years. The lighthouse sitting atop the cliffs is a working beacon that's been sending light out over Vineyard Sound for well over a century.
What you need to know before you go:
Located at the far western tip of the island, off State Road in Aquinnah
Reachable by bus (VTA Route 4 or 5), bike, or car
Free to view the cliffs from the overlook; parking fees apply in summer
Allow 1–2 hours if you want to hike down to Moshup Beach below
Don't take the clay — it's both illegal and damaging to the cliffs
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for nearly everyone, but especially for nature lovers, history buffs, and anyone who wants to understand what makes this island feel different from every other beach destination on the East Coast.
⭐ What is a Bucket List? Save places you want to visit and come back to later. Your Wayback Tours bucket list keeps track of stops you don't want to forget — perfect for planning future trips.
2. Flying Horses Carousel
Right in the heart of Oak Bluffs, the Flying Horses Carousel has been spinning since the 1880s. It's widely considered the oldest continuously operating platform carousel in the United States — and it still works beautifully.
Don't skip this if you like: A piece of living history that kids and adults both enjoy equally. The carved wooden horses still have real horsehair manes, and the tradition of grabbing the brass ring for a free ride is very much still alive.
What you need to know before you go:
Located on Lake Avenue in Oak Bluffs, near the ferry terminal
Small fee per ride; a bargain for what you get
Seasonal hours — check ahead in shoulder months
Allow 30 minutes
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for families and anyone who appreciates the kind of old-world charm that's genuinely hard to find anymore.
3. Edgartown Village
Edgartown is the island's county seat and its most polished town. Wide streets lined with historic captains' homes, white clapboard churches, and independent boutiques give it the feel of a New England postcard brought to life.
The quick pitch: This is where the island's whaling-era wealth is most visible. The architecture is impeccable, and the harborfront is one of the most scenic in New England. It's also a great base for day trips around the island, and the starting point for the bike path to South Beach.
What you need to know before you go:
Downtown Edgartown is walkable from the main parking areas
Free to explore on foot; restaurants and shops vary in price
Allow 2–4 hours for a proper stroll plus lunch
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for couples, history lovers, and anyone who wants to feel like they actually lived on the Vineyard rather than just passed through it.
4. South Beach (Katama Beach)
South Beach is a long, wide stretch of Atlantic-facing sand in Edgartown, and it consistently ranks among the best beaches on the island. The surf here is real — rolling waves, salty spray, and a horizon that seems to go on forever.
Why this one stands out: Unlike the calmer, protected beaches on the north side of the island, South Beach gives you the full Atlantic experience. Three miles of sand with rolling dunes on one side and open ocean on the other. It's the kind of beach that actually earns the term "breathtaking."
What you need to know before you go:
Located at the southern end of Edgartown, accessible by car, bus, or bike
Free to access; paid parking in season
Lifeguards on duty during peak summer months
Allow a half-day minimum
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for anyone who came to the Vineyard for the beach experience — especially surfers, boogie boarders, and families who want some real waves.
5. Oak Bluffs Gingerbread Cottages
Walk into the Martha's Vineyard Campground area in Oak Bluffs and you might feel like you've stepped into an illustrated storybook. Over 300 Victorian cottages, each painted in vibrant candy colors, sit clustered together in a tight, charming grid.
Don't skip this if you like: Unique American history told through architecture. These cottages date back to the mid-1800s, when Methodist camp meetings brought thousands of worshippers to the island each summer. What started as tent revivals gradually became permanent structures — and the result is one of the most visually distinctive neighborhoods in New England.
Fun Fact:
By the mid-1800s, the Oak Bluffs Campground meetings are said to have drawn congregations of thousands of people from church groups across the region — making it one of the most attended religious gatherings in the area at the time.
What you need to know before you go:
Located in the heart of Oak Bluffs, near Ocean Park
Free to walk around and photograph
The Grand Illumination (a summer lantern lighting event) is a special annual tradition worth timing your trip around
Allow 30–60 minutes
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for history buffs, photographers, and anyone who wants to see something genuinely unlike anything else on the East Coast.
6. Martha's Vineyard Museum
The Martha's Vineyard Museum in Vineyard Haven does a lot in a relatively compact space. It covers the island's maritime heritage, Native American history, whaling industry, and more — and does it in a way that actually keeps you engaged.
The quick pitch: If you want to understand why the Vineyard is the way it is, this is the place to start. The current rotating exhibits have included deep dives into island life, the catboat tradition, and the island's starring role in Jaws — a subject that apparently never gets old for visitors.
What you need to know before you go:
Located in Vineyard Haven
Admission fee applies; check the museum website for current hours and pricing
Allow 1.5–2 hours
Family-friendly, with interactive areas for kids
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for history lovers, first-time visitors wanting context, and anyone with kids who need a break from the beach.
Planning a broader New England adventure? Wayback Tours has guides for things to do in Bath, Maine, Bangor, Maine, and Portsmouth, New Hampshire to help you build out the rest of your route.
7. Menemsha Harbor and Village
Menemsha is a small fishing village tucked into the western edge of the island, and it's the kind of place that makes you want to move there. Weathered boats, lobster traps stacked on the docks, and a handful of fish shacks where you can grab some of the freshest seafood you've ever eaten.
Why this one stands out: Menemsha is one of the last genuinely working fishing villages on the island, and it shows. You can buy fish and lobster right off the docks, bring it to the beach nearby, and watch one of the best sunsets on the East Coast as you eat. No tourist theater here — just the real thing.
What you need to know before you go:
Located in Chilmark on the western side of the island
Bring cash for the fish shacks
Sunsets here are remarkable; time your visit accordingly
Free to explore the village and docks; food costs vary
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for anyone who loves seafood, sunsets, or places that feel untouched by overdevelopment.
8. Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary
About three miles outside Edgartown, Felix Neck is a 200-acre wildlife sanctuary managed by Mass Audubon. It's quiet, scenic, and a completely different pace from the beach and shopping scene.
Don't skip this if you like: Birding, peaceful walks, or taking a breath between more crowded stops. The sanctuary has marked trails through meadows, salt marsh, and woodland, and it's home to a wide variety of bird species that you won't find lounging on Circuit Avenue.
What you need to know before you go:
Located on Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road
Admission fee for non-members
Allow 1–2 hours for a good walk
Bring binoculars if you have them
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for nature lovers, families with curious kids, and anyone who needs a slower, quieter moment in the middle of a busy island trip.
9. African American Heritage Trail
The African American Heritage Trail is one of the most meaningful ways to understand the island's deeper history. It connects dozens of sites across Martha's Vineyard that tell the story of the Black community's role in shaping the island — from Black whalers and free communities to the beach at Oak Bluffs that became a beloved retreat for Black families from Boston.
The quick pitch: This isn't just a trail — it's a story about belonging, resilience, and community on an island that many people only associate with wealthy summer vacationers. Inkwell Beach in Oak Bluffs is one of the most iconic stops, known for its history as a gathering spot for African American visitors since the late 1800s.
What you need to know before you go:
Self-guided trail spans the entire island
Free to follow; pick up a map or use the online guide
Best done over multiple stops during your visit
Pairs well with a walk through Oak Bluffs
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for everyone — but especially for visitors who want to go beyond the postcard version of Martha's Vineyard and understand the real texture of the place.
10. State Beach
State Beach runs along the eastern side of the island between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, and it's one of the most popular spots for families with young kids. The water here is calm and protected — no serious surf, no sudden drops.
Why this one stands out: It's the rare beach that works for everyone. The water is warm and gentle enough for little ones, the views across the sound are lovely, and the bike path that runs alongside it makes it easy to reach without a car. It was also one of the filming locations for Jaws — a fun detail to drop on fellow beach-goers.
What you need to know before you go:
Located between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown along Beach Road
Free to access; parking is limited, so consider biking or busing
Lifeguards on duty during summer season
Allow a half-day
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for families with young children, anyone who wants calm water, and Jaws fans who want to say they swam there.
11. Polly Hill Arboretum
In West Tisbury, the Polly Hill Arboretum is a hidden gem that most visitors skip entirely. That's their loss. About 70 acres of carefully cultivated landscape — flowering trees, rare plants, meadow walks, and the kind of quiet you don't find in Oak Bluffs in July.
Don't skip this if you like: Gardens, slow morning walks, or the particular satisfaction of discovering something most tourists never find. Polly Hill herself began planting this arboretum in the 1950s and built it into one of the more respected horticultural collections in the region.
What you need to know before you go:
Located on State Road in West Tisbury
Admission fee applies; free on Wednesdays before noon (check for current policy)
Open seasonally; best visited spring through fall
Allow 1–2 hours
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for garden lovers, photographers, and anyone looking for a peaceful contrast to the busier parts of the island.
12. Inkwell Beach
Inkwell Beach in Oak Bluffs is small, central, and carries a history that makes it one of the most significant spots on the island. Since the late 1800s, this beach has been a gathering place for the African American community, and today it's still a warm, welcoming spot with genuine neighborhood energy.
The quick pitch: Walk out here on a summer afternoon and you'll understand immediately why generations of families have been coming back. It's close to the ferry terminal, easy to reach on foot, and the vibe is relaxed and social in the best possible way.
What you need to know before you go:
Located in Oak Bluffs, just a short walk from the ferry terminal
Free to access
Gentle waves, good for swimming
Allow 1–3 hours
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for its history, its accessibility, and the community feel that sets it apart from every other beach on the island.
Fun Fact:
Martha's Vineyard has long been said to have one of the most storied African American summer communities in the country, with roots going back to the late 19th century in Oak Bluffs.
13. Island Alpaca Company
Not every stop on the Vineyard has to be a beach or a lighthouse. Out in Vineyard Haven, the Island Alpaca Company is a working farm where you can meet, feed, and walk with alpacas. It's genuinely delightful, and kids absolutely love it.
Why this one stands out: Martha's Vineyard has a strong farming tradition that most visitors never discover. This farm is an easy, friendly introduction to that side of the island — and it's one of those stops that ends up being a highlight of the trip for families with young children.
What you need to know before you go:
Located in Vineyard Haven
Tour and walk fees apply; check the website for current options and hours
Open seasonally; reservations recommended in summer
Allow 1–2 hours
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for families with kids, animal lovers, and anyone who wants to see a different side of the island beyond the harbor towns.
If you're building out a bigger East Coast trip around Martha's Vineyard, Wayback Tours has everything you need — from East Coast road trip guides and planning tips to history-focused itineraries and budget-friendly options.
Where to Stay on Martha's Vineyard
Martha's Vineyard hotels range from small bed-and-breakfasts in historic homes to boutique inns and larger resort-style properties. Martha's Vineyard vacation rentals are also extremely popular, especially for families or groups who want more space and a kitchen. Sites like Airbnb and VRBO have a solid range of options across all six towns.
Where to stay in Martha's Vineyard really depends on what you're after. If you want to be close to restaurants, shops, and the ferry, Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs are convenient. For a quieter, more upscale feel, Edgartown is hard to beat. Up-Island towns like Chilmark and Aquinnah offer more privacy and stunning landscapes, but you'll need a car or bike to get around.
A few things to keep in mind:
Book early if you're visiting in July or August. The island fills up fast, and Martha's Vineyard hotel and rental rates reflect peak demand.
Martha's Vineyard weather is best from late June through early September. Spring and fall are quieter and more affordable, but some seasonal businesses close.
The island also has a Martha's Vineyard hospital (Martha's Vineyard Hospital in Oak Bluffs) for any medical needs during your stay.
Martha's Vineyard rentals outside the peak season can be significantly more affordable, and you'll get the island almost to yourself.
Practical Tips Before You Go
A Martha's Vineyard map is genuinely useful here. The six towns are spread out, and knowing whether you're going "Up-Island" or "Down-Island" saves time and confusion. The MVY airport code and ferry schedules are worth bookmarking before you travel.
Getting there: The most common route is the Steamship Authority ferry from Woods Hole. Book car reservations well in advance in summer. Foot passengers have more flexibility.
Getting around: Buses, bikes, and taxis all work. Bringing a car is convenient but not always necessary.
Best time to visit: Summer is peak season. June and September offer good weather with thinner crowds. The island has a small but growing off-season community, and some inns and restaurants stay open year-round.
What to pack: Layers for evenings, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes. The island has a relaxed dress code almost everywhere.
Check out Wayback Tours' full guide to East Coast vacation spots and how much an East Coast road trip costs to help round out your planning.
Conclusion
Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts isn't just a pretty island with a famous name. It's six towns, hundreds of miles of shoreline, layers of history that most visitors never dig into, and a vibe that's genuinely hard to replicate anywhere else on the East Coast. Once you go, you'll understand why people keep coming back.
The best things to do in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts — the cliffs at Aquinnah, the carousel in Oak Bluffs, the heritage trail winding across the whole island, the sunset over Menemsha Harbor — are the kinds of experiences worth planning around.
Save these stops, build your own island bucket list, and keep track of every place you want to visit with Wayback Tours.
FAQs
Do you need a car to get around Martha's Vineyard?
Not necessarily. The island has a reliable public bus system (the VTA) that connects all six towns, and bike rentals are widely available. A car is helpful for flexibility but is not essential, especially if you're based in Oak Bluffs or Edgartown.
What is the best month to visit Martha's Vineyard?
July and August offer the best weather and the most open businesses, but they're also the busiest and most expensive. June and September are popular alternatives — the weather is still pleasant, the crowds are thinner, and rates on hotels and rentals tend to be lower.
Can you do Martha's Vineyard as a day trip?
Yes, but you'll need to prioritize. A day trip from Cape Cod is very doable — most people focus on one or two towns, like Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, and save the Up-Island towns for a longer visit. Arriving early maximizes your time.
Is Martha's Vineyard worth the trip for non-beach travelers?
Absolutely. The island has plenty to offer beyond the beach — historic villages, wildlife sanctuaries, museums, working farms, cultural heritage trails, and some of the most distinctive architecture in New England. You could spend a full week without ever putting on a bathing suit.
What is the best way to get to Martha's Vineyard from Boston?
The most popular route from Boston is to drive or take the bus to Cape Cod and then catch the Steamship Authority ferry from Woods Hole. The drive from Boston to Woods Hole takes about an hour and a half, followed by a roughly 45-minute ferry ride. You can also fly directly into Martha's Vineyard Airport (MVY) from Boston Logan on regional flights.
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