Martha's Vineyard Towns and Beaches
- Laura
- Sep 16
- 8 min read
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At first glance, the towns and beaches of Martha’s Vineyard are one unbroken seascape dotted by weathered cape houses, sand dunes, and swaying sea grasses. But, a closer inspection of the New England island reveals six distinct towns each with their own personality, pace, and coastal beaches.
Our article will help you get to know the unique character of each of the Marthas Vineyard towns. Learn about the best beaches, hotels, and things to do in Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, Aquinnah, Chilmark, and West Tisbury.
You may also like to read: Martha's Vineyard Itinerary - 7 Days and Martha's Vineyard Itinerary - 7 Days.
WHERE IS MARTHA’S VINEYARD
Martha’s Vineyard is located 7 miles (11km) off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. On the island there are no chain stores or restaurants. Instead, visitors will find a wealth of art galleries, antique stores, boutiques, local farms, and one-house museums – all with a nautical New England flare.
FIND TICKETS AND TOURS
MARTHA’S VINEYARD TOWNS
The towns of Martha’s Vineyard are referred to as being “up-island” or “down-island.” The practice is tied to the island’s maritime past.
The down-island (eastern) towns include of the ports of Vineyard Haven/Tisbury, Oak Bluffs, and Edgartown. The down-island towns are full of restaurants, shops, charters, attractions, public beaches, and public transportation options.
The up-island (western) towns are made up of West Tisbury, Aquinnah, and Chilmark (including the village of Menemsha). The up-island towns are more rural with quiet town centers, rolling landscapes, and a slower tempo. A car is generally necessary to get around.
MARTHAS VINEYARD BEACHES
With 124-miles of coastline, Martha’s Vineyard has a beach for all moods and activities.
Most of the down-island beaches that are open to the public. In Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, and Edgartown, there are lots of beaches with facilities, parking, and bus service. Many of the up-island beaches are open to residents-only, or are privately owned (resident-only or privately owned beaches are not included in this article).
MARTHA’S VINEYARD MAP
MARTHA'S VINEYARD DAY TOURS FROM BOSTON
MARTHA’S VINEYARD HOTELS
Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, and Edgartown have a large selection of hotels, resorts, inns, and motels. These towns are in close proximity to transportation, restaurants, shopping, bike paths, and beaches. The up-island towns have a higher concentration of rental houses and small inns.
For hotels recommendations specific to each town, look under the towns’ descriptions below.
MARTHA’S VINEYARD WEATHER
In the summer, temperatures average in the 70’s F (July). In the winter, temperatures average in the 40’s F (January). Due to the Gulf Stream, whatever the temperature is on the mainland, it is usually 10 degrees cooler in the summer, and warmer in the winter on the Vineyard.
MARTHA’S VINEYARD TOURS
A great way to get an overview of the island is to take a tour. Several local companies specialize in Martha’s Vineyard tours which typically include the island’s six towns, natural attractions, and heritage sites. Check out these Martha’s Vineyard tours:
SYNOPSIS: MARTHAS VINEYARD TOWNS AND BEACHES
Vineyard Haven/Tisbury
Vineyard Haven is home to the only ferry port on Martha’s Vineyard that takes cars from the mainland (out of Woods Hole). As the island’s primary year-round port of entry, many businesses stay open during the winter. Vineyard Haven is technically a village in the town of Tisbury, but the two names are used interchangeably.
Vineyard Haven’s harbor is full of sailboats, schooners, ferries, and yachts shuttling in and out. Close to docks there is a small main street with a variety of shops, galleries, restaurants, and ship building businesses.
Top Vineyard Haven Beaches
Owen Park Beach: In town by the ferry docks. Swim, picnic, harbor-watch. Limited parking.
Owen Little Way Beach: Town beach next to the Yacht Club. Limited parking.
Vineyard Haven Hotels:
Mansion House - seaside elegance, close to ferry
Nobnocket Boutique Hotel - modern B&B with arts & crafts style
Things to do in Martha’s Vineyard: Vineyard Haven
Trek to the West Chop Lighthouse.
Grab a meal at the Black Dog Restaurant and dessert at Mad Martha’s Ice Cream.
Stroll Vineyard Haven’s boatbuilding businesses, galleries, and art studios.
Visit the Martha’s Vineyard Museum.
Golf at the West Chop Club or Mink Meadow.
Oak Bluffs
Oak Bluffs is a fun oceanside resort town. In season, it has an active harbor with ferry traffic, fishing charters and water sport rentals darting around its wharves.
On Oak Bluff’s main street, Circuit Avenue, there are ice cream parlors, arcades, restaurants, bars, and attractions including the historic Flying Horse Carousel. Come to Oak Bluffs when you want to get out on the water, be entertained, people watch, and eat fun-food.
Top Oak Bluffs Beaches
Oak Bluffs Town Beach: Calm surf that families love. Short walk from ferry wharf.
Joseph A. Sylvia “State” Beach: Popular 5-mile sandy beach (shared with Edgartown). Gentle waves and wide-open stretches. On bike path. Onsite parking. No facilities.
Eastville Point Beach: Small sandy beach with rocky jetty. Small parking lot. No facilities.
Oak Bluffs Hotels
Oak Bluffs Inn - restful, romantic inn
Martha's Vineyard Resort - small, comfortable hotel
Things to do in Martha’s Vineyard: Oak Bluffs
Trek Circuit Avenue and take a ride on the Flying Horse Carousel (circa 1876).
Take a self-guided walking tour of the “gingerbread cottages” of the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association. The 330 remaining fairytale cottages were built in the 1800s.
Walk Oak Bluffs Harbor and rent a bike, moped, or boat to tour the island.
Jump off the “Jaws Bridge” (made famous in the 1975 Jaws blockbuster movie).
Visit the Island Alpaca Company farm to feed the alpacas and shop at the company store.
Edgartown
From the sea, Edgartown is easily identified by its neat rows of Greek-revival and Federal-style mansions. Despite its elegant appearance, Edgartown has a laid back vibe. The town is famous for its high-end shopping, exciting dining, beautiful beaches, and harbor lighthouse.
Settle in colonial times by whaling captains, Edgartown is full of historic houses and churches. Many of these structures have been converted into bed and breakfasts, cafes, galleries, and heritage sites like the Dr. Daniel Fischer House and Old Whaling Church. Outside of the downtown area, enjoy the gorgeous, windswept beaches, bike paths, and farms.
Top Edgartown Beaches
South Beach (aka Katama Beach): 4-mile long beach popular with surfers and kite boarders. Roiling surf and wide-open stretches of sand. On bike path. Onsite parking. No facilities or food.
Lighthouse Beach: Small, pretty beach looking out over Edgartown Harbor. Limited parking.
Long Point Wildlife Refuge: Public sanctuary with sandy, big-wave beach, several ponds, and trail system. Limited parking and long walk to beach.
Edgartown Hotels
Faraway Martha's Vineyard - private pools and patios
Harbor View Hotel - iconic hotel and timeless landmark
Things to do in Martha’s Vineyard: Edgartown
Shop the downtown galleries for arts and crafts, jewelry, shoes, and clothing.
Hike the forests, meadows, and bogs of the Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary.
Tour Edgartown’s Old Whaling Church, Dr. Daniel Fisher House, & Martha’s Vineyard Museum.
Climb the Edgartown Lighthouse for spectacular water views.
Take the ferry to Chappaquiddick Island to walk its beaches. See the Cape Poge Lighthouse.
Aquinnah
Located on the westernmost corner of Martha’s Vineyard is the town of Aquinnah. The town has a tiny village center. Aquinnah’s big draw is the town’s stunning red clay coastal cliffs.
The Aquinnah Cliffs are an area of great natural beauty. The bluffs can be viewed from an overlook at the top of the sea cliffs, or via Moshup Beach from below. The Aquinnah Circle Cultural District includes the cliffs, the red brick Gayhead Lighthouse, the Aquinnah Cultural Center, and The Shops of Aquinnah (run by members of the Wampanoag Tribe).
Top Aquinnah Beaches
Moshup Beach: This .5-mile white sand, smooth rock beach runs beneath the Aquinnah Cliffs. For-pay, parking lot near the Moshup Trail. Note: one end of this beach is considered clothing optional.
Lobsterville Beach: Calm surf. Popular beach for fishing and snorkeling. Limited parking.
Aquinnah Hotels
Outermost Inn - great restaurant, five minutes from Gay Head Lighthouse
Things to do in Martha’s Vineyard: Aquinnah
Aquinnah Cliffs Overlook: The red clay cliffs (a US National Landmark) are stunning in the sunlight and sunset.
Gay Head Lighthouse: Climb to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic island views.
Aquinnah Cultural Center: the Wampanoag Indian Museum overlooks the Atlantic.
The Shops of Aquinnah: Run by member of the Wampanoag Tribe, the shops feature eateries and shops carrying scrimshaw, pottery, native jewelry, and other items.
Chilmark
In up-island Chilmark, discover a small New England town. Visit the Chilmark General Store, see the police station housed in an old church, and seek out its great coffee and chocolate shops. A drive through the rolling green farmland surrounding the downtown area will reveal a smattering of art studios and antique shops.
On the western side of Chilmark, find the fishing village of Menemsha. The village is home to a group of fishermen who have fished the area for generations as well as a US Coast Guard station. Visit Menemsha to enjoy its fresh seafood, excellent sunsets, and working wharves.
Top Chilmark Beaches
Menemsha Public Beach: Long sandy beach with calm waters. Public restrooms in the parking lot. The beach is close to many seafood restaurants and is famous for its fabulous sunsets.
Chilmark Hotels
Menemsha Inn & Cottages - close to beach, ponds, and fish markets
Things to do in Martha’s Vineyard: Chilmark
Visit the Chilmark General Store and Chilmark Chocolates.
Walk the Menemsha fishing village and walk its wharves.
Stop for a meal at Larsen’s Fish Market in Menemsha.
Take a hike at the Menemsha Hills 211-acre nature preserve.
West Tisbury
West Tisbury is the agricultural heart of Martha’s Vineyard. In addition to its farms, the town is home to diverse State Forests, beautiful beaches, and many heritage sites. The town center itself is tiny, with a picturesque white steepled church and Alley’s General Store.
Art lovers flock to West Tisbury for the many antique shops and galleries. (See “Things to Do” below for a few can’t-miss stops.)
Top West Tisbury Beaches
Long Point Beach: In the Longpoint Wildlife Refuge the barrier beach has saltwater on one side, and freshwater on the other. Long walk from parking lot to beach.
West Tisbury Hotels
Lambert's Cove Inn & Resort - 8 acre farm with private beach
Things to do in Martha’s Vineyard: West Tisbury
Visit Art Studios: Don’t miss Martha’s Vineyard Glassworks, The Granary Gallery, and the Field Gallery (exhibiting paintings, photography, and outdoor sculpture garden).
Walk the aisles of Alley’s General Store.
Hike at the Longpoint Wildlife Refuge or the Cedar Tree Neck Nature Preserve.
We hope you have learned a lot about the towns and beaches of Marthas Vineyard, Laura and Randy
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