Things to do in Martha's Vineyard
- Laura
- Jul 15
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 20
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With 124 miles of coastline, many of the things to do in Martha’s Vineyard involve water. And, like a siren’s song, the Vineyard’s swaying sea grasses, dramatic bluffs, and golden beaches will keep calling you back, again. Off the tip of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, the island is easily accessed by ferry or plane.
This article outlines some of the best things to do in Martha’s Vineyard. Read on to discover the quaint towns of Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, and Menemsha. Learn about the Aquinnah Cliffs, the Flying Horse Carousel, and the best beaches to seek out.
Perfect for week-long and weekend getaways, Martha’s Vineyard offers a wide range of activities including biking, hiking, beach hopping, shopping, and getting out on the water. For more information on how to get there and when to visit; read our Martha's Vineyard Itinerary - 7 Days article.
WHERE IS MARTHA’S VINEYARD
Martha’s Vineyard is a small island in the Atlantic Ocean located about 7 miles (11km) off the coast of Cape, Cod, Massachusetts (USA). The island is comprised of 6 small towns. With no chain stores, restaurants, or hotels, Martha’s Vineyard is a great locale to experience authentic New England travel.
FIND TICKETS AND TOURS
MARTHA’S VINEYARD MAP
MARTHA’S VINEYARD WEATHER
Martha’s Vineyard is a four-season New England travel destination. In the summer (June, July, August), look for temperatures averaging in the 70’s (F). In the winter (January and February), expect temperatures averaging in the 40’s (F).
MARTHAS VINEYARD TOWNS
The six Marthas Vineyard towns are informally divided into three down-island villages (Vineyard Haven/Tisbury, Oak Bluffs, and Edgartown); and three up-island villages (Aquinnah, Chilmark, and West Tisbury).
MARTHA’S VINEYARD HOTELS
The Vineyard is a popular summer-time playground with many types of lodgings. For close proximity to the ferry, shopping, many restaurants, the bike paths, beaches, and public transportation we recommend choosing lodging in Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, or Edgartown.
Here are a few well-reviewed Martha’s Vineyard hotels:
Harbor View Hotel - Edgartown
Martha's Vineyard Surfside Hotel - Oak Bluffs
Mansion House - Vineyard Haven
THINGS TO DO IN MARTHA’S VINEYARD
Explore Marthas Vineyard Beaches
A band of beaches dot the island’s 124 miles of coastline. There are beaches for swimming, surfing, kiteboarding, paddleboarding, cohogging (digging for hard shell clams), and more. Visitors will find most of the public beaches in the down-island villages.
Two of our favorites Marthas Vineyard beaches are:
Katama Beach: (aka South Beach) Located in Edgartown, this 3-mile stretch of sandy beach offers churning waves and windswept sand dunes. Katama is a great beach for surfing, sunbathing, sandcastles, and beach-combing. There is a large parking lot. A bike path and shuttle bus attach the beach to Edgartown.
State Beach: Situated between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, this 2-mile beach has gently rolling waves and a wide sandy beach. A gradual slope into the water makes it good for swimming. The “Jaws” bridge (made famous by the summertime blockbuster), is located here.
Visit the Aquinnah Cliffs & Gay Head Lighthouse
The Cliffs of Aquinnah tower over the Atlantic Ocean. In the sun, the white clay cliffs shimmer with hues of red, orange, and yellow. A trip to the Aquinnah Cliffs is one of the most popular things to do in Martha’s Vineyard (to avoid crowds go early or late in the day).
Trails link the cliffs to the Gay Head Lighthouse. Built in 1856, the structure is the only working lighthouse on the Vineyard. It is open for tours in the summer. After climbing the spiral staircase to the top of the lighthouse, hike down to Moshup Beach. From this long beautiful stretch of sand view the Aquinnah Cliffs from below.
Discover the Oak Bluffs Campground & Carousel
In the 19th century, the Oak Bluffs Camp Meeting Association (still active) built a collection of gingerbread cottages as a summer retreat. Around 300 of the colorful Gothic cottages remain. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour of the neighborhood.
Next to the cottages is Oak Bluffs waterfront. The area is full of arcades, fun family attractions, ice cream parlors, and boats. Stroll the area, and take a ride on the historic Flying Horse Carousel (circa 1876). It is the oldest operating platform carousel in the USA. The horses are hand-painted with horse-hair manes and tails. If you catch a brass ring, you earn a free ride.
For more information on the area try this audio tour: Discovering Oak Bluffs
Indulge in an Island Water Adventure
The Vineyard’s island setting make it an ideal location for water adventures. Popular activities include boat tours, ocean and pond kayaking, jet skiing, scuba diving, fishing, and sunset sails. There are a number of adventure companies that offer guided excursions and rental equipment. Some offer pick-up and drop-off services.
MARTHA'S VINEYARD DAY TOURS FROM BOSTON
Enjoy Old New England in Edgartown
Stately and historic Edgartown is a must-visit Martha’s Vineyard destination. Founded in 1671, Edgartown was an important whaling village in colonial times. During this period, many of the Greek Revival and Federal-style mansions that line Main Street were erected.
Today, Edgartown boasts a pretty downtown with fine dining, excellent shopping, and interesting art galleries. In town, there are several historic buildings and small museums to explore. Other highlights are strolling Memorial Wharf and climbing to the top the Edgartown Lighthouse for panoramic views. End your day with a walk on Lighthouse Beach.
For a guided tour of the area try this excursion: Down Island Tour with One Hour in Edgartown.
Go Window Shopping and Wharf Walking in Vineyard Haven
Vineyard Haven (a neighborhood in Tisbury) is the entry point for many visitors to Martha’s Vineyard via ferry. It’s harbor and wharves bustle with incoming and outgoing sailboats, yachts, fishing boats, and schooners. A short distance from the docks, visitors can enjoy loads of restaurants, shops, shuttle services, sailing charters, and paddleboard and kayak rentals.
While in town, don’t miss treating yourself to some homemade ice cream at Mad Martha’s, and visiting the iconic Black Dog Restaurant and gift shop. If you crave some green space, walk to Owen Park. There are picnic grounds, a playground, beach, and fishing pier to enjoy.
Experience One of the Many Great Martha’s Vineyard Tours
If your time is limited and/or you crave a comprehensive overview of the island, there are several companies that offer Martha’s Vineyard tours (many leave from the ferry terminals). These tours often take in the island towns, major landmarks, scenic vistas, and national historic sites. Try a bus tours, small group tour on a passenger van, guided hike, bike trip, or helicopter excursion. Check out these tours:
Criss Cross Island Paths by Bike
Martha’s Vineyard has a robust network of multiuse trails (bikes and walkers share the path). Multiuse trail maps are widely distributed at the ferry ports and in towns. Shops renting pedal and e-bikes are scattered around the island. Many families enjoy cycling the 6-mile State Forest Bike Path. Our favorite ride is the 10-mile Oak Bluffs to Katama Beach trail. It begins in Oak Bluff, and travels past State Beach and Edgartown to finish at Katama (South) Beach.
Immerse in All Things Nautical in Menemsha
Menemsha (meaning still waters) is a traditional fishing village in the town of Chilmark. The waterfront’s historic harbor is the departure point for many of the island’s fishermen, fishing charters, and cruises to outer islands. The harbor is home to the US Coast Guard station.
Spend the day in Menemsha for a slower pace and fresh-off-the-boat seafood. Walk the working docks, peruse the many artist studios, and see the sunset at the (public) Menemsha Beach.
Hike a Wildlife Refuge
Martha’s Vineyard is home to several protected sanctuaries. These reserves are brimming with wildlife, blueberries, primroses, ocean bluffs, and bogs. There are miles of relatively flat hiking trails that traverse these settings. Check out the trails at these sanctuaries and reserves:
Long Point Wildlife Refuge: Lots of low vegetation, ocean vistas, and beach walking.
Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary: Woodlands, meadows, marshes, and abundant wildlife.
Caroline Tuthill Preserve: Gentle hills through the woods to lovely Sengekontacket Pond.
Menemsha Hills: Trails through wetlands, dunes, coastal plains, and the ocean’s edge.
Saying “bye” from the Vineyard, Laura and Randy
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