Martha's Vineyard

No reviews yetIsland Massachusetts, United States

The gingerbread cottages of Wesleyan Grove in Oak Bluffs grew out of a nineteenth-century Methodist camp meeting, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

The Flying Horses Carousel in Oak Bluffs is one of the oldest operating platform carousels in the United States, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

The Old Whaling Church in Edgartown was built in 1843 during the height of the island's whaling era, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

Edgartown Lighthouse stands at the mouth of Edgartown Harbor, facing Chappaquiddick across the channel, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

About Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is an island off the southern coast of Cape Cod, a mix of harbor towns, farmland, ponds and long Atlantic beaches. It has been a summer retreat for generations, and its towns differ noticeably in character, from the Victorian cottages of Oak Bluffs to the whaling-era homes of Edgartown. The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) has deep roots on the island's western end.

In Oak Bluffs, the Methodist campground is ringed with colorful gingerbread cottages, and the Flying Horses Carousel, one of the oldest in the country, spins near Ocean Park. Edgartown has white captains' houses and a small harbor from which a short ferry crosses to Chappaquiddick. Vineyard Haven, the main ferry port, is home to the Martha's Vineyard Museum. Beaches range from calm Joseph Sylvia State Beach to surf-pounded South Beach and the up-island shore at Lucy Vincent. At the far western tip, the clay Aquinnah Cliffs rise beside Gay Head Light, and the fishing village of Menemsha draws people for its sunsets.

The island suits slow summer days, biking and beach time. Car reservations on the ferry fill early, so many visitors rely on buses and bikes. Some up-island beaches restrict parking to residents in summer.

Best seasonJune to September for beaches; September often has warm days and fewer visitors.

Ideal stayThree to five days allows time for both the down-island towns and up-island shore.

ArrivingFerries from Woods Hole reach Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs, and the island also has a small airport.

WiserMap travel guideMarthas Vineyard Massachusetts Cottages and Aquinnah CliffsDiscover Martha's Vineyard: Oak Bluffs cottages, Edgartown, the Aquinnah Cliffs, Menemsha sunsets, beaches, ferries and tips for planning your island trip.Read the guide

Top 11 Experiences in Martha's Vineyard

Landmarks 3

Oak Bluffs Campground and the gingerbread cottages

The Martha's Vineyard Camp Meeting Association grounds in Oak Bluffs hold over 300 brightly painted Victorian cottages trimmed wit...

Flying Horses Carousel and Ocean Park

The Flying Horses Carousel in Oak Bluffs is one of the oldest operating platform carousels in the country, dating from the 1870s,...

Aquinnah Cliffs and Gay Head Light

The Aquinnah Cliffs at the western tip of the island are colorful clay cliffs sacred to the Wampanoag Tribe. A short walk from the...

Neighborhoods 4

Edgartown

Edgartown is the island's oldest town, with white whaling captains' houses, small shops and the Edgartown Harbor Light at the end...

Vineyard Haven and the Martha's Vineyard Museum

Vineyard Haven is the main year-round ferry port, with Main Street shops and a working harbor of wooden boats. A short ride away,...

Menemsha

Menemsha is a small fishing village in Chilmark with weathered shacks, lobster boats and fish markets that sell fresh lobster roll...

West Tisbury and the Polly Hill Arboretum

West Tisbury is the island's farming heart, with Alley's General Store and the summer Farmers Market at the Grange Hall. The Polly...

Beaches 3

Joseph Sylvia State Beach

Joseph Sylvia State Beach is a long, calm sandy beach along the road between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, with warm, gentle water fac...

Katama South Beach

Katama Beach, known locally as South Beach, is a three-mile barrier beach south of Edgartown facing the open Atlantic. It has bigg...

Lucy Vincent Beach and the up-island shore

Lucy Vincent Beach in Chilmark is known for its clay cliffs, big boulders and clean Atlantic surf. In summer it is limited to Chil...

Nature 1

Chappaquiddick

Chappaquiddick is a quiet island reached by a tiny three-car ferry from Edgartown. It holds the Mytoi Japanese-style garden, the C...

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