Things to do & places to visit in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, United States

Yes, getting there is a bit of a project. But vacationers have been braving the ferry for years, and this tiny island off Cape Cod remains one of the most popular and picturesque destinations in New England. Among the island's towns, you're sure to find the Vineyard that's right for you. With stately Greek revival houses dating back to the whaling era of the early 19th century, Edgartown is a seaside village of boutique shopping and pristine harbor views. For more of a "beach town" feel, Oak Bluffs has the Flying Horses carousel, an arcade and an easy walk to the beach, plus the history and charm of the "gingerbread" houses in the Methodist campgrounds. Vineyard Haven offers visitors a blend of both. For a real retreat, Chilmark/Aquinnah is the place to get away from it all. In the off-season, the island is quieter and far less crowded, but the shore is always beautiful. Whenever you visit, leave your car behind! Cabs are plentiful and greet the incoming ferries to help you reach your destination. Most visitors prefer to explore the island on a bicycle, scooter or tourist-friendly public buses.

Martha's Vineyard island in Massachusetts, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Sunday, April 28, 2024, 19:33.

Top things to do (18)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Sun 'n' Fun Rentals (213 reviews)
- Great experience
Gear Rentals

We had a great experience from beginning to end. The online booking experience was easy, we didn’t have to wait too long despite picking up the Jeep during a busy time and the staff were very engaging and responsive. Well done. See more..
5.0 Martha's Vineyard Museum (25 reviews)
- Renovated building, great exhibits
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums • Children's Museums • History Museums

The Martha's Vineyard Museum (MVM) is a historical and cultural institution collecting art, artifacts, oral histories, documents, and photographs that help tell the stories of Martha's Vineyard from its formation as an island to the present. Founded as the Dukes County Historical Society in 1922, it was officially renamed the Martha's Vineyard Museum in 2006 to better reflect its focus on both collecting the history of the island and presenting, educating, and sharing it with the public. In 2011, MVM purchased the 1895 Marine Hospital site in Vineyard Haven and set out to transform it into a new museum. MVM made the decision to maintain ownership of part of its original Edgartown campus in order to continue to steward the historic Cooke House and create a public garden for the community. In March 2019, the Vineyard Haven site opened to the public with great fanfare and a blockbuster exhibit celebrating the island's profound influence on the work of Thomas Hart Benton. See more..
5.0 Cedar Tree Neck Sanctuary (20 reviews)
- beautiful hike
Nature & Wildlife Areas

A good description of the many natural activities found on the island See more..
4.5 Martha's Vineyard Camp meeting Association (MVCMA) (660 reviews)
- Much beyond just “Cute”
Neighborhoods

This community, organized as the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association, has a rich history that dates from its 1835 founding as a Protestant summer retreat. Our family has owned a cottage here since 1960. Originally a tented camp site, the cottages developed over time beginning in about the 1860s, (ours in 1869) surrounding the central meeting area in Trinity Park. The large open air Tabernacle standing in Trinity Park today was built in 1879. The visitor experience can vary from a 15 minute walk to see the “cute little doll houses” to an in depth tour of the rich historical significance of this place. In season, the Association offers docent led tours of the grounds, an annual Cottage Tour, and a small museum located in one of the original cottages. An annual event open to all is the Grand Illumination night held in August. More history and visitor information at mvcma.org. See more..
4.5 Edgartown Lighthouse (609 reviews)
- Destination goal for Edgartown.
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Lighthouses

The Martha's Vineyard Museum is privileged to be the steward of three of the Island's lighthouses. The East Chop, Edgartown, and Gay Head lighthouses are not only historic reminders of a bygone age, but are working beacons that still send a light out into the night. Beyond their important functional role, these structures also offer visitors spectacular views of the breathtaking beauty of Vineyard Sound, the simple elegance of Edgartown Harbor & Chappaquiddick, and the majestic cliffs of Aquinnah. Major renovations completed in 2007, including installation of a staircase to the lantern room, allow the interior of the Edgartown Light to be open to visitors. A lighthouse keeper will be available and the doors will be open during designated hours. Parking is available, but limited, on North Water Street. The Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) busses drop off on Church Street in Edgartown. It is a 5-10 minute walk to the lighthouse from this location. See more..
4.5 Aquinnah Cliffs (536 reviews)
- Beautiful Cliffs on Martha’s Vineyard
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Geologic Formations

Martha’s Vineyard’s westernmost tip features multicolored clay cliffs and the two-century-old Gay Head Light. Park at the overlook and take in the commanding views of the clay bluffs and the surroundings, then visit the historic lighthouse nearby. Browse the gift shops to bring a few souvenirs home. Afterward, you can hike through the green shrubs to Moshup Beach, where clothing is optional. Just make sure you keep your shoes on, as the shore is quite rocky. Swing by in the morning—it’s easier to find parking. Fog sometimes rolls in later in the day, obstructing the views. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 South Beach (489 reviews)
- A pretty nice Ocean BEach
Beaches

South Beach is a nice ocean beach with soft sand (as opposed to most of the other beaches on the island). The day we went the waves were incredibly calm which was surprising reading about the surf on here (though we did see a seal pop up). I will say, this was definitely the most crowded beach I had been to while here in MV (State Beach was much less full!) so for that reason I docked a star. Plenty of free parking, bathrooms and lifeguards if you feel you need that. However, if you're looking for emptier beaches, probably not the spot. See more..
4.5 Flying Horses Carousel (402 reviews)
- Worth a stop
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

Try your luck at catching the brass ring and winning a free ride on the oldest working carousel in the U.S., which has been enchanting children and adults for over a hundred years. The 20 hand-carved horses on this official historic landmark have real horsehair manes and tails. See more..
4.5 Circuit Avenue (327 reviews)
- Love this town
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Off-beat and quirky shopping enclave in Oak Bluffs. See more..
4.5 Island Alpaca Company of Martha's Vineyard (274 reviews)
- Great activity for all ages.
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Farms

OPEN 7 Days, 10 am to 4 pm. $5 pp Entry fee 'til November 1, 2020. Free admission from Nov. 2, 2020 to April 23, 2021. Island Alpaca invites you to bring the family and friends for a unique experience, including a gift shop filled with locally grown garments, and down-on-the-farm furry, fun. Take their self-guided, walking tour to arrive at the 2,400 square foot antique Post & Beam Barn. Get up close with the friendly fluffy alpaca and meet our new babies, over 30 of them, in our very special viewing area. Bring a sample of their fleece harvest home to your family and friends! (Alpaca's are also for sale!) Open daily, 10 to 4 pm. See you at the farm! See more..
4.5 Ocean Park (241 reviews)
- Breathtaking Park with a beautiful street of houses
Sunday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Parks

Victorian mansions surround this charming Oak Bluffs park. See more..
4.5 Gay Head Light (Aquinnah Light) (216 reviews)
- Unforgettable Wedding Location
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Lighthouses

The Martha's Vineyard Museum is privileged to be the steward of three of the Island's lighthouses. The East Chop, Edgartown, and Gay Head lighthouses are not only historic reminders of a bygone age, but are working beacons that still send a light out into the night. Beyond their important functional role, these structures also offer visitors spectacular views of the breathtaking beauty of Vineyard Sound, the simple elegance of Edgartown Harbor & Chappaquiddick, and the majestic cliffs of Aquinnah. The Gay Head Lighthouse is open seasonally. A lighthouse keeper will be available and the doors will be open during designated hours. Parking is available, but limited, on Aquinnah Circle. The Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) busses do have routes to the lighthouse. See more..
4.5 Morning Glory Farm (191 reviews)
- Visit Early in Your Stay to Stock Up on Locally Sourced Items
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Farms

Morning Glory Farm was founded in 1975 by Debbie and Jim Athearn, who now assist their sons Simon and Daniel in running the farm and farmstand. We raise vegetables and fruits on about 65 acres of land in Edgartown, some of it our own and the rest leased from neighbors. Our flower farm in West Tisbury and our cattle operation in Chilmark are both on family land. At our farmstand in Edgartown, we produce scratch-made breads, pies and other baked goods, along with soups, salads, heat and eat entrees and preserves. We also stock carefully selected groceries, including produce from mainland farms to supplement what we grow for you. Our rule is that the quality of what we order from off-Island must meet or exceed the quality of what we raise on the Vineyard. See more..
4.5 Menemsha Public Beach (165 reviews)
- Outstanding sunsets
Beaches

This calm surf beach, next to Menemsha Harbor, has food and restrooms nearby making it a hot spot for families, especially with young children. The beach is thought to have the best sunset on Martha's Vineyard. See more..
4.5 Mytoi (148 reviews)
- Cool Japanese Garden!
Gardens

Enter a secluded world of designed Japanese elegance in this garden environment of exotic and native plantings that encircle a serene pond. See more..
4.5 Gay Head (147 reviews)
- Stand Up Paddling Gay Head
Points of Interest & Landmarks

The 10-minute walk from the parking lot is well worth the trek to this spectacular beach with its magnificent multi-colored cliffs, which are a national landmark. The lack of commercialism means a true escape and relaxation, but you'll need to bring food and supplies. See more..
4.5 Trinity Park Tabernacle (147 reviews)
- Tabernacle - Historic building
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

If you're inclined to attend a religious service Sunday mornings, preachers come from all over the country and from many different religious groups. On Wednesday evenings at 730 pm you can join an olfashioned sing a long. The third Wednesday in August the Tabernacle is filled (over 1500 people) to start the Illumination of the Campground. A ery unique part of American history See more..
4.5 Inkwell Beach (131 reviews)
- A walk back in History
Beaches

Inkwell Beach is popular for its gentle waves, central location near Oak Bluffs Ferry Terminal, and cultural and historical significance—since the late 1800s, this beach has been frequented by the African American community. Dive into its deep history along the African American Heritage Trail or on a guided tour of Martha's Vineyard. Beyond its shores, check out cool spots like Ocean Park, the Flying Horses Carousel, and Corbin Norton House. You might even spot the Polar Bears of Martha's Vineyard, the community’s group of early morning swimmers. The area's colorful gingerbread cottages and Victorian-style houses are also great for photo ops. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Joseph Sylvia State Beach (113 reviews)
- A must stop for Jaws fans and beach lovers!
Beaches

Small waves, low dunes and lots of seashells make this narrow, two-mile stretch of public beach popular with families. The beach runs between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, and is called "Bend-in-the-Road Beach" on the Edgartown side. See more..
4.5 Cottage Museum (103 reviews)
- Great little museum
Speciality Museums

This gingerbread cottage museum gives you the experience of what it was like to live in a gingerbread house. The photos and artifacts tell the story of the how the houses and tabernacle came to be. We so enjoyed our conversation with docent Tomm and were sorry we weren't able to get back again during our week there. See more..
4.5 Bad Martha Farmer's Brewery (100 reviews)
- Rustic Brewery perfect for beers and pizza
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM Breweries

7 BBL brewery and tasting room with outside patio and beer garden. Kid and dog friendly. Flights available. See more..
4.5 Katama Beach (South Beach) (75 reviews)
- Great waves!
Beaches

Jump the waves or ride the great surf on the Atlantic Ocean side of this three-mile barrier beach, or enjoy a more relaxed pace on the tranquil Katama Bay side, a protected salt pond with lovely views of the bay. Katama is the largest public beach on the island. See more..
4.5 Katama Airfield (72 reviews)
- Biplane Ride over Martha’s Vineyard
Points of Interest & Landmarks

We had a wonderful biplane ride over the towns and beaches of Martha’s Vineyard. Our pilot Mike shared great stories and history of the areas we flew above on a crystal clear day. What a memorable experience! Highly recommend - even finished off with a barrel roll! See more..
4.5 Aquinnah Lighthouse (69 reviews)
- Picturesque Lighthouse
Lighthouses

This was my favorite lighthouse of the five on Martha's Vineyard. We were there on a beautiful day so it was a great photo-op. See more..
4.5 Mass Audubon Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (67 reviews)
- Beautiful back to basics nature spot!
Nature & Wildlife Areas

This 350-acre sanctuary is home to 100 species of birds, including cormorants and ospreys, and other wildlife. Follow one of the six well-marked trails for views of all the island's ecosystems: marshland, ponds, woods and grasslands. See more..
4.5 Lambert's Cove Beach (66 reviews)
- A surprise at the end of a nice walk
Beaches

Getting to this beach is a challenge. First you need a pass from the town of West Tisbury. Then you need find parking. If you can't get into the lot then you need to use the "walk on" pass. Once parked you have a 5 minute walk through the forest to the bottom of a sand dune. But at the top of the dune there is a gorgrous white sand beach rimmed by tall sand dunes, cliffs, Vineyard Sound and in the distance the Elizabethan islands of Cuttyhunk, Naushawena, Pasque and Naushon islands. The beach is rarely crowded and the reason is; the previously stated impediments to the hordes of Vineyard visitors. You have to work for your privacy, jump through some hoops, get there at the right time and haul your stuff down the path and over the dunes but one there; bliss. Pets only allowed in 7-10am IF you can get parking then See more..
4.5 Lucy Vincent Beach (51 reviews)
- Nude at Lucy
Beaches

Exclusive Martha's Vineyard beach. See more..
4.5 Menemsha Hills (38 reviews)
- Beautiful hike- oaks, brick works
Beaches • Nature & Wildlife Areas

Experience the drama of a rocky shoreline and scenic vistas across Vineyard Sound to the Elizabeth Islands from the second-highest point on the island. See more..
4.5 Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge (28 reviews)
- If Heaven has a beach..
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Explore this magnificent barrier beach with its sandy shoreline, expansive salt marsh, beautiful salt pond, and unique colony of hardy red cedars. See more..
4.0 Chappaquiddick (306 reviews)
- Pilgrimage to see Dyke bridge
Islands

The infamous name marks a small, scenic island perfect for bike-riding. See more..