A Locals Guide To Martha's Vineyard
How To Get To Martha's Vineyard
Martha's Vineyard is easy to get to from The Cape and from Boston. If you are flying, the best airport to fly into is Boston Logan International Airport. From the airport you can drive or take a bus to Hyannis and catch the ferry. Boston to Hyannis is about an hour driven. From Hyannis the ferry only takes about two hours. You can also catch a ferry from Falmouth, Woods Hole, and New Bedford.
Where To Stay On Martha's Vineyard
Luxury - Harbor View Hotel
Middle Range - Ashley Inn
Budget - Lambert's Cove Inn
What To Do In Martha's Vineyard
What To Do On Martha's Vineyard
Visit The Famous Gingerbread Houses
One of the most unique things you can see on Martha's Vineyard are the fairytale like gingerbread houses in Oak Bluffs. The gingerbread houses are a great activity when first stepping off the ferry on the Vineyard, as they are located just a few steps from the terminal.
Aquinnah Cliffs Overlook
Located on the eastern side of Martha's Vineyard is the Aquinnah Cliffs Overlook. If you are a fellow nature lover you will love the Aquinnah Cliffs Overlook. With stunning views of the water, sand dunes, lighthouse, and more you cannot miss Aquinnah Cliffs Overlook. There are also shops at the cliffs!
Explore Downtown Oak Bluffs
Oak Bluffs is one of the most popular places in Martha's Vineyard, as it is where all of the ferries dock. Located on the northern part of the island, downtown Oak Bluffs is home to cobblestone streets, charming boutiques, old fashioned ice cream shops, picturesque beaches, and more. Downtown Oak Bluffs if perfect for everything.My favorite shop is C'est La Vie for beachy souvenirs. If you are looking for lunch or dinner checkout Martha's Vineyard Chowder Company for a great meal and harbor views.Don't miss a thing in Oak Bluffs by doing this affordable tour.
Visit Edgartown
Edgartown is located on the eastern coast of the Vineyard and is a stunning little village that you must see while on Martha's Vineyard. Full of shops and restaurants, Edgartown is a great area to explore or even stay while on the Vineyard.Make sure to checkout the Edgartown lighthouse right by downtown.
Go To The Beach
There is nothing like the Cape and Islands golden beaches. Martha's Vineyard is an Island so there is always a beach nearby. My favorite beaches on the Vineyard are Lighthouse Beach, South Beach, Long Point Beach, Squibnocket Beach, Lambert's Cove Beach, and Inkwell Beach.
If you are doing a Martha's Vineyard day trip than Inkwell Beach is the easiest to get to from the ferries, although the island is easy to get around.
Jump Off Jaws Bridge
Have you ever seen the movie Jaws? If you haven't I would recommend watching the thriller after you Martha's Vineyard vacation, as it is about a killer shark based on the Vineyard. Jaws Bridge is the set for a crazy scene in the movie.Jaws Bridge is a popular spot for bridge jumping. Don't jump if you are not a strong swimmer; sometimes the current is too fast. If you are not familiar with bridge jumping, avoid jumping all together, especially if no one else is.There is also the stunning Edgartown Beach right beside Jaws Bridge.
Chappaquiddick Island
Chappaquiddick Island is located on the eastern coast of Martha's Vineyard. Perfect for exploring nature, Chappaquiddick Island is easy to drive or bike to.The best things to do on Chappaquiddick Island is visit the Cape Poge Lighthouse, take a walk in the Mytoi Japanese Garden, or swim at Wasque Point Wildlife Management Area.
Getting Around Martha's Vineyard
The easiest way to get around Martha's Vineyard is by car. It is actually affordable to bring your car on the ferry. Read about it here. You can also rent a car once you are on the island.If you are planning to visit the Vineyard without a car you can take Ubers or the public bus.
WHERE TO EAT ON MARTHA'S VINEYARD
COFFEE AND BREAKFAST
Little House Cafe - Located In Vineyard Haven is the adorable Little House Cafe. Serving breakfast, coffee and pastries, the Little House Cafe is perfect for anyone looking for a cozy morning on the Vineyard.
Dock Street Coffee - Located in Edgartown, Dock Street Coffee is a local favorite in Martha's Vineyard. The diner serves delicious breakfast and coffee for a reasonable price.
Back Door Donuts - If you are craving a donut for breakfast then Back Door Donuts is the place for you. Located in Oak Bluff you will find unique donuts and amazing coffee at Back Door Donuts.
Nat's Nook - Located in Vineyard Haven, Nat's Nook is a lovely breakfast and coffee joint serving delectable food daily. Enjoy crepes, pasieries made daily, specialty coffees, and more at Nat's Nook.
LUNCH AND DINNER
The Attic - The Attic is a lovely seafood restaurant in Vineyard Haven. Enjoy fresh New England seafood in a cozy environment at The Attic.
The Port Hunter - Located in Edgartown, the Port Hunter offers all kinds of food (burgers, seafood, chowder). You can sit outside or inside The Port Hunter and enjoy a delicious meal.
Sweet Life Cafe - Sweet Life Cafe is a fine dining option in Oak Bluffs offering something for everyone.
Martha's Vineyard Wrap Up
I promise you will love the Vineyard! The island is a magical destination, especially in the summertime. I hope that this Martha's Vineyard Travel Guide helps you plan the best trip ever. Just writing this I am thinking about planning a trip to the stunning island.
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